Introduction
Pencivir is used to treat cold sores. It contains the active ingredient penciclovir, which is a so-called antiviral, a drug used to inhibit the proliferation of viruses. Lip herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1.
Genital herpes on the other hand is caused by herpes simplex virus type 2. Pencivir is applied to the skin and can shorten the healing process. It also relieves pain and itching of cold sores.
Indications for Pencivir
The indications for Pencivir are mild forms of cold sores, known as herpes labialis. Pencivir can be used both in the early phase and in the vesicle phase. This means that Pencivir can already be effective in the case of itching and pain and accelerate the healing process. In fact, the earlier it is used, the more effective it is.
Application for lip herpes
Lip herpes usually runs in several phases and usually lasts seven to twelve days. The use of Pencivir can shorten this period. It often announces itself by itching, tingling or burning of the lips.
It is best to start using Pencivir now before the blister phase, in which fluid-filled blisters appear. In the course of time, the blisters may burst and wet, this phase is painful and highly infectious. Pencivir can accelerate the crust formation and healing of the cold sores. Herpes blisters heal as soon as the crust breaks away on its own and healthy skin appears.
Effect and active ingredient
Pencivir contains the active ingredient penciclovir. Penciclovir is an antiviral, a drug used to inhibit the reproduction of bacteria. Due to its structural similarity to their building blocks, it is incorporated into the genetic information of viruses and prevents the virus from multiplying further.
In studies, Penciclovir showed good tolerability and efficacy. Both the healing time and the pain caused by herpes were reduced by about one third. Applying penciclovir also reduces the risk of infection, which is generally very high in the case of lip herpes. Nevertheless, close contact and the exchange of saliva should be avoided if possible. The active ingredient has been approved in Germany since 1996.
