Aciclovir cream contains the antiviral, aciclovir. It destroys the herpes simplex virus that is responsible for causing cold sores to appear around the lips and face. If the cold sore outbreak is caught early, at the 'tingle' phase, Aciclovir cream can sometimes prevent the cold sore from coming out. In most cases, it can help a cold sore to heal within 4 - 5 days.

Recurrent cold sores often appear in the same place. The skin in this area often tingles or burns before a cold sore comes out in to a blister around the lip. Aciclovir should be applied as soon as the tingle is felt.

Aciclovir cream is suitable for ordering online if you suffer with recurrent cold sores that have been diagnosed by your doctor. It should not be used in children or to treat genital herpes. If cold sores appear around the nose or are yellow and crusty, it may be a sign of impetigo and requires treatment from your doctor.

How to apply Aciclovir cream

Wash your hands before and after applying the cream. This prevents spreading the cold sores from spreading and helps to prevent them becoming infected.

• Squeeze a small amount of cream onto your finger and gently rub into the cold sore.
• Apply Aciclovir cream to the cold sore(s) FIVE times daily (roughly every four hours).
• Treatment should be continued for FOUR days even if the cold sore has healed. If it has not healed, treatment can be continued for a further FIVE days.
• If your cold sore has not healed after nine days treatment with Aciclovir you should see your doctor for further advice.

Aciclovir cream is not effective if it is started more than five days after your cold sore has come out. Do not use Aciclovir cream in this situation. Always try to apply Aciclovir cream as soon as you feel a cold sore starting.

Aciclovir cream contains aciclovir 5% as the active ingredient.

It also contains the following inactive ingredients: poloxamer 407, cetostearyl alcohol, sodium lauryl sulfate, white soft paraffin, liquid paraffin, propylene glycol, purified water, glycerol monostearate and polyoxyethylene stearate, dimeticone 20.

Generally people use Aciclovir cream without experiencing any side effects. If you do experience side effects they are likely to be mild and at the start of treatment. They can include:

• A burning or stinging sensation after applying the cream (this will go away)
• Drying or flaking of the skin
• Itching
• Redness

A small minority of people may be allergic to Aciclovir, If you have an allergic reaction the symptoms may include:

• Wheezing or difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the face, lips and tongue
• Rash, itching and hives
• Unexplained fever and dizziness

If you suspect you may be having an allergic reaction to Aciclovir cream you should seek medical attention immediately.

You should not use Aciclovir cream if:

• You are allergic to aciclovir or any of the ingredients.
• You have any condition where your immune system does not work as well or your body is less able to fight infections (e.g. HIV, AIDS or you have had a bone marrow transplant).

Please be aware of the following before using Aciclovir cream:

• Aciclovir cream is not for use inside the mouth or the vagina.
• If cold sores have not healed after ten days, medical advice is needed.
• Cold sores that are spreading into new areas and are very sticky or thickly crusted may be due to bacterial infection (impetigo) and require antibiotic treatment.
• Cold sores occurring with increasing frequency may be a sign of reduced immunity for which medical advice should be sought.
• The manufacturers of aciclovir cream advise against its use in women who are pregnant or breast-feeding.