What is a fever blister ointment?
A cold sore ointment is a medication against cold sores in the context of a herpes infection. Usually the ointment contains an active ingredient such as Aciclovir. Once applied to the skin, it acts locally against the multiplication and spread of the viruses by influencing their cell division. Its protein building blocks are erroneously incorporated into the genetic material of the viruses and this leads to the destruction of the virus cells. As a result, the infection subsides and the cold sores recede, although there is no evidence of accelerated healing through the use of cold sore ointment.
Indication for a fever blister ointment
The use of a cold sore ointment is always indicated if the person concerned suffers noticeably from cold sores. It does not matter whether the condition is particularly bad or the pain is the main cause. In addition, accompanying factors such as immunosuppression or an increased recurrence rate play a role, whereby the indication for a drug therapy should be given more generously.
Effect of the fever blister ointment
Ointments are often used for the medicinal treatment of fever blisters. They contain virustatics such as Aciclovir or Penciclovir. The special thing about these active substances is that their components influence the metabolism of the virus cells.
Due to the incorporation of their protein components, the viral cells can no longer reproduce in the course of the disease and thus the fever blisters recede. However, for the virus to be effectively combated by the active ingredient, it must be applied regularly. On the other hand, virus cells that have not yet been treated can continue their cell division and attack other healthy cells.
Side effects are rather rare with the external application of fever ointments. Regardless of the active ingredients, experience shows that mostly only harmless symptoms such as a burning sensation in the area of ointment application occur. In the case of plant-based active ingredients, a possible spreading of the redness in the lip area due to an allergic reaction is also possible.
Further side effects actually only occur when virustatics are administered in tablet form, as is the case with severe courses of fever blisters. In this case, patients complain of increased headaches and dizziness as well as gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea. These side effects are based on the fact that the protein building blocks contained in the active ingredients can also be incorporated into healthy body cells and then also lead to cell death.
Conversely, this means that the drug is not specific for virus cells and can damage any cell when its components are incorporated. Here it is important to inform affected persons about possible side effects and to stop the drug if they are intolerant. The excretion of antiviral agents such as Aciclovir takes place via the kidneys.
Therefore, interactions can occur with all drugs that are also excreted via the kidneys. If two drugs compete for a transporter in the urogenital system, the degradation can slow down and the dose in the body can increase. If the therapeutic range is exceeded, side effects may eventually occur. For those affected, this means asking a doctor or pharmacist about possible interactions with the long-term medication in individual cases.
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