Effective treatment of cold sores: A Synthesis of Findings from 27 Studies

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Original Abstract of the Article

Major Research Findings

Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are a common condition caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), usually HSV-1. 18 14 They typically manifest as painful blisters on the lips. Current treatments, such as topical acyclovir, have limited efficacy. 2 Recent research suggests that novel therapies, including nanoemulsions, honey, and plant extracts, may hold promise. 1 4 10

Treatment Summary

Treatments for cold sores include antiviral medications, nanoemulsions, honey, and plant extracts. 1 2 4 10 Acyclovir is a common antiviral medication. 2 4 12 However, research suggests that nanoemulsions and honey might be more effective alternatives.

Benefits and Risks

Benefits Summary

New treatments for cold sores have the potential to be more effective and have fewer side effects than traditional therapies. 1 4 These treatments may help shorten healing time and reduce the severity of symptoms. 4

Risks Summary

The risks associated with new treatments for cold sores are not yet fully understood. 1 However, research so far indicates that these treatments appear to be safe. 1

Comparison of Studies

Commonalities

Many studies suggest that novel treatments for cold sores, including antiviral medications, nanoemulsions, honey, and plant extracts, are effective. 1 2 4 10 These treatments have the potential to be more effective and have fewer side effects than conventional therapies. 1 4

Differences

There is some variability in the findings regarding the effectiveness and safety of new treatments for cold sores among different studies. 1 4 This could be due to differences in the study participants or the treatments used. 1 4

Consistency and Contradictions in Findings

While there is consistency in the findings, some studies report contradictory results. 1 4 For example, research on the effectiveness of honey has shown varying results. 4 This may be due to variations in the type or preparation method of the honey used. 4

Considerations for Practical Application

There are some considerations when applying new treatments for cold sores in everyday life. 1 First, these treatments are not yet widely available. 1 This means they may not be available at every healthcare facility. 1 Additionally, these treatments may not be effective for all individuals. 1 It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any treatment. 1

Current Research Limitations

Currently, there is not enough data available on new treatments for cold sores. 1 Therefore, further research is needed to explore the long-term effects and safety of these treatments. 1

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on the long-term effects and safety of new treatments for cold sores. 1 Researchers should also investigate whether these treatments can be applied to a wider range of individuals. 1

Conclusion

New treatments for cold sores, such as nanoemulsions, honey, and plant extracts, hold promise as potential alternatives to conventional therapies. 1 4 These treatments may help reduce healing time and decrease symptom severity. 4 However, further research is necessary to understand the long-term effects and safety of these treatments. 1

Treatment List

Acyclovir, nanoemulsions, honey, plant extracts

Literature analysis of 27 papers
Positive Content
24
Neutral Content
1
Negative Content
2
Article Type
6
1
1
4
27
1.

Treatment with a novel topical nanoemulsion (NB-001) speeds time to healing of recurrent cold sores.

Author: KircikLeon, JonesTerry M, JarrattMichael, FlackMary R, IjzermanMarian, CiottiSusan, SutcliffeJoyce, BoivinGuy, StanberryLawrence R, BakerJames R,

Cold sore treatment
Dermal irritation
Systemic absorption

Topical antiviral nanoemulsion (NB-001) is a safe and effective treatment for cold sores. In a study of 482 subjects, NB-001 (0.3%) significantly shortened the time to lesion healing compared to vehicle.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

2.

Early treatment of cold sores with topical ME-609 decreases the frequency of ulcerative lesions: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, patient-initiated clinical trial.

Author: HullChristopher M, HarmenbergJohan, ArlanderEva, AokiFred, BringJohan, DarpöBörje, LevinMyron J, TyringStephen, SpruanceSpotswood L,

Reduced healing time

ME-609, a combination of 5% acyclovir and 1% hydrocortisone, prevented progression of cold sores to ulcerative lesions and reduced lesion area compared to acyclovir and placebo.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Multicenter StudyResearch conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutions. It aims to collect a wide range of data and obtain more generalizable results.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

3.

High-dose, short-duration, early valacyclovir therapy for episodic treatment of cold sores: results of two randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter studies.

Author: SpruanceSpotswood L, JonesTerry M, BlatterMark M, Vargas-CortesMauricio, BarberJudy, HillJoanne, GoldsteinDonna, SchultzMargaret

Cold sore treatment
Valacyclovir treatment

Oral valacyclovir is more readily absorbed than oral acyclovir, increasing acyclovir bioavailability three- to fivefold. This study evaluated the efficacy of valacyclovir in treating cold sores (herpes labialis) in two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. A 1-day valacyclovir treatment regimen was found to be safe and effective in reducing the duration of cold sore episodes, preventing lesion development, and accelerating healing.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Multicenter StudyResearch conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutions. It aims to collect a wide range of data and obtain more generalizable results.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

5.

Pseudoboehmite as a drug delivery system for acyclovir.

Author: PeresRenato Meneghetti, SousaJéssica Maiara Leme, de OliveiraMariana Oliva, RossiMaura Vincenza, de OliveiraRene Ramos, de LimaNelson Batista, BernussiAyrton, WarzywodaJuliusz, SarmentoBruno, MunhozAntonio Hortencio

Acyclovir bioavailability
Herpes simplex virus

This study investigated the potential of pseudoboehmite nanoparticles to improve the oral bioavailability of acyclovir. The researchers synthesized high purity pseudoboehmite nanoparticles and confirmed their presence using various techniques. In vivo tests in Wistar rats showed that the administration of acyclovir with pseudoboehmite increased drug content in plasma by 4.6 times. The study concludes that pseudoboehmite nanoparticles are a promising drug delivery system for acyclovir with low toxicity.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

6.

Herpes Labialis: A New Possibility for Topical Treatment with Well-Elucidated Drugs.

Author: Silva-AlvarezAmanda F, de CarvalhoAna Clara Wada, Benassi-ZanquetaÉrica, OliveiraThalita Z, FonsecaDyenefer P, FerreiraMaíra P, VicentiniFabiana T M C, Ueda-NakamuraTania, PedrazziVinicius, de FreitasOsvaldo

Cold sore treatment
Pain relief
Skin irritation

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. The study developed a new treatment for cold sores that includes lidocaine and prilocaine, which are anesthetics. The new treatment is effective in reducing the pain and size of cold sores.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

7.

A helicase-primase drug candidate with sufficient target tissue exposure affects latent neural herpes simplex virus infections.

Author: GegeChristian, BravoFernando J, UhligNadja, HagmaierTimo, SchmachtenbergRosanne, ElisJulia, Burger-KentischerAnke, FinkelmeierDoris, HamprechtKlaus, GrunwaldThomas, BernsteinDavid I, KleymannGerald

HSV infection treatment
Reduced HSV recurrence

This study reports the development of a novel inhibitor of HSV helicase-primase, IM-250, with potent in vitro anti-herpes activity. This inhibitor exhibits superior efficacy in preventing and treating HSV infection in animal models compared to standard-of-care therapies and represents a promising therapeutic for chronic HSV infection, including nucleoside-resistant HSV.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

10.

Anti-herpes virus activity of the carnivorous botanical, Sarracenia purpurea.

Author: KannanLatha, KumarAshok, KumarAradhana, JacobsBertram, LanglandJeffrey

HSV-1 treatment potential
HSV-1 drug resistance

Sarracenia purpurea extracts inhibit herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) replication by two mechanisms: directly inhibiting extracellular virions or viral attachment to host cells, and inhibiting the expression of viral genes. This botanical demonstrates broad antiviral activity against both pox and herpes viruses.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

11.

Resolution of Recurrent Oro-facial Herpes Simplex Using a Topical Botanical Gel: A Case Report.

Author: NelsonErik O, RuizGuillermo G, KozinAdam F, TurnerTiffany C, LanglandEdith V, LanglandJeffrey O

Herpes labialis treatment
Herpes labialis

This case report describes the successful treatment of oral herpes labialis (cold sores) with a botanical blend, showing significant reductions in symptoms, pain, and lesion duration. The blend also appeared to reduce the frequency of future outbreaks.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

12.

Efficacy of a topical herbal and mineral formulation (Dynamiclear) for the treatment of herpes simplex labialis in the community setting: study protocol for a randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

Author: ArmourMike, SempriniAlex, EeCarolyn, MacCullaghLois, ShorttNick

HSL treatment

This study aims to determine if Dynamiclear, an over-the-counter treatment, can effectively reduce the duration and severity of cold sores, also known as herpes simplex labialis (HSL), compared to standard treatment with aciclovir.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Multicenter StudyResearch conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutions. It aims to collect a wide range of data and obtain more generalizable results.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

15.

Development of a new fusion-enhanced oncolytic immunotherapy platform based on herpes simplex virus type 1.

Author: ThomasSuzanne, KuncheriaLinta, RoulstoneVictoria, KyulaJoan N, MansfieldDavid, BommareddyPraveen K, SmithHenry, KaufmanHoward L, HarringtonKevin J, CoffinRobert S

Anti-tumor immunity
Cancer immunotherapy
Tumor cell killing

This study explores the optimization of oncolytic HSV-1 based immunotherapy for cancer treatment. It aims to enhance the tumor cell killing capacity, promote immunogenicity of tumor cell death, and ultimately, amplify the systemic anti-tumor immune response. The research investigates multiple approaches to maximize the effectiveness of this promising immunotherapy strategy.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

17.

Clinical Trial of Herbal Treatment Gene-Eden-VIR/Novirin in Oral Herpes.

Author: PolanskyHanan, JavaherianAdrian, ItzkovitzEdan

Genital herpes treatment
Oral herpes treatment

This study explores the effectiveness of Gene-Eden-VIR/Novirin, a herbal treatment, in reducing the number and duration of oral herpes outbreaks, comparing it to acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir drugs.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

20.

Herpes simplex virus virucidal activity of MST-312 and epigallocatechin gallate.

Author: PradhanPrajakta, NguyenMarie L

Direct virucidal
HSV-1 inhibition

This study tested the virucidal activity of MST-312, a telomerase inhibitor, and compared it to that of EGCG. Both compounds showed significant virucidal activity against HSV-1, with EGCG being more effective at lower concentrations.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

21.

Acyclovir in the Treatment of Herpes Viruses - A Review.

Author: KłysikKatarzyna, PietraszekAneta, KarewiczAnna, NowakowskaMaria

Corneal blindness
HSV infection
Neurodegenerative illnesses

This article provides an overview of Herpes Simplex (HSV) viruses, their prevalence, and treatment. It highlights the challenges of treating HSV infection due to its ability to become latent and the lack of complete eradication options.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

22.

Protocol for a randomised controlled trial of 90% kanuka honey versus 5% aciclovir for the treatment of herpes simplex labialis in the community setting.

Author: SempriniAlex, SingerJoseph, ShorttNicholas, BraithwaiteIrene, BeasleyRichard,

Faster healing
Reduced pain

This is a protocol for a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to assess the efficacy of kanuka honey-based topical treatment (Honevo) compared to aciclovir (Viraban) in reducing the healing time and pain of cold sores.

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

25.

[Prevention and treatment of Herpes Labialis].

Author: DuquetN

Contagious infection

This article discusses the role of the pharmacist in managing herpes labialis, commonly known as cold sores. The pharmacist can provide symptomatic treatment, advice on preventing recurrence, and guidance on preventing the spread of infection. The article emphasizes the pharmacist's role in assessing whether they can assist the patient directly or if medical advice is necessary.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : French

27.

Interventions for prevention of herpes simplex labialis (cold sores on the lips).

Author: ChiChing-Chi, WangShu-Hui, DelamereFinola M, WojnarowskaFenella, PetersMathilde C, KanjirathPreetha P

Cosmetic disfigurement
Psychosocial distress

Herpes simplex labialis (HSL), or cold sores, is a common, recurring lip condition caused by the herpes simplex virus. While there is no cure, this article discusses the symptoms and psychosocial impact of HSL.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

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