General
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. Cold sore outbreaks, where a cold sore blister appears on the skin, are often triggered by temperature changes (for example, hot or cold weather). Additionally, stress and anxiety, amongst others, can also trigger a cold sore.
Cold sores are painful blisters on the face, primarily around the lips, caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). While there are different variations of the herpes virus, the most common are Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1) and Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV-2), with HSV-1 being considerably more prevalent than HSV-2. HSV-1 usually causes cold sores, while HSV-2 most commonly causes genital herpes.
The product is manufactured under best practice conditions but it is not sterile.
Depending on variations in the individual body's defence mechanisms, a cold sore outbreak sometimes can be more severe in comparison to how the outbreak usually appears in that individual. This can happen independently from the used treatment. The area of the lesion may be bigger with more blisters developing and/or several foci may develop in different areas by degrees, often appearing with increased pain.
Moreover, with a herpes outbreak, there is always a risk of secondary infection with bacteria, which can make the outbreak more painful and can lead to a more serious problem. In addition, there are other illnesses affecting the skin and closely resembling the clinical picture of a cold sore, requiring specific medical treatment. All this can happen with any treatment and is an intrinsic fact for the herpes outbreak itself. However, a more severe course of symptoms may also potentially be an indication for a very rarely occurring incompatibility or allergic reaction, even if the product is well tolerated. So, if redness and pain increase under use of the product, use should be terminated until medical clarification.
As the individual course of symptoms can vary, it is recommended to consult a doctor if this condition persists during or after using products as worsens further (gets much longer than usual and/or does not heal within 10 days or is near the eye).
Cold sores generally heal in 7 - 12 days. Always consult a doctor or pharmacist if the cold sore does not heal or if it appears to get worse.
There is no medication in the patch. However, it contains hydrocolloid technology which is an absorbent ingredient. Hydrocolloid technology is one of the latest technologies to be used in wound care. It is the vital element in the design of an ultra thin, flexible and discreet wound treatment. Treatments based on hydrocolloid technology also help prevent the virus from spreading.
Though cold sore outbreaks can't be prevented, the following may minimize spread of cold sores and reduce the frequency of outbreaks:
Always wash your hands before and after touching the cold sore lesion.
Avoid kissing, sharing drinks and lip products until the sore has healed.
If you know the triggers for your cold sore, try to minimize your exposure. For example, you can apply lip balms with SPF if your cold sores are triggered by extreme weather.
It is not possible to avoid infection of the Cold Sore Virus or to completely avoid future outbreaks.
Cold sore recurrences are very common. The virus stays in the ganglia in an inactive, or latent, form. During this time, the virus does not replicate. It stays in this latent form for varying amounts of time. Certain triggers may cause the virus to travel down the nerve to the skin and cause symptoms to reappear. This is known as a recurrence.
Even with a normal immune system, recurrences can happen. Sometimes the recurrence occurs spontaneously. However, the following are known triggers that can stimulate a recurrence: physical stress, persistent stressors, anxiety, fever, exposure to ultraviolet light, sun exposure, nerve damage, tissue damage, a suppressed immune system, heat, cold, menstruation, other infections, fatigue, or hormonal changes.
Usage
Do not attempt to remove the patch until it starts peeling off at the edges. If the plaster is still on after 12 hours, it will continue to create an optimal healing environment and will continue to be effective.
Yes. For best results, begin use at the first symptom of a cold sore.
Compeed® Cold Sore Discreet Healing Patch can be used by adults. The product has not been tested on children, pregnant, or breast feeding women.
The product has not been tested on children.
No special precautions need to be taken when using the patch.
Yes, as long as you are gentle around the infected area.
It is recommended to avoid intimate contact with other people during an outbreak. When an outbreak occurs, the HSV-1 is present and can be easily transferred from one person to another through kissing or sharing a drink.
There are no known incompatibilities with any type of food or beverage when using the patch.
Yes. Just make sure the product remains in place. Since the virus is also present in the saliva of cold sore sufferers, it is recommended not to share glasses or cutlery with others.
Benefits
The wound and the skin do not dry out by using the patch. The patch seals around the cold sore, covering it entirely to protect it from further aggravation such as by touching. The patch also provides soothing relief from itching and burning. It absorbs some of the fluid and allows the rest to evaporate through the patch. Scabbing is reduced because the wound does not dry out. The wound is less obvious to people and more comfortable without the presence of a dry, itchy scab.
Compeed® Cold Sore Discreet Healing Patch contains hydrocolloid gel that helps cold sores from start to finish. Compeed® Cold Sore Discreet healing Patch provides a treatment that is clinically proven to tackle all 5 stages of cold sore symptoms, from beginning to end.
Soothes and relieves burning and itching.
No more embarrassing situations as the patch discreetly yet comprehensively treats sores, and helps prevent the virus from spreading by reducing the contaminated area from being touched by dirty hands.
Helps to prevent contamination.
Creates an optimal healing environment, prevents scab formation, and protects from germs.
The patch should not affect your healthy skin and should not make it dry and itchy as it works by creating a moist healing environment.
Yes, a clinical study was conducted with Compeed® Cold Sore Discreet Healing Patch. It evidenced that cold sores are less visible and effectively managed by the patch. Patients in the study reported that the use of the patch resulted in a comfortable, hygienic, less visible, and breathable management of cold sores.
Touching is the most common source of cross-contamination and a Compeed® Cold Sore Discreet Healing Patch seals and covers the wound completely, helping prevent hands from touching it.
Compeed® Cold Sore Discreet Healing Patch does not provide significant UV protection. You can use sunscreen if needed.
Yes. However, if irritation persists, consult your doctor who should determine treatment and visit a doctor.
The patch is water-resistant, including chlorinated and salt water. Since some cold sores are located near the mouth, washing the face or coming into contact with drinking fluids may reduce the adhesion. Swimming may also reduce the adhesion. The water will only enter through the edges, not through the outer film. If that should occur, simply replace it with a new patch.
Mode of action
The patch provides optimal healing conditions for the cold sore lesion. When covering the cold sore with Compeed® Cold Sore Discreet Healing Patch, soothing relief from itching and burning occurs because the patch protects exposed nerve endings and prevents the cold sore from drying out, therefore reducing formation of painful scabs.
Compeed® Cold Sore Hydrocolloid technology is an active gel that acts like a second skin. It seals your cold sore, allowing acceleration of your body’s natural healing mechanism.
You can start to use when you first feel a tingle and continue using a patch day and night throughout the outbreak until the lesion is fully healed.
Anti-virals fight the replication of the virus, which is only part of the problem when you get a cold sore. The virus can never actually be eliminated. Therefore, an effective alternative approach is to heal the cold sore and treat its symptoms as you would a wound. The Compeed® Cold Sore Discreet Healing Patch effectively treats the cold sore in a way that relieves the symptoms associated with each stage of the outbreak.
Indications/Contraindications
Yes, you can use it on facial Herpes except for those around the eyes.
There is no clinical data available on the use of Compeed® Cold Sore Discreet Healing Patches by pregnant or breast-feeding women.
No.
There is a lack of clinical data on using a combination of the patch with other local treatment. We recommend not to use the patch with other local treatment or to consult your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.
We do not recommend using creams or ointments under the patch as they could compromise the adhesion. However Sunscreen can be applied over the plaster to protect from UV.
The patches have not been tested in combination with medicinal products, please consult your doctor or pharmacist for further advice. Creams or ointments under the patch reduce the adhesion. Do not use Compeed® Cold Sore Discreet Healing Patch if you have experienced a previous allergic reaction to using the patches.
The product is composed of materials that do not pose a health hazard. There should be no choking hazard due to the thinness and small dimensions of the patch. The product is not meant to be ingested. If you do swallow it anyways, please consult your doctor.