Foundation Test examines - 26 treatments for cold sores prove ineffective
The manufacturers boast slogans like "Steer clear of a frustrating week with herpes" and "Heals in 24 hours." They even assert their product can "completely obstruct cold sores if utilized on time." Stiftung Warentest has now explored whether these assertions hold water and if herpes treatments can unequivocally lessen, relieve, or even bypass the condition.
The consumer experts scrutinized 26 products: on one side, over-the-counter medications including creams and gels that counter cold sores through the employment of active ingredients. On the other side, medical products such as patches, serum, and a thermal stick were taken into account.
"None of the 26 products deliver exceptional performance"
The verdict was discouraging: "We couldn't establish sufficient evidence for any of the 26 products in the review that they can remarkably shorten the time it takes to mend cold sores and effectively ease symptoms."
In general, herpes mends on its own in one to two weeks. When you apply an acyclovir or penciclovir-based cream to the tingling area every two to four hours, research exhibits that healing can be shortened by approximately half a day to a day at most. Hence, there's no rapid improvement.
"Transparent Patches Offer Additional Advantages"
StiWa points out that transparent patches, which are affixed to the herpes spots as if a bandage, yield additional advantages: "They may aid in keeping grime and microorganisms away and lessen the risk of spreading the contagious herpes virus."
In addition, the serum and patches offer another positive aspect: "Herpes sufferers typically find it more comfortable when they can cover the irritating blisters. The protective shields are not entirely invisible, but lipstick or cosmetics can be applied over the patches - not directly to the herpes blisters."
StiWa Recommendation
Conclusion: All 26 herpes remedies in the review exhibit limited suitability for measurably ameliorating symptoms or significantly abbreviating the healing time. Nonetheless, Stiftung Warentest counsel hydrocolloid plasters (patches) and the "Herpatch" serum to conceal blisters and safeguard them as meticulously as attainable from dirt and microorganisms.
StiWa Budget Suggestion: "The Life-med patches (€2.19, 10 units) are budget-friendly."
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Source: symclub.org
