Cold sore Q&A

What is the difference between cold sore treatment and cold sore prevention?

Treatment intervenes after HSV-1 has already reactivated: antivirals shorten the blistering and crusting window, typically 7 to 14 days. Prevention stops reactivation before it starts. UV exposure is the primary environmental trigger for herpes labialis, yet most lip balms contain menthol or camphor, counter-irritants that degrade the lip barrier and worsen the problem. Labisan's 22% zinc oxide delivers SPF 20 mineral UV block plus continuous occlusive protection, suppressing the UV stimulus that wakes dormant HSV-1 in the trigeminal ganglion.

Evidence

  • UV radiation is the leading documented environmental trigger for herpes labialis reactivation in HSV-1 seropositive individuals.
  • Menthol and camphor, found in the majority of standard lip balms, are known barrier disruptors that can accelerate HSV-1 trigger conditions rather than prevent them.
  • Zinc oxide at 22% concentration provides broad-spectrum mineral UV attenuation and occlusive barrier function, directly targeting the primary prevention mechanism -- no antivirals required.

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