ShareThis1 |
I had a nasty cold sore a few weeks ago, and the treatment I usually use (Denavir - needs a prescription) isn't available. The last thing I tried (Cold Sore Relief) did not stop the outbreak,t took ~10 days to get better. So I'll try http://www.abreva.com/ for the next 3-4 outbreaks to see if it stops them from getting bad. |
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I'll follow the advice at http://www.coldsore.com/ and apply the creme as soon as I feel tingling ("Feel an itching, burning or tingling around your lip or mouth? Don't wait 'til you can see the cold sore. Start treating it now."), and throughout the life of the sore. I'll measure pain, and the duration (via pain measurements). I'll only take readings when I feel one coming on. |
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Try it 3-4 times, unless it's clear it is not helping. |
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Being curious about how much it helps; enjoying *not* having a full-on outbreak (if possible). Sharing results with other sufferers. |
Create an Experiment
Matthew Cornell
- Member Since
- 07/02/09
- About Lover of experimentation and leader of Think, Try, Learn, the scientific method for discovering happiness. Creator of Edison, the Think, Try, Learn experimenter's workbook. http://edison.thinktrylearn.com/ http://www.thinktrylearn.com/ http://www.matthewcornell.org/
- Web http://www.matthewcornell.org/
- Experiments 100
- Observations 1274
Comments & Observations
Data Activity: 4 entries
Matthew Cornell I started feeling the characteristic tingling five days ago, and started treatment right away. I'm catching up on the data now. (New Edison feature: Ability to change dates/times!)
Mar 17, 2011
Data Activity: 1 entry
Matthew Cornell Yesterday and today it's getting slightly worse, in spite of vigilant application. I'm going to call the discomfort "moderate," though it's not bad yet. We'll see if it gets worse, and how long it lasts.
Mar 17, 2011
Matthew Cornell I'm surprised that the discomfort has gone back down again. I figured the abreva wasn't working for me. But I might be wrong.
Mar 18, 2011
Data Activity: 1 entry
Channa I started using Abreva 2 years ago, and I'll never go back to my previous treatment (Zilactin). Abreva does the trick for me -- especially if I apply it at the first sign of outbreak. Reduces duration from 7-10 days down to 2-3 days for me!
Mar 18, 2011
Matthew Cornell Thanks, Channa. Good to know. Today it continues to get better, and I'm 99% certain it would have gone full-outbreak by now with other treatment. It's been 6 days for me so far, not 2-3, but I'm liking the results so far.
Mar 19, 2011
Data Activity: 1 entry
Matthew Cornell I'm calling this a big win. I think the Abreva limited the sore to seven days (rather than 10-12) and staved off a full-on outbreak. Rating: *****
Mar 22, 2011
Matthew Cornell It's baaaaack. I have the pre-sore tingling again on the same side. I have a TTL choice. A: Use the abreva again, or B: let it run its full course without the abreva. I think I'll do a :-)
Mar 24, 2011
Data Activity: 1 entry
Lizzy Cold sores are the worst! I have been getting them for years and find that treatments like Abreva work once or twice but then the virus gets smart and they don't work. Worth noting, viruses happen with the immune system is tired. I believe Vitamin C daily will help boost the immune system (500 mg Vit C, with 250 mg Bioflavinoid for absorption). Also, Matt M. has a great home formula he is testing for cold sores (part of the Long Term Repair line). I've used it and it works amazingly well. It heals the cold sore as well as stops its growth. Took about 3 days and you barely could see any signs of the sore.
Mar 29, 2011
Matthew Cornell I think the Abreva continues to help prevent outbreaks. I've had two or three starting, but they only lasted a day or so after applying the creme. Side note: I had a root canal done yesterday, and I was surprised to have a pretty good flare-up with no warning. Stress? Irritation to the area? Who knows, but I'm on it.
Apr 20, 2011
Lizzy Root canal, gee, that sounds terrible! Yes you guessed right, stress will cause cold sore flare ups for sure. In fact, dental work is considered a major stressor in people's lives. So that makes sense. Vitamin C dosing I believe helps with the cold sore and stress (especially upcoming stress). Dr Wilson wrote all about it. High doses, like 1000mg a day with (500 mg bioflavinoid for absorption). Just taper off the vitamin C gradually to prevent scurvy. :-) Hope your feeling okay!
Apr 20, 2011
Matthew Cornell Thanks for the tip, Liza.
Apr 23, 2011