In this article, I’m going to teach you everything you need to know about the benzalkonium chloride cold sores connection.
Many people have recently asked me the question:
Does benzalkonium chloride work for cold sores?
After doing some in-depth research on this subject, I want to share with you what I’ve found!!
And after sharing the science behind benzalkonium chloride, I’ll provide you with a Step-by-Step Plan on how to use benzalkonium chloride for cold sores.
Cold Sores Overview
Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are groups of small blisters that form on or near the lips. Cold sores are a result of something called herpes simplex virus (HSV).
There are two types of HSV, and both can cause cold sores. HSV-1 typically is responsible for cold sores, and HSV-2 is most often the cause of genital herpes.
However, both types of HSV can cause cold sores or genital herpes.
After primary infection, the virus resides in the associated dorsal root ganglion where it lies dormant until an external stimuli (such as stress or immunosuppression) initiate reactivation of the virus from dormancy.
The virus lives on forever, and that’s why people continue to get cold sores over and over again.
Benzalkonium Chloride Overview
Benzalkonium chloride is an organic salt that is classified as a quaternary ammonium compound.
Benzallonium chloride has three main categories of use:
- Phase Transfer Agent
- Cationic Surfactant
- Biocide
Biocides are chemical substances or microorganisms which are intended to destroy, deter, render harmless, or exert a controlling effect on any harmful organism by chemical or biological means.
Benzalkonium chloride is an active ingredient in Bactine. Bactine is a first aid antiseptic that became available for over-the-counter use in the United States in 1950.
Bactine helps prevent skin infection. Bactine also relieves pain and itch from minor cuts, scrapes, and burns.
Many people even use Bactine for cold sores as it contains 0.13% benzalkonium chloride, the same ingredient in Viroxyn, Releev, and other OTC medicine for cold sores.
Benzalkonium Chloride For Cold Sores – How Does it Work?
Using benzalkonium chloride for cold sores works because it disrupts the lipid coat of the virus. By doing this, benzalkonium chloride inactivates the herpes simplex virus.
If you use benzalkonium chloride early on, during the first sign of a cold sore (tingle, itch, burn), you may be able to prevent the cold sore completely, or at least shorten the healing duration by a few days or more.
Pretty cool right?
The most affordable way to use benzalkonium chloride for cold sores is to use Bactine.
Yes there are cold sore medicines which can work well, but lots of people use Bactine because it has the same ingredient (benzalkonium chloride) in the same concentration (0.13%).
People swear by Bactine’s effectiveness.
Click here to read my article on Bactine>>
How To Use Benzalkonium Chloride For Cold Sores
As I stated earlier, the most affordable way to use benzalkonium chloride for cold sores is to use Bactine.
Here’s a step-by-step method that has worked for many people:
- Mix 1 tsp Bactine with 1 tsp 90% rubbing alcohol
- Dip a couple of Q-tips in
- Massage gently but firmly into the cold sore
- Repeat 4 times a day
- Wash your hands with warm water and soap after each application
Benzalkonium Chloride For Cold Sores – Conclusion
As you can see, the science behind benzalkonium chloride shows how effective this biocide is at combating the herpes simplex virus.
But you’ve probably heard the saying, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
And that’s why the best way to treat cold sores is to prevent them in the first place.
Thus, I highly recommend checking out my Ultimate Guide To Preventing Cold Sores.
It’s FREE and has everything you need to know to prevent cold sores from ever surfacing on your lips or other areas.
If you have any comments or questions on the use of benzalkonium chloride for cold sores, please post them in the comment box below.
Dana says
You don’t even need to mix bactine with alcohol just use it alone!! I’m a lifetime sufferer with numerous flares per year. I’m 53 so you can imagine how many I’ve had. For the last 2 years I’ve used Bactine at first sign and some go away without forming others are extremely minor ones. This is big for me. You won’t be sorry you tried it!!
Matt says
Great testimonial Dana! Thanks for sharing!
Cat says
How long should a cold sore last? This is my first one. I’ve been using Releev & had its lasted over 2 weeks. I tried killing it by applying organic vinegar & it scabbed up pretty good & dried up for the most part. It’s healed up quite a lot but I feel like it’s not completely gone yet. I’ve been using a vitamin E lip mousturizer too. Now other parts of my lips feel irritated.
Matt says
Hi Cat, cold sores typically last 7-14 days but sometimes longer. I’m going to post a link to an article I wrote on this subject that should help:
Cold Sore Stages: Here’s What To Expect From Beginning To End>>