When there is a recurrence of cold sores, an infrared and red light device could be used on the area of concern three minutes three times daily for two days or until the symptoms have resolved. Use of infrared and red light technology used in this way is a safe and noninvasive treatment.
Should I use a cold sore device to treat my cold sores?
If you’re planning on treating your cold sores long term with one of these devices, that’s a good choice. But that will only be a good plan for as long as your device is in good working order: as soon as it breaks down, what do you do? You can’t have them repaired in a high street shop like having a new sole put on your shoe.
What is the best light device for cold sores?
LipZor is yet another light device for cold sore treatment, just like Virulite. It uses the same frequency of light, at 1072nm, and even looks remarkably similar. All in all, we can see why you would need a guide to choose between them! Again, LipZor is a small, white device which could easily be mistaken for deodorant or a TV remote.
What are the different types of cold sore medications?
Various types of cold sore medication are available. Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments can help reduce pain, alleviate cracked or dry skin, and soften crusted or scabbed blisters. Prescription cold sore medications include oral antiviral drugs. These treat the underlying HSV-1 infection.
What is the virulite cold sore treatment device?
The Virulite cold sore treatment device was the very first light device. It’s only small, weighing in at around a hundred grams and a few inches tall. If you can’t imagine what it looks like, you might mistake it for a stick of deodorant!
What light helps cold sores?
Abstract. Background: Recent research has shown that low-level light therapy (LLLT) using 1072 nm infrared light is effective in reducing the duration of herpes simplex labialis (HSL) episodes and enhancing the healing process.
Does LED light therapy help cold sores?
Light Therapy Applying the light on the area of your cold sores for 3 minutes three times daily for a total of two days can shorten your healing time by 2–3 days. Studies show that light therapy can also reduce the number of times your symptoms show up.
What type of laser is used for cold sores?
How does a diode laser treat cold sores? The heat energy from a diode laser breaks down the virus and allows for healing to occur within two days.
Does UV light make cold sores worse?
Ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your skin and trigger a recurrent cold sore. Go on the offensive against sun exposure with these tips for staying safe and preventing summer cold sores. Sun is a proven trigger of cold sores.
Is high frequency good for cold sores?
High frequency has proven to be effective on almost any skin lesion from acne and burns, to waxing procedures and cold sores.
Does red light help heal cold sores?
Sunlight or UV radiation is not intended to be used for cold sore treatment. Red light therapy is particularly designed for healing, regenerating, and reducing inflammation in the skin. Red light therapy uses a combination of red wavelengths and near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths to accelerate the healing of herpes.
Is cold sore contagious after laser treatment?
If not caught in time, a blister will appear which then breaks open leaving a discharge that can be contagious. The lesions typically appear on the lips, but can also show up anywhere on the face and inside the mouth. These sores are usually self limiting and last from 10 days to two weeks.
Does it hurt to laser cold sore?
While there is no cure for the virus, there are ways to treat it. Laser treatment is the newest, fastest, and least painful option!
How often can you laser a cold sore?
Only one or two treatments required for many people. Fast treatment–just 5-10 minutes. Healing within 48 hours for early stages of outbreak. Can prevent sores if treated before sores appear.
What vitamins prevent cold sores?
Vitamin C plus flavonoids may help speed cold sore healing. Vitamin C has been shown to inactivate herpes viruses in the test tube. In one study, people with herpes infections received either a placebo or 200 mg of vitamin C plus 200 mg of flavonoids, each taken three to five times per day.
Does tanning dry up cold sores?
The answer is no, but this is why people believe it: “It's not gonna happen but there is a reason for this myth. UV light can trigger cold sores because it damages the immune system in the skin.
How do you dry out a cold sore overnight?
At-Home Cold Sore RemediesApply a cold compress. Try holding a cool, damp cloth against your cold sore. ... Keep the area moisturized. Use a lip balm or moisturizer to keep your lip and mouth area hydrated and prevent the sore from drying out and peeling. ... Don't touch the cold sore.
How to get rid of cold sores?
Eliminating cold sores relies on good circulation. Good circulation relies on capillaries, which are tiny blood vessels made up solely of endothelial cells and basal lamina ( the outer membrane). Every cell in the body is located in the immediate vicinity of a capillary; without capillaries, the skin would not receive blood flow. In a sense, capillaries are "feeding tubes" that bring nutrients and oxygen to cells, and remove waste. These tiny blood vessels are especially important for restoring healthy skin once HSV lesions have healed.
Can you use red light on cold sores?
Now that you know more about how red light works on cold sores, you’re probably wondering if you have to visit a doctor to have your cold sores treated. And the answer is no.
Can you use antiviral medication on a cold sore?
Prescription antiviral drugs can help to some extent, but may have unwanted side effects. There is only one homemade remedy for cold sore that’s clinically proven, and that’s light—but not just any light.
Does UV light cause herpes?
As the authors of the above-referenced study said, "Studies have suggested that exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light may increase risk of herpes simplex virus (HSV) recurrence.". If you have had or currently have cold sores, use sunscreen, wear a hat, and otherwise minimize going outside when the sunlight is strongest.
Is blue light good for cold sores?
And, because blue wavelengths cause oxidative stress that interferes with wound healing, it’s best to avoid blue light as much as possible, and not just during a cold sore outbreak.
How to use a cold sore med?
Press the ‘start’ button located on the front of the device. Place it directly over the cold sore, so the light waves can penetrate through the skin . Don’t move the device until you hear a second beeping sound. This will let you know the treatment is complete. Repeat this process two times each day, for three days.
What is a cold sore zapper?
This device is also known as a ‘cold sore zapper.’. It uses a waveband of light that specifically targets the affected area where the cold sore has grown. This light helps to stimulate your skin, causing it to speed up the healing process. [1] .
How to prevent blisters from coming through mouth?
If you start to feel a tingling or itching sensation around the mouth, start the Lipzor treatment right away. It can help to prevent an actual blister from coming through. [3]
How long does it take for a cold sore to go away?
Not only does that get rid of symptoms, but it speeds up the time it takes for your cold sore to go away. [2] By using it as directed, you should see results within just three days. After three days of regular use, the healing time of your cold sore should be greatly reduced.
Do cold sores go away on their own?
While cold sores eventually go away on their own, some people are more prone to them than others. Frequent flare-ups may require special types of treatment. Sometimes, over-the-counter topical solutions aren’t always strong enough. Thankfully, advancements in technology have made treatments like the Lipzor Light Device available.
Does Lipzor light work for cold sores?
The Lipzor Light Device for Cold Sores does both. It is designed to stop cold sores in their tracks. That’s another beneficial claim the product makes. In many cases, over-the-counter topical treatments have to be used at the first sign of a cold sore. Otherwise, they may not be able to be as effective as they promise.
Can you touch a lipzor blister?
Having to touch them for any reason, even to put on medication, can cause spreading. With the Lipzor device, you never have to touch the blister with your fingers. The device itself won’t come in direct contact with it either. This helps to reduce your risk of the infection spreading to other areas of the body.
How does heat treatment work for cold sores?
Heat treatment for cold sores is similar to light treatment. A small, handheld device delivers a powerful and accurate dose (in this case, of heat) to the cold sore. Devices like the Herpotherm pack a punch of roughly 125 degrees Fahrenheit, which prevents herpes simplex from reproducing. Scientists believe that this may be due to the release of particular proteins, including those that regulate the immune response. However, they’re not entirely sure as of yet how heat treatment works.
How long does it take to feel a cold sore?
This light isn’t visible to the human eye, so you won’t be able to see it in action. However, you will be able to feel it. After one or two minutes , you should feel a slight tingling in the patch of skin where you used the device. The manufacturers of these devices claim that they can cut recovery time in half, which they say is because an enhanced local immune response.
WHY HAVEN'T YOU HEARD OF IT?
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been proven to be extremely effective in the treatment of cold sores.
NEED A QUICK OVERVIEW?
Watch this short video that will walk you through a summary of this article.
How Do Lasers Work to Treat Cold Sores?
New, groundbreaking advances in technology have allowed LED (light-emitting diode) devices to produce the same type of light that was previously available only with lasers.
THE RESEARCH SHOWS INCREDIBLE BENEFITS
There are a number of noteworthy double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trials confirming the incredible results of using LED-LLLT treatments to assist in the healing of cold sores. These trials have discovered that the treatments produced three major results.
IMMEDIATE REDUCTION IN COLD CORE PAIN
The second exciting proven benefit found in recent research was that LLLT treatments immediately reduce the pain that comes with cold sore outbreaks.
PREVENTION OF FUTURE OUTBREAKS
Treatment with an LED-LLLT device such as Luminance Red has also been proven to prevent future cold sore outbreaks.
NOT ALL RED LIGHT THERAPY IS CREATED EQUAL
Red light laser therapy is safe and effective. However, it is critical that the light produced by a laser device is at a very specific level in order to produce the desired effects.
What is the name of the drug that is used to treat cold sores?
Valtrex (valacyclovir) Valtrex is the brand name for the antiviral medication valacyclovir hydrochloride. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Valtrex for the treatment of cold sores in adults and children aged 12 years and older.
What are the conditions that can be treated with cold sores?
The AAD note that other people who could benefit from cold sore medications include those who have cold sores and one or more of the following conditions: atopic dermatitis, also called eczema. severe psoriasis. HIV. cancer.
What is the name of the antiviral drug that inhibits the replication of the virus?
Zovirax (acyclovir) Zovirax is the brand name of an antiviral drug called acyclovir, which inhibits the activity of HSV-1, HSV-2, and the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Acyclovir works by inserting itself into a virus’s DNA and preventing the virus from replicating. It also contains inactive ingredients, such as:
How long does Denavir last?
A single gram of the cream contains about 10 mg of penciclovir. Adults and children 12 years of age and older may apply this product to a cold sore every 2 hours for 4 days.
How often do cold sores flare up?
of people who have cold sores experience flare-ups more than five times a year. Avoiding potential cold sore triggers can help reduce the frequency of cold sore flare-ups. Cold sore triggers include: lip injuries. sun exposure and tanning beds.
How long does it take for a cold sore to heal?
In a study of 701 adults with recurring cold sores, the participants who took a single 1,500-mg dose of Famvir had an average healing time of 4.4 days. This was about 2 days shorter than the healing time in the placebo group. Famvir is available in 125-mg, 250-mg, and 500-mg oral tablets.
What is a cold sore?
Here’s our process. A cold sore is a painful blister that appears on the outside of the mouth close to or on the lips. Also known as fever blisters, cold sores develop due to herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infections. The HSV-1 virus is highly contagious and spreads through oral contact.
How much light does a cold sore need?
The system gives out 1072 nanometer light in distinct pulsating bursts.
How long does it take for a cold sore to heal?
With no treatment, cold sores can take up to two weeks to fully heal. Some over-the-counter treatments can reduce healing time by a few days, allowing the blister to heal in a week or so. The Virulite device cuts that time in half again, so most cold sores can be cleared up in days.
How long does it take for a fever blister to heal?
If you regularly suffer from cold sores, reducing the pain and appearance in a few days can be a big relief. With no treatment, cold sores can take up to two weeks to fully heal.
Is cold sore treatment as effective as virulite?
While each container may be less expensive, they have to be repeatedly purchased if you frequently experience outbreaks. Over time, that cost adds up. Additionally , those treatment options aren’t as effective as the Virulite system.
Does virulite help with cold sores?
Virulite uses an FDA-approved, patented light technology to help treat cold sores around the mouth and other areas where they may occur. It does this by helping to stimulate and boost your immune system so that it can fight back against the virus faster.
Can cold sores be embarrassing?
Dealing with cold sores on a regular basis can put you in a constant state of discomfort. On top of that, they can be unsightly and embarrassing. No one wants to experience them regularly. While more traditional treatment options are fine, they simply can’t hold up to the power and technology of this device.
Summary
How Does It Work?
- This device is also known as a ‘cold sore zapper.’ It uses a waveband of light that specifically targets the affected area where the cold sore has grown. This light helps to stimulate your skin, causing it to speed up the healing process.Lipzor doesn’t contain any medication and doesn’t dispense any topical solution. The light waves simply give you...
Results to Expect
- One of the best aspects of the Lipzor device is that it can be used at any stage of a fever blister. Like most over-the-counter products, it will always be most effective early on. When you notice the first symptoms of tingling and itching around the affected area, you should begin treatment. However, unlike many other topical solutions, you can use the device at any stage of a cold sore…
Side Effects
- There are no known side effects associated with this particular device. Because there are no actual ‘ingredients,’ you don’t have to worry about certain substances that might have a negative reaction with your skin. There are also no messy creams or ointments. The device itself doesn’t have to touch the cold sore to be effective. Blisters can be incredibly contagious. Having to touc…
How Long Does It Take to Work?
- As stated above, you can start to see a difference in as little as three days when the device is used properly. However, that is when you use it at later stages of a cold sore. If you’re able to catch the symptoms early on and start treatment, you can expect even faster results. In some cases, catching a cold sore early enough can help you to prevent a blister altogether. If you start to feel …
Value For Money
- The Lipzor Light Device is similar to the Virulite Electronic Cold Sore Treatmentin several ways. They use similar technologies to get rid of cold sores quickly, with just a few differences. One thing to keep in mind about this product and the Virulite system is that they may be more of an initial investment that typical cold sore creams or gels. However, the investment is a one-time p…
Pros and Cons
- Even though this product uses exciting, innovative technology, it may not be the right solution for everyone. Some people simply prefer more ‘standard’ treatments. There are pros and cons to consider before you decide if Lipzor is right for you. Let’s take a closer look at some of its strongest and weakest points. Pros: 1. Easy to use 2. Takes minutes a day 3. Can clear up cold s…
Conclusion
- If you’re checking out the Lipzor Light Device for Cold Sores, it’s likely you’ve already tried other treatments. Maybe they don’t get rid of your cold sores quickly. Maybe they don’t speed up your healing time. Or, maybe you’re just ready to try something different. Whatever the case, this device can be a great solution for people who are frequent fever blister sufferers. The herpes simplex vi…
References
- Ferreira, Dennis Carvalho, Reis, Helena Lucia Barroso, Cavalcante, Fernanda Sampaio, Santos, Kátia Regina Netto dos, & Passos, Mauro Romero Leal. (2011). Recurrent herpes simplex infections: laser...
- Carvalho RR, Paula Eduardo F, Ramalho KM, Antunes JL, Bezinelli LM, Magalhães MH, et al. Effect of laser phototherapy on recurring herpes labialis prevention: an in vivo study. Lasers i…
- Ferreira, Dennis Carvalho, Reis, Helena Lucia Barroso, Cavalcante, Fernanda Sampaio, Santos, Kátia Regina Netto dos, & Passos, Mauro Romero Leal. (2011). Recurrent herpes simplex infections: laser...
- Carvalho RR, Paula Eduardo F, Ramalho KM, Antunes JL, Bezinelli LM, Magalhães MH, et al. Effect of laser phototherapy on recurring herpes labialis prevention: an in vivo study. Lasers in Medical Sc...
- Eduardo C, Bezinelli LM, Eduardo F, et al. Prevention of recurrent herpes labialis outbreaks through low-intensity laser therapy: a clinical protocol with 3-year follow-up. Lasers Med Sci. 2012;27(...
