Zinc oxide/glycine cream for the treatment of cold sores

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Zinc oxide/glycine cream for the treatment of cold sores

Initial studies have shown a topical cream of zinc oxide/glycine used to treat facial cold sores may be helpful.¹ People in one small study who used the cream as soon as possible after a cold sore outbreak had a shorter duration of cold sore blisters—most blisters healed within 5 days instead of 6½ days.²

Some people using this cream experienced a few side effects, such as severe skin irritation and dryness.

Most cold sores heal on their own without prescription medications or complementary therapies.

References

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Citations
Godfrey HR (2001). A randomized clinical trial on the treatment of oral herpes with topical zinc oxide/glycine. Alternative Therapy Health Medicine, 7(3): 49–56.
Worrall G (2006). Herpes labialis, search date April 2006. Online version of BMJ Clinical Evidence. Also available online: http://www.clinicalevidence.com.

Credits

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Author	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Michele Cronen
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
Last Updated	March 13, 2008

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Last updated:	March 13, 2008
Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Michele Cronen

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