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Can I Use Silvadene On A Cold Sore On My Lip Once The Scab Has Fallen Off?
Question: Can I use silvadene on a cold sore on my lip once the scab has fallen off...?
Brief Answer:
used for bacterial infections , would not cause harm
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Typically silvadene (silver sulfadiazine)which is a topical antibiotic, is used for burns to prevent infections in burn patients.
You can use it in this instance if you wish or any other topical antibiotic if the area appears to be bacterially infected along with the cold sore (viral ) infection.
Though it would not cause any harm, it would help with a bacterial not viral infection.
Cold sores are caused by viral infections not bacterial infection.This is the reason , acyclovir, an antiviral medication, is used not an antibacterial (antibiotic is not used).
If you notice discharge or pus, increasing not decreasing redness or pain or swelling then it is possible there is a bacterial infection
Summary- (1) cold sores are caused by viral not bacterial infections
(2)silvadene is a topical antibiotic, used for bacterial infections in burns
(3)it would not cause any harm (you can use it) but would not help unless you have a bacterial infection along with the viral one
I hope this helps ,feel free to ask any other questions
used for bacterial infections , would not cause harm
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Typically silvadene (silver sulfadiazine)which is a topical antibiotic, is used for burns to prevent infections in burn patients.
You can use it in this instance if you wish or any other topical antibiotic if the area appears to be bacterially infected along with the cold sore (viral ) infection.
Though it would not cause any harm, it would help with a bacterial not viral infection.
Cold sores are caused by viral infections not bacterial infection.This is the reason , acyclovir, an antiviral medication, is used not an antibacterial (antibiotic is not used).
If you notice discharge or pus, increasing not decreasing redness or pain or swelling then it is possible there is a bacterial infection
Summary- (1) cold sores are caused by viral not bacterial infections
(2)silvadene is a topical antibiotic, used for bacterial infections in burns
(3)it would not cause any harm (you can use it) but would not help unless you have a bacterial infection along with the viral one
I hope this helps ,feel free to ask any other questions
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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