Zovirax Cold Sore Cream 2g

Zovirax Cold Sore Cream (aciclovir 5%) is an antiviral cream that treats cold sores on the lips and face, working best at the tingle stage.

  • Aciclovir 5% antiviral for recurrent cold sores
  • Works best applied at the first tingle, before blistering
  • Apply five times a day for 4 to 10 days
  • Suitable for adults and children
  • From a GPhC-registered UK pharmacy

£7.19

Zovirax Cold Sore Cream 2g - aciclovir 5% antiviral cream

Zovirax Cold Sore Cream treats cold sores on the lips and face. It contains the antiviral aciclovir 5%, and works best when you apply it at the very first tingle – before a cold sore has the chance to fully develop.

What is Zovirax Cold Sore Cream?

Zovirax is an antiviral cream containing aciclovir 5% w/w. It is used to treat recurrent cold sores (herpes labialis) caused by the herpes simplex virus. It is a general sale medicine you can buy without a prescription from our GPhC-registered UK pharmacy.

What causes cold sores?

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, which stays in the body after the first infection and can reactivate from time to time – often triggered by stress, illness, tiredness, cold weather or strong sunlight. An outbreak usually starts with a tingle or itch, followed by small blisters that crust and heal.

How to use Zovirax cream

  • Apply a thin layer to the cold sore and surrounding skin five times a day, about every 4 hours (you can skip the night-time application).
  • Continue for at least 4 days; if needed you can use it for up to 10 days.
  • Wash your hands before and after applying, and use a clean fingertip or cotton bud.

Please read the patient information leaflet inside the pack before use.

Apply at the first tingle

Aciclovir works best when it is started as early as possible – at the first tingle, itch or patch of redness, before a blister forms. It can still help once a blister has appeared, but the earlier you start, the better. Many people keep a tube handy so they can act at the first sign.

How does Zovirax work?

Aciclovir is an antiviral that blocks the herpes simplex virus from copying its DNA, slowing the virus down so the cold sore can heal, without affecting normal skin cells.

Avoiding spreading cold sores

Cold sores are contagious, especially when weeping. Try not to touch or pick the sore, wash your hands after applying the cream, avoid sharing cups, cutlery, towels or lip products, and avoid kissing (including babies) while a cold sore is active.

Side effects of Zovirax

Side effects are usually mild, such as brief stinging, burning or dryness where the cream is applied. Rarely, some people are sensitive to an ingredient and develop redness or a rash – stop use and seek advice if this happens.

Who should not use Zovirax cream?

Do not use it if you are allergic to aciclovir, valaciclovir or propylene glycol. Use it only on cold sores of the lips and face – not inside the mouth or eyes, and not for genital herpes. If you have a weakened immune system, or cold sores that are frequent, severe or slow to heal, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

Buy Zovirax Cold Sore Cream online

Order Zovirax Cold Sore Cream from Bury Healthcare Online, a GPhC-registered UK pharmacy. Browse more in our skin care range.

Always read the label and the patient information leaflet before use. If a cold sore does not heal within 10 days, or keeps coming back, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

Medically reviewed by Hassan Khan, MPharm, Independent Prescriber — Superintendent Pharmacist, Bury Healthcare Online (GPhC-registered pharmacy 1126145). Last reviewed: July 2026.

Zovirax FAQs

What is Zovirax Cold Sore Cream used for?
Zovirax treats cold sores (recurrent herpes labialis) on the lips and face. Its active ingredient, aciclovir 5%, is an antiviral that tackles the herpes simplex virus responsible for cold sores, helping them heal.
How do you use Zovirax cream?
Apply a thin layer to the cold sore and the skin around it five times a day, at roughly four-hourly intervals (you can skip the night-time application). Continue for at least 4 days; if the cold sore has not healed you can keep going for up to 10 days. Wash your hands before and after.
When should you apply Zovirax?
As early as possible. Zovirax works best when you start at the first tingle, itch or redness – before a blister forms. Keeping a tube handy so you can start at the very first sign gives the best chance of stopping the cold sore developing.
Does Zovirax still work once a cold sore has blistered?
It is most effective started at the tingle stage, but it can still help if a blister has already appeared – it may ease the outbreak and support healing. It will simply work best the earlier you begin.
How long does a cold sore take to heal?
Most cold sores heal within about 7 to 10 days with or without treatment; starting aciclovir early can help. If your cold sore has not healed after 10 days of using the cream, or outbreaks are frequent or severe, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
Can children use Zovirax cream?
Yes – Zovirax Cold Sore Cream can be used by adults and children for cold sores on the lips and face. For a young child, or if you are unsure, ask your pharmacist for advice.
Can you use Zovirax when pregnant or breastfeeding?
Aciclovir cream is applied to a small area of skin with little absorbed into the body. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is still sensible to check with your pharmacist or doctor before use.
Where should you not use Zovirax cream?
Use it only on cold sores on the lips and face. Do not use it inside the mouth or eyes, or for genital herpes. Avoid getting it in the eyes, and do not use it if you are allergic to aciclovir, valaciclovir or propylene glycol.
Are cold sores contagious?
Yes. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus and are contagious, especially when weeping. Avoid touching or picking the sore, do not share cups, cutlery, towels or lip products, wash your hands after applying the cream, and avoid kissing while a cold sore is active.
What are the side effects of Zovirax cream?
Side effects are usually mild – a temporary stinging, burning or dryness where the cream is applied. Rarely, some people are sensitive to an ingredient and get redness or a rash; stop use and seek advice if this happens.

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