Cold Sore or Ingrown Hair?

Herstat Relief from the Symptoms of Cold Sores

Use at the start of a cold sore outbreak.

$18.95 Introductory offer $14.95

Herstat Lip Care Stick

Use in between a cold sore outbreak.

$14.95 Introductory offer $12.50

Herstat Plus+ Cold Sore Treatment

Effective at any stage of an outbreak.

$21.95

Herstat Genital Sore Treatment

Use on skin sores in the genital area.

$49.95

Dr Zenon Sosnowski is the man behind our unique formulas. He spent several decades of his life researching the potential human benefits of bee propolis and developed the complex techniques used to refine the various propolis extracts included in all Herstat® products.

The Herstat® brand represents a range of products designed to treat and/or mitigate the symptoms and effects of the herpes simplex virus, HSV-1 (cold sores) and HSV-2 (genital herpes) in patients. We also manufacture a lip care product which can be used in-between cold sore outbreaks.

Herpes is a major global health problem. The World Health Organisation estimates that 3.7 billion people under the age of 50 (67%) are infected with HSV-1 globally. An estimated 491 million people aged 15–49 (13%) worldwide is infected with herpes simplex HSV-2.

Approximately 60% of those infected with HSV will remain asymptomatic throughout their lifetime and in these subjects the virus lies virtually dormant. However, for those who do manifest symptoms, it can cause painful blisters, swelling and ulcers at the site of infection. Stigmatisation and embarrassment are further discernible side-effects of both cold sores and genital herpes.

Symptoms generally recur over many years in sufferers and medication does not cure or eradicate the underlying virus completely. During the period between episodes the virus retreats into the central nervous system, within the cluster of nerves called the ganglia, situated at the top and bottom of the spine.

Outbreaks occur when the body’s immune system is compromised and can be triggered by anything from sunburn to long-haul travel and menstruation in women. In immunocompromised patients, herpes usually presents more severe symptoms and more frequent recurrences.

Herstat® products fall under various regulatory frameworks in the territories within which they are sold, with the products aimed at cold sore (HSV-1) and genital herpes (HSV-2) sufferers. All Herstat® products contain one of our unique purified propolis extracts. The Herstat® brand is sold in six country territories worldwide and we currently plan to increase this to 12 territories in the near term. Our strategic objective is to establish Herstat® as the leading global brand in the herpes space.

We sell three cold sore related products in the USA and one item designed to treat genital sores. Herstat® is part of the Dr Sosnowski’s™ range of therapeutics and is available from all Walgreens, Rite Aid stores and most other major US pharmacies.

Herstat® - Make tomorrow a better day.

Bundles to save

Stronger together bundle

1 x Lip Care Ointment & 1 x Lip Care Stick.

$33.90 Special offer $26.00

Long haul special saver bundle

3 x Lip Care Ointment & 1 x Lip Care Stick.

$71.80 Special offer $53.95

Our formulas are free from artificial fragrance, sulphates and parabens, and we don’t hide any of our ingredients.

SEE INGREDIENTS

If you have only recently started developing cold sores, it can be difficult to tell the difference between an outbreak of HSV-1 and other causes of lesions, discomfort or discolouration – for example, impetigo, acne, dermatitis or canker sores.

In the post below, Herstat, makers of a clinically proven propolis-based cold sore treatment, take a look at how to differentiate between a cold sore and another unsightly annoyance – an ingrown hair.

Spotting an ingrown hair

Hair should and, fortunately, most of the time does, grow upwards from the hair follicle and out and away from the body. However, hair can also curve back around and grow back into the follicle, burrowing under the skin. This can cause irritation and inflammation and lead to the development of the blisters which are so regularly mistaken for cold sores.

These blisters, known as pseudofolliculitis barbae, can cause pronounced pain and can become infected. In some cases, they may become so severe that they require treatment with antibiotics and cause scarring.

Cold sore or ingrown hair

You are more likely to be suffering from an ingrown hair if:

The irritation develops within two days of shaving or following a period of friction.
You can see a hair just under the surface of the skin.
You have very curly or tightly coiled facial hair.

Preventing an ingrown hair

You can reduce your vulnerability to ingrown hairs by ensuring good hygiene and taking a few simple steps when shaving. For example, before you start, ensure you have a clean, sharp razor, wash your face and use an exfoliator. Once you are shaving, pull your skin taut and only ever move the blade ‘against the grain of the hair’.

How to treat an ingrown hair

If you have an ingrown hair, keep the area clean and do not ever be tempted to squeeze or pick the site – doing so can cause infection. See your GP, who may help to remove the ingrown hair and/or prescribe a retinoid cream and steroids. In the case of a bad infection, you may be prescribed antibiotics.

Conclusion

If you cannot tell the difference between an ingrown hair and a cold sore, you should ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice – it would be a mistake to waste cold sore cream by applying it to an ingrown hair or to try and excavate a non-existent hair from a cold sore.