Zoster Cream
✅ Relieves shingles discomfort
✅ Soothes itching sensations
✅ Accelerates lesion healing
✅ Reduces pain severity
✅ Minimizes scarring risk
Zoster Cream contains Aciclovir.
✓ Medically reviewed by Morgan Ellis — Pharmacy Researcher · 8 years experience · Last reviewed: May 2026
💡 Quick Answer
Zoster Cream is a topical aciclovir 5% cream for cold sores (herpes labialis) and mild recurrent genital herpes. Apply 5 times daily for 4–5 days, starting at the first prodromal tingle. Most effective when started early; less effective for severe or frequent outbreaks (where oral antivirals are preferred).
📦 Every order is covered by our Reshipment Assurance Policy — if your parcel does not arrive within 20 business days, we reship it.
Why order from MedsBase
Ordering from MedsBase gives you sourcing from a WHO-GMP-certified manufacturer, discreet plain-envelope packaging, worldwide shipping, and 4.9★ ratings from over 1,400 verified customers. Card payments are routed via a regulated crypto on-ramp — the statement descriptor on your bank statement will show the processor name (a regulated card-payment processor), never “MedsBase” or any medication name. Every parcel is covered by our Reshipment Assurance Policy.
What Is Zoster Cream?
Zoster Cream is a topical aciclovir 5% cream (or ointment in some formulations), applied directly to skin affected by herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 or HSV-2) outbreaks. Aciclovir cream delivers the active antiviral to the site of replication without systemic absorption — a convenient option for mild, localised recurrences.
Mechanism is identical to oral aciclovir: the drug is activated by viral thymidine kinase in infected cells and halts viral DNA replication. Topical application achieves high local concentrations at the lesion while keeping systemic exposure minimal.
Clinical Uses
- Herpes labialis (cold sores): primary indication — apply at first tingle, 5× daily for 4 days.
- Recurrent genital herpes (mild): may be used for mild localised recurrences in patients who prefer topical treatment.
- Not first-line for: first-episode genital herpes (oral antivirals preferred), severe or frequent recurrences, immunocompromised patients, or oral herpes in children (oral aciclovir preferred).
How to Apply
- Wash hands before and after application.
- Apply a thin layer to the affected area at the earliest sign of outbreak (tingling, itching, burning) — ideally before blisters form.
- Use five times daily for 4 days (cold sores) or 5 days (mild genital herpes) — roughly every 4 hours while awake.
- Cover the entire visible lesion plus a small margin of surrounding skin.
- Do not apply inside the mouth, eyes, vagina, or urethra — use oral aciclovir for internal lesions.
- Complete the full 4–5 day course even if symptoms resolve.
Side Effects
Common (local only): mild burning or stinging at application site, dryness, scaling.
Less common: transient itching, localised rash.
Systemic side effects are rare because topical absorption is minimal.
Who Should Not Use Zoster Cream
- Known hypersensitivity to aciclovir or valacyclovir
- Application to mucous membranes (eyes, mouth interior, vagina) — use oral antivirals for internal lesions
- Not sufficient for first-episode genital herpes — oral antivirals are standard
- Not recommended for severely immunocompromised patients
Topical vs Oral Aciclovir
Topical cream suits mild, localised recurrences — easy to carry, no systemic exposure. Oral tablets are better for first-episode herpes, frequent recurrences, suppressive therapy, shingles, and immunocompromised patients. Many patients combine: topical cream for cold sores, oral suppressive therapy for frequent genital outbreaks.
Storage
Store at room temperature (15–25 °C / 59–77 °F) away from heat and direct sunlight. Replace cap tightly after use. Keep out of reach of children. Do not freeze. Discard after expiry date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Zoster Cream cure cold sores?
No. Nothing cures herpes simplex virus infection. Zoster Cream shortens outbreak duration and severity when applied early, but cannot eliminate the latent virus.
When is the best time to start applying Zoster Cream?
At the first prodromal sign — tingling, burning, or itching before a blister forms. Starting at the blister stage reduces benefit. Keep a tube handy for early self-treatment.
Can I apply Zoster Cream to a genital herpes outbreak?
Mild, localised recurrences on external skin can respond to topical aciclovir, but evidence is weaker than for cold sores. Oral antivirals (valacyclovir, aciclovir, famciclovir) are first-line for genital herpes. Never apply inside the vagina.
Can I apply makeup over Zoster Cream?
Only after the cream has fully absorbed. Avoid sharing lip products during an active outbreak.
How often should I apply?
Five times daily (roughly every 4 hours while awake) for 4 days. Do not exceed the recommended frequency.
Is Zoster Cream safe during pregnancy?
Topical aciclovir has minimal systemic absorption and is generally considered safe in pregnancy. Discuss with your clinician.
Can I use Zoster Cream preventively?
Topical aciclovir is indicated for treatment of active outbreaks, not suppression. For frequent recurrences, oral suppressive therapy (aciclovir, valacyclovir) is more effective.
What if the cold sore gets worse despite treatment?
If lesions progress or fail to heal within 10 days, consult a clinician — oral antivirals may be needed, or a secondary bacterial infection may require treatment.
Related Products & Guides
- Valacyclovir vs Acyclovir Guide
- Daily vs Episodic Herpes Treatment
- Valclovir (Valacyclovir)
- Valovera (Valacyclovir)
- Valcosign (Valacyclovir)
- Acivir 200 DT (Aciclovir)
⚕️ Medical Disclaimer: Information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. Prescription products should be used only under medical supervision.
Related Alternatives
Other products in Sexual Health that customers also view:
More options in Genital Herpes Treatment
Ranked by recent MedsBase order volume — what other customers in this category are picking.
| Strength | 5 mg |
|---|---|
| Quantity | 1 Tube/s, 2 Tube/s, 3 Tube/s, 6 Tube/s |
Q & A
Zoster Cream
Related products
