How to Use Abreva

Cold sores can be painful and embarrassing, but fortunately there is an easy treatment for them. Abreva is the brand name of docosanol, an antiviral that treats the herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores. Sold as a topical cream, Abreva can help relieve pain and discomfort caused by your cold sore and may help it to heal faster.[1] Applying Abreva is easy, but you do need to use it several times a day and should follow basic safety precautions.

Things You Should Know

  • Wash the area before applying a dab to the cold sore, and rub the medicine in with a gentle touch.
  • Apply Abreva 5 times per day, washing your hands after; only apply other products after it dries and avoid kissing loved ones while using it.
  • Talk to your doctor before using Abreva, especially when using it on a child, and avoid sharing it as cold sores are contagious.
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Applying the Cream

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    Use the medication as soon as you start experiencing symptoms. Early signs of a coming cold sore include pain, burning, or feeling the blister emerging.[2]
    • Abreva is made for use on your face or around your lips, but you can also use it around your nostrils if your cold sores have extended there. Don't apply it inside your nose or mouth.
    • If a small amount gets into your mouth, such as cream that you licked off your lips after application, there is no need to worry. It is not harmful in small amounts.[3]
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    Wash the area before applying the product for best results. Start by washing your hands with soap and water, then remove any makeup. Cleanse the area with soap or cleanser and warm water. Lightly pat the area dry with a clean towel.[4]
    • You may want to use a paper towel or napkin to blot away the water so that you can throw it away afterwards. You don't want to use the same towel on unaffected skin, as you can spread the virus.
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    Apply a dab of Abreva on top of the cold sore. Use your finger or a cotton swab to cover your cold sore with the cream. You should apply a generous amount to be sure that the whole sore is treated. Don't worry if you get the cream on your unaffected skin, as the medicine is safe on both healthy skin and cold sores.[5]
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    Rub the medicine into your cold sore using a light touch. Gently massage the cream into your sore until it is fully absorbed. You should not have a remaining white residue[6]
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    Wash your hands after treatment to avoid sharing the virus. Use soap and warm water to clean the virus from your hands. Herpes simplex 1 is highly contagious and can possibly spread to other parts of your body or to loved ones.[7]
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    Continue applying the medicine 5 times a day until your sore has healed. Use the medicine every 3 to 4 hours for up to 10 days. If your sore has not healed after that period, talk to your doctor about what you should do.[8]
    • If you are using the Abreva on a child under 12, ask your doctor for a dosage recommendation.[9]
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    Apply other products only after the Abreva dries. It's okay to wear makeup over the cold sore, but don't apply it directly from the container. Use a separate applicator like a cotton swab avoid contaminating your product, which could allow the virus to spread.[10]
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    Avoid kissing loved ones while using the product. Since the virus that causes cold sores is so contagious, don't allow anyone to come into contact with the sore. Kissing or snuggling others could infect them. While the virus is most common around the mouth, it's important to remember that it can spread to other parts of the body.[11]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using the Product Safely

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    Talk to your doctor before you use Abreva. You should always discuss possible treatments with your doctor before you try a new medication. They can tell you if Abreva is right for you. Tell your doctor about the other medications you are taking, as well as if you are allergic to any medications, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals.
    • Abreva can interact with other medications, both prescription and over-the-counter.
    • If you are allergic to Abreva, you should not take it.[12]
    • Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing.[13]
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    Be careful when using the medication on children. Abreva is not recommended for use on children under 12 without approval from a doctor. While the medication has not been shown to harm children, it's always a risk to give medication to children, so you will need a doctor's supervision.[14]
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    Avoid sharing your medication, as cold sores are contagious. Abreva comes in a tube or a pump, and either container can pose a risk if shared. Even if you use a separate applicator, like a cotton swab, your container can still be contagious.[15]
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    Avoid putting the medicine near your eyes or around your genitals. Abreva is only approved for use on your face. Consult your doctor for treatments in other parts of your body.[16]
    • If the virus has affected your eye area, you will need to see a doctor for prescription anti-viral eye drops.[17]
    • The medications used to treat genital herpes are called Valtrex and Zovirax. These are usually available by prescription. You can also take these medications for cold sores, and they are safe to use in combination with Abreva.
    • If you get it in your eyes, flush them with water.
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    Expect possible side effects that usually don't require treatment. You may experience no side effects. Even if you do experience any, you may find that they go away as you adjust to the medicine. If the side effects continue or are difficult to handle, see your doctor. Side effects to watch for include:[18]
    • Headache
    • Acne
    • Burning
    • Dryness
    • Itching
    • Rash
    • Redness
    • Soreness
    • Swelling
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    Check the expiration date before applying the product. You should not keep expired products in your cabinet, but sometimes you might forget to check the dates regularly. Before you use leftover product, make sure it hasn't expired. If it has, it may not be as effective.[19]
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    Keep the product where children and pets can't reach it. Abreva can be dangerous if ingested or misapplied by children and pets. Place it in a secure, unreachable location.[20]
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References

  1. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/docosanol-topical-route/description/drg-20063494
  2. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/docosanol-topical-route/proper-use/drg-20063494
  3. ↑ https://www.abreva.com/faq/how-to-use-abreva/
  4. ↑ https://www.abreva.com/cold-sore-products/how-to-use-abreva-cream/
  5. ↑ https://www.abreva.com/faq/how-to-use-abreva/
  6. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/docosanol-topical-route/proper-use/drg-20063494
  7. ↑ https://www.abreva.com/faq/how-to-use-abreva/
  8. ↑ https://www.abreva.com/faq/how-to-use-abreva/
  9. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/docosanol-topical-route/proper-use/drg-20063494
  1. ↑ https://www.abreva.com/cold-sore-products/how-to-use-abreva-cream/
  2. ↑ https://www.abreva.com/faq/how-to-use-abreva/
  3. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/docosanol-topical-route/before-using/drg-20063494
  4. ↑ https://www.abreva.com/faq/how-to-use-abreva/
  5. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/docosanol-topical-route/before-using/drg-20063494
  6. ↑ https://www.abreva.com/cold-sore-products/how-to-use-abreva-cream/
  7. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/docosanol-topical-route/before-using/drg-20063494
  8. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/keratitis/basics/treatment/con-20035288
  9. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/docosanol-topical-route/side-effects/drg-20063494
  10. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/docosanol-topical-route/before-using/drg-20063494
  11. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/docosanol-topical-route/before-using/drg-20063494

About This Article

Janice Litza, MD
Medically reviewed by:
Janice Litza, MD
Board Certified Family Medicine Physician
This article was medically reviewed by Janice Litza, MD and by wikiHow staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA. Dr. Litza is a board certified Family Medicine Physician in Wisconsin. She is a practicing Physician and taught as a Clinical Professor for 13 years, after receiving her MD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health in 1998. This article has been viewed 66,456 times.
54 votes - 90%
Co-authors: 10
Updated: October 25, 2022
Views: 66,456
Categories: Cold Sores

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

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