How long should I leave the toothpaste on?
People who use toothpaste to fight the spread of the herpes virus leave the toothpaste (containing zinc) on the blisters for several hours. Overnight application is particularly suitable for this purpose. When the herpes blisters have dried out, you should stop using toothpaste, as you will have achieved the desired effect.
It is also very important to know that the toothpaste containing zinc dries out the blisters, but does not directly combat the cause of the infection. Zinc kills germs, relieves the inflammation and promotes healing. Nevertheless, one should rather get a special cream from the pharmacy that helps against the disease itself.
Is this a risk?
Critics advise against treating herpes blisters with toothpaste because of the risks and side effects. Toothpaste may contain substances that irritate the skin and can further damage the already infected skin. This can even delay the healing process.
Once the blister opens for various reasons, bacteria can penetrate the wound and cause a far more serious inflammation. The toothpaste dries on the blisters and causes white spots. By rubbing to remove the toothpaste you run the risk of destroying the blisters.
What alternatives are there?
Alternatives to treatment with toothpaste are the over-the-counter antiviral creams or ointments. These contain the active ingredients Aciclovir or Penciclovir. These active ingredients inhibit the reproduction of the virus and thus prevent it from spreading.
Furthermore, the ointments and creams reduce the symptoms caused by the herpes virus a little. However, it is very important that these medicines are applied at the first signs of lip herpes and consistently over the period of the virus infection so that they help. Alternatively, there are also herbal ointments, e.g. with dry extract of melissa, which can be applied to the wound.
Researchers have proven that lemon balm can stop the herpes virus. The pharmacist can help with the choice of a herbal medicine. Besides toothpaste, there are other household remedies that are recommended in the fight against herpes blisters.These home remedies include Manuka honey, tea tree oil, black tea, garlic, baking powder or ice cubes for cooling.
If the herpes blisters occur very frequently, a visit to the treating doctor is recommended. In this case a permanent antiviral therapy should be considered.
