Sometimes it starts with a slight tingling or itching on the lips or in the corners of the mouth, and then a lot of small, water-filled blisters appear in a day or two, right? We also call this 'fever blisters'. This is a very annoying and painful experience. It is very difficult to talk, eat, and smile because of these blisters. So, a commonly used cream that brings relief to this condition and helps the blisters heal quickly is called Docosanol. Let's talk about this in detail today.
What is Docosanol?
Simply put, Docosanol is a cream used to treat herpes virus infections on your face and lips. This is what we commonly call cold sores or fever blisters.
This cream does two main things. One is to help these blisters heal faster. The other is to reduce the pain, inflammation, and discomfort caused by the blisters. This prevents the virus from entering healthy skin cells. Therefore, the spread of the virus is controlled and the blisters heal faster. Abreva is an internationally known brand name that contains this medicine. Your doctor can recommend creams with this composition in Sri Lanka as well.
Things to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Before you start using this cream, you should clearly inform your doctor about the following points. It is very important for your safety.
- If you have a weakened immune system (e.g. HIV infection, cancer treatment, organ transplant).
- If you have allergies to Docosanol or any other medicine, food, coloring, or preservative.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
Based on this information, it will be easier for the doctor to decide whether this medicine is right for you or not.
How exactly do you use this cream?
To get the most out of a medication, it is essential to use it correctly.
For best results, it's best to start applying the cream as soon as you feel a tingling sensation (called a 'tingle') on your lips, before the blisters appear. Starting at this early stage can also help prevent the blisters from getting bigger.
- For external use only: This is a medicine for external use on the skin/lips. Do not apply it in the eyes, inside the mouth, or on the genitals for any reason.
- Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after applying the cream. This can help prevent the spread of infection.
- Apply a thin layer: Apply the cream in a thin layer, covering the blister and the surrounding area completely. Do not rub in vigorously, apply slowly and completely .
- Apply at the right time: It is usually recommended to use it about five times a day. However, use it at the right time and for the right number of times, as directed by your doctor.
- If given to children: This is sometimes recommended for children over 12 years of age. However, never use this in children without the advice of a pediatrician .
- If you miss a dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Never take two doses at once.
Will it interact with other medications?
This cream, called Docosanol, usually doesn't cause problems with other medications. However, the most important thing is to not apply any other cream, ointment, or medication to the area where this blister is located without telling your doctor.
Things to be especially careful about when using
- This is contagious! Even if you apply this cream, you can still pass the herpes virus to someone else. Therefore, it is very important to avoid touching the blisters with other people's skin, especially the lips, eyes, and genitals. Do not share towels, cups, spoons, or lip balm with others. If you touch the blisters, wash your hands immediately.
- If it doesn't improve: If your symptoms don't improve after about 10 days of use, or if your condition worsens, be sure to see your doctor again.
- Make-up application: You can apply this cream and then apply make-up (e.g. foundation, lipstick) over it. However, to prevent the spread of infection, apply make-up with a separate cotton swab . Do not apply lipstick directly to the blister, as this can transfer the virus to the lipstick and cause re-infection.
- Do not get in eyes: If this medicine gets in your eyes, immediately rinse your eyes thoroughly with clean water.
Are there any side effects?
Like any medicine, this can cause minor side effects in some people, but most people don't.
| Nature of the side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Allergic Reactions | Symptoms such as skin rash, severe itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, and difficulty breathing. |
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Minor skin problems | Mild burning, itching, or dryness of the skin where the cream was applied. These usually disappear after a while. |
| Headache | Some people may get headaches. |
What if the medicine is used too much?
If you think you have used too much of this medicine, or if someone has accidentally swallowed it, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Take-Home Message
- To get the best results from Docosanol cream, start using it at the first sign of tingling or itching on your lips, before blisters appear.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying the cream. This will prevent the spread of infection.
- While you have these blisters, you can spread the disease to others. So don't share personal items like towels, cups, and spoons. Avoid kissing other people.
- If the blisters do not heal after 10 days of use or if the condition worsens, be sure to see your doctor.
- Before using this medicine, inform your doctor about any other medical conditions and allergies you have.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න