Camphor, phenol, menthol preparations
Patient Counselling
Use:
Products containing the ingredients camphor, menthol and phenol are applied topically on the cold sore for pain and itch relief.1 These ingredients numb the area so that you do not feel the pain or itch from your cold sore. Do not use products that contain a camphor concentration greater than 3% and/or a menthol concentration greater than 1% as such concentrations can cause irritation and inflammation.
Administration: Adults and children over the age of 2 years should apply the preparation 3-4 times daily. If the patient is using an ointment, he or she may use a cotton-tipped swab (Q-Tip). If the finger is used to apply the ointment, ensure the hands are washed before and after use.
Stop using the ointment once the scab falls off.
Side effects:
· Tingling sensation
· Cool sensation
· A white residue may appear on the skin
Reference:
Conklin, JS. (2010). Chapter 92 cold sores (herpes labialis). In Patient self-care, 2nd ed. (889-896). Ottawa, ON: Canadian Pharmacists Association.
Products containing the ingredients camphor, menthol and phenol are applied topically on the cold sore for pain and itch relief.1 These ingredients numb the area so that you do not feel the pain or itch from your cold sore. Do not use products that contain a camphor concentration greater than 3% and/or a menthol concentration greater than 1% as such concentrations can cause irritation and inflammation.
Administration: Adults and children over the age of 2 years should apply the preparation 3-4 times daily. If the patient is using an ointment, he or she may use a cotton-tipped swab (Q-Tip). If the finger is used to apply the ointment, ensure the hands are washed before and after use.
Stop using the ointment once the scab falls off.
Side effects:
· Tingling sensation
· Cool sensation
· A white residue may appear on the skin
Reference:
Conklin, JS. (2010). Chapter 92 cold sores (herpes labialis). In Patient self-care, 2nd ed. (889-896). Ottawa, ON: Canadian Pharmacists Association.