Cold sores are a common phenomenon: one in every three people in the world experience it repeatedly. It is a recurrent affliction, which may cause major inconvenience, especially since it occurs most frequently on the mouth area, making it difficult to eat or speak. If you find yourself troubled by cold sores, fear not: Zovirax Cream is the answer to your problems.

Zovirax Cream is an over-the-counter (OTC) ointment that was specially designed to cure cold sores and other herpes simplex infections. Cold sores are associated with the formation of blisters around the mouth. In 10% of the cases, these sores occur on other parts of the face, such as the nose, cheek and chin. As a virus infection, it often begins to infect us at an early age.

There are two strains of Herpes simplex virus - HSV-1 and 2. They may also be known by the name Human Herpes Virus, or HHV-1 and 2. Cold sores are classified as HSV-1, or Herpes simplex virus type 1. Children are the most frequent targets of cold sores. This virus first becomes manifest in small children, which is why some children will frequently complain of cold sores which make facial movements painful.

Cold sores should not be confused with canker sores, which are non-contagious ulcers that form on the soft tissues inside the mouth, behind the cheeks. Cold sores usually form on the surface of the skin, though in unusual cases they also form on the gums or hard palate. If not contained, cold sores could be contagious. Untreated cold sores normally last from 7 to 10 days.

The HSV-1 virus settles in the human brain and becomes latent, staying dormant until it reemerges at different times in one's life. It never fully leaves the body, and therefore there is no real "cure" for it. There are, however, medications that offer fast relief for cold sores, such as Zovirax Cream. These medications also lessen the frequency of occurrence of these sores.

Cold sores are only one type of human herpes virus... there are other forms of this virus, treatable to some extent by Zovirax in ingestible pill form. An example is genital herpes. As the name suggests, this form of herpes is sexually transmissible. But while adults are susceptible to it, children are especially vulnerable. Herpes acquired through sexual transmission may be passed onto the newborn, creating significant health risks for the baby.

Chickenpox is another form of HSV that is treatable by Zovirax tablets. Again, this disease normally targets children, but it could also affect adults, and in such a case, the advanced age of the patient may in fact cause avenues for complications. Older patients will often suffer from conditions that will worsen the effects of the herpes virus. Weak livers are the usual culprit; one of the more common forms is a transient hepatitis, or a swelling of the liver. this condition could progress to Reye's syndrome, a high-risk condition that is attributed to having taken aspirin for a viral illness. This condition is not so prevalent these days, as parents now know better than to give their children aspirin for virus-caused fevers.

Zovirax Cream is used only for the treatment of cold sores. It should not be ingested or allowed to make contact with the eyes. One should not apply this cream to mucous membranes such as the vagina or the nose. Adults should put Zovirax cream on the afflicted area 5 times a day, for 5 days.

The safety and efficiency of this cream for children under the age of 12 has not been established. It should also be safe for expecting and nursing mothers to apply this cream, however it is still best to consult your doctor before any sort of medication if you are pregnant or lactating.

Before a person develops cold sores, one usually feels a burning or tingling sensation in the areas where the sores will appear. Afterwards, one feels bumps starting to form on the afflicted areas. It is already safe to apply Zovirax Cream on these areas at these stages. The bumps or inflammations may progress into sores, but the ointment will ensure that the sores will not stay long.