Camphor, phenol, menthol preparations
Place in Therapy
Place in Therapy
Preparations containing camphor, menthol and phenol are used topically to alleviate the pain and itch caused by cold sores(1,2,3). Although there is a lack of primary literature to support the use of camphor, phenol and menthol preparations in cold sore symptom treatment, some guidelines and reviews support its use(2,3). Head-to-head trials comparing preparations containing the three ingredients against other topical analgesics have not been conducted. A preparation containing camphor, phenol and menthol can be considered an alternative topical agent for the symptomatic treatment of cold sores.
Camphor, phenol and menthol preparations are found over-the-counter in many pharmacies and are generally considered safe for use. However, products containing greater than 3% camphor and 1% menthol can cause irritation and inflammation and, thus, are contraindicated for the treatment of cold sore symptoms(1).
Bottom Line:
Preparations containing camphor (less than 3%), menthol and phenol (less than 1%) are safe topical agents for the alleviation of pain and itch caused by cold sores.
References:
1. Conklin, JS. (2010). Chapter 92 cold sores (herpes labialis). In Patient self-care, 2nd ed. (889-896). Ottawa, ON: Canadian Pharmacists Association.
2. Kleymann G. Novel agents and strategies to treat herpes simplex virus infections. Expert Opin Investig Drugs. 2003;12(2):165-83.
3. Drugge JM, Allen PJ. A nurse practitioner’s guide to the management of herpes simplex virus-1 in children. Pediatr Nurs. 2008;34(4):310-318.
Preparations containing camphor, menthol and phenol are used topically to alleviate the pain and itch caused by cold sores(1,2,3). Although there is a lack of primary literature to support the use of camphor, phenol and menthol preparations in cold sore symptom treatment, some guidelines and reviews support its use(2,3). Head-to-head trials comparing preparations containing the three ingredients against other topical analgesics have not been conducted. A preparation containing camphor, phenol and menthol can be considered an alternative topical agent for the symptomatic treatment of cold sores.
Camphor, phenol and menthol preparations are found over-the-counter in many pharmacies and are generally considered safe for use. However, products containing greater than 3% camphor and 1% menthol can cause irritation and inflammation and, thus, are contraindicated for the treatment of cold sore symptoms(1).
Bottom Line:
Preparations containing camphor (less than 3%), menthol and phenol (less than 1%) are safe topical agents for the alleviation of pain and itch caused by cold sores.
References:
1. Conklin, JS. (2010). Chapter 92 cold sores (herpes labialis). In Patient self-care, 2nd ed. (889-896). Ottawa, ON: Canadian Pharmacists Association.
2. Kleymann G. Novel agents and strategies to treat herpes simplex virus infections. Expert Opin Investig Drugs. 2003;12(2):165-83.
3. Drugge JM, Allen PJ. A nurse practitioner’s guide to the management of herpes simplex virus-1 in children. Pediatr Nurs. 2008;34(4):310-318.