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Zovirax cream contains the active ingredient aciclovir, which is an antiviral medicine. It is used to treat skin infections with the herpes simplex virus, for example cold sores and genital herpes (caused by herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2). Aciclovir works by stopping the herpes simplex virus from reproducing and infecting more cells.
Aciclovir is converted to a more active form inside cells of the body that are infected with herpes simplex. The activated aciclovir then works by blocking the action of a viral enzyme called DNA polymerase.
The herpes virus needs the DNA polymerase enzyme to copy its genetic material from RNA to DNA. This process is necessary for the virus to multiply and continue to survive. By blocking the action of DNA polymerase, aciclovir prevents the herpes virus from multiplying. This controls the infection and helps the immune system to deal with it.
If your cold sore has already appeared, Zovirax cream can help speed the healing process. Cold sores are self-limiting condition, with most lesions progressing to ulcer or crust stage within 48 hours. Healing is generally complete with in 8-10 days. It is known that 25% of lesions spontaneously abort at prodrome stage. In these cases the use of aciclovir is minimised, thus eliminating any inappropriate excess use of the product.
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