Numark Cold Sore Cream - Aciclovir

What Is Aciclovir Cold Sore Cream and How Can It Help?

Cold sores are one of those things that always seem to appear at the worst possible moment — before a big event, when you're run down, or right after a bout of illness. They're caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which lies dormant in nerve tissue and reactivates when your immune system is under pressure. Aciclovir cold sore cream is a clinically proven antiviral treatment that targets the virus directly, helping to shorten the duration of an outbreak and ease discomfort. Numark Cold Sore Cream contains aciclovir 5% w/w and is available over the counter without a prescription, making it easy to treat a cold sore quickly. You can find it alongside other creams and ointments at Cured Pharmacy.

Cold sores typically go through several stages — tingling, blistering, weeping, and crusting — and the earlier you start treatment, the better the outcome. The NHS advises that antiviral creams like aciclovir are most effective when applied at the very first sign of a cold sore, ideally during the tingling or itching phase before a blister even forms.

How Does Numark Cold Sore Cream Work?

Aciclovir belongs to a class of medicines called nucleoside analogues. It works by interfering with the herpes simplex virus's ability to replicate inside your skin cells. Here's how the process unfolds:

• Aciclovir is absorbed into cells infected by the herpes simplex virus.
• Inside infected cells, a viral enzyme called thymidine kinase converts aciclovir into its active form, aciclovir triphosphate.
• Aciclovir triphosphate then blocks the viral enzyme DNA polymerase, which the virus needs to copy its DNA.
• Without the ability to replicate, the virus cannot spread further, and the outbreak begins to resolve.

Because this activation process relies on a viral enzyme, aciclovir acts selectively on infected cells and has very little effect on healthy surrounding tissue. That's what makes it a well-tolerated topical treatment for most people.

Who Is Numark Cold Sore Cream Suitable For?

This cream is suitable for most adults and young people aged 12 and over who experience recurrent cold sores on the lips or face. It is an over-the-counter medicine, so you don't need a prescription to buy it. That said, it's not appropriate for everyone. It is suitable for:

• Adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over
• People experiencing the early signs of a cold sore (tingling, itching, or redness)
• Those with recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores on the lips or around the mouth)
• People looking for a cost-effective alternative to branded aciclovir creams

It is not suitable for use on genital herpes, inside the mouth, near the eyes, or on mucous membranes. If you're unsure whether this product is right for you, speak to a pharmacist before use.

How Does Numark Cold Sore Cream Compare to Other Cold Sore Treatments?

Is Numark Cold Sore Cream Safe to Store and Use Long Term?

Numark Cold Sore Cream should be stored below 25°C, away from direct heat and sunlight, and kept out of the reach of children. Do not use the cream after the expiry date printed on the packaging. Once opened, the tube should be used within the period indicated on the label. If you experience frequent cold sore outbreaks — more than six per year — it's worth speaking to your GP, as oral antiviral therapy may be more appropriate for suppressive treatment. For everyday skin health between outbreaks, you might also find useful products in our skin care collection.

This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

What Is Numark Cold Sore Cream and What Is It Used For?

Numark Cold Sore Cream is a topical antiviral medicine containing aciclovir 5% w/w. It is used to treat cold sores — small, fluid-filled blisters that typically appear on or around the lips and are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). Cold sores are extremely common in the UK; the NHS estimates that around two-thirds of people under 50 carry the virus, though not everyone develops visible sores. The cream does not cure the underlying viral infection, but it can significantly reduce the severity and duration of an outbreak, particularly when applied early. It is classified as a Pharmacy (P) medicine and is available without a prescription from registered pharmacies.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Numark Cold Sore Cream?

Before applying this cream, read the following carefully. There are situations where this product may not be appropriate for you.

Do not use this cream if you:

• Are allergic to aciclovir, valaciclovir, propylene glycol, or any other ingredient in the cream
• Have a severely weakened immune system (e.g. due to HIV, chemotherapy, or organ transplant) — seek medical advice first
• Are under 12 years of age — use only under medical supervision
• Have cold sores inside the mouth, near the eyes, or on the genitals — this cream is not suitable for those areas

Warnings and precautions:

• Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, and mucous membranes
• Do not apply to broken or inflamed skin beyond the cold sore itself
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor or pharmacist before use
• Cold sores are contagious — avoid kissing or sharing utensils during an outbreak
• If your cold sore has not improved after 10 days, see your GP

Drug interactions:

• No clinically significant interactions are known at topical doses
• If you are taking oral antiviral medicines, inform your pharmacist before using this cream

How Should You Use Numark Cold Sore Cream?

Timing is everything with cold sore treatment. Apply the cream as soon as you notice the first warning signs — tingling, itching, or redness — before a blister has fully formed. This gives the aciclovir the best chance of limiting the outbreak. If you're also managing other skin concerns, our first aid collection has a range of products that may help with minor skin irritation.

1. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying the cream.
2. Using a clean fingertip or cotton bud, apply a thin layer of cream to the affected area.
3. Gently smooth the cream over the cold sore — do not rub vigorously.
4. Apply five times a day, approximately every four hours (you may skip the night-time dose if needed).
5. Continue treatment for five days. If the sore has not healed, continue for up to ten days.
6. Do not cover the treated area with a plaster or dressing unless advised by a healthcare professional.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Numark Cold Sore Cream?

Like all medicines, Numark Cold Sore Cream can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Most side effects are mild and localised to the area of application.

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

• Mild burning or stinging sensation at the application site
• Itching or tingling of the skin
• Temporary skin dryness or flaking

Less common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

• Skin redness or mild rash around the treated area
• Contact dermatitis (allergic skin reaction) — stop use and seek advice if this occurs
• Swelling or peeling of the skin

If you experience a severe allergic reaction — including swelling of the face, lips, or throat, difficulty breathing, or widespread rash — stop using the cream immediately and seek emergency medical attention. This type of reaction is rare but serious.

How Should You Store Numark Cold Sore Cream?

Correct storage helps maintain the effectiveness of the cream throughout its shelf life. Follow these guidelines:

• Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place
• Do not refrigerate or freeze
• Keep the tube tightly closed when not in use
• Keep out of the reach and sight of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the tube and carton
• Do not dispose of medicines via wastewater or household waste — return unused medicines to your pharmacy

If you're looking for other treatments to support your health during a cold sore outbreak — such as immune-supporting supplements — browse our vitamins and supplements range for options that may help support general wellbeing.