Polysporin® Cold Sore Healing Patch

My overall rating

Hey all, Read all of the reviews and each and every single review gave me insight into the effectiveness of the patch. Some reviews I identified with more, some less, but in reality what we share is that cold sores are an uncomfortable and...   +

Hey all,

Read all of the reviews and each and every single review gave me insight into the effectiveness of the patch.

Some reviews I identified with more, some less, but in reality what we share is that cold sores are an uncomfortable and embarrassing thing to deal with. Gonna have to admit that the embarrassment is the strongest element for me. You don't feel your best and the fact that it is so easily transmitted adds embarrassment.

Okay, that being said....

It was hard to rate this product because we are looking at the product for actual healing time and the emotional aspects of having cold sores.

It is the most amazing product for masking and reducing the appearance of the cold sore! I would score a five for that.

Does it speed the healing process?

Errrr, not quite sure about that. I have used over the counter and prescription ointments, pretty much as good as prescription

It DOES reduce the look of it, through masking or treatment. The time remains the same for healing but the sore does not get as raised, is not as seapy (barf), does not bleed, does not go through the endless cycle of shedding, getting worse, getting better, then shedding again. When you change the patch it does feel wet all the time though, but I get the idea it's a different kind of healing and it looks a hell of a lot better when protected by the patch. The patch doesn't make it look shiny either, and truly I like the look of it better without lipstick.

Taking off the patch....

The way they suggest does aggravate the sore....and yeah, it does hurt.

Moisture does break down the adhesive, more on that later, but my suggestion is to get a wet tissue and blot it for five minutes or so and work it so it slides off, or massage it with a cold sore cream. Pulling it off without doing something to it first is painful and will make it worse. Or...take a bath or shower and massage and wash it off with soap....slowly.

The good news is that adhesive works so I have been able to have it on for many hours comfortably.

One thing I read from one poster is that the cold sore expands to use the whole circle patch. I had that too, but it left the surrounding skin alone. Like others have suggested, use a smaller portion of the patch. The persons who suggested this were talking about cost, I am speaking of effectiveness. Use only the amount of patch that covers the trouble spot, press firmly for about thirty seconds making sure it adheres. I did that with the one half moon, and snip the other side free. You may be able to use the other half again but these patches are difficult to place as many have said and yes....I went through 3 as did others before I got the learning curve.

Considering the way the patch heals, even though the time healing wasn't really reduced, I am going to have to say that aside from on day of the process. day 2, I felt fairly confident that I looked normal. Not much discoloration or a raised nature.....just wet and a bit ouchy when changing the patch. I let the sore dry somewhat for an hour between after washing it before putting on a new patch.

Lifting up edges that do not cover the spot and trimming works, for the former reason stated and plus it looks more natural. People will notice a full circle and feel less knowing with a shape that happens less perfect. Smooth down the edges.

It is especially important to trim down this patch and if you can and the cold sore is away from the inside of your mouth make sure that it does not extend towards your mouth as much as possible. Moisture does break down the adhesive, so if your patch is on what would normally be dry, you can depend on this patch lasting for many hours....8 plus for sure. If it extends towards your mouth....it will start to lift within an hour.

Okay, maybe this product does not really speed healing that much for me, nor is it reasonable in price but...for looks and minimizing the look as the cold sore heals, in reality and in fact....it is a product I will ALWAYS have on hand. ALWAYS!

Plus, I don't know about you all, but I cannot help but touch my cold sore all the time. I know it is not right to do but you are always hoping it is getting better and wanting it to shed. This product is a barrier for germs and your picking hands. It also relieves the feeling that you have something there so you don't even want to put your hands to your lips.

This is the FIRST time that I have had a cold sore and many, many times forgot I had one.

Prepare to screw up the application of more than three patches at first, they have the look of the early teeth whitening strips that adhere to themselves and have the thickness of a layer of skin.

....and as many have said, it makes you feel less likely to spread the virus which makes you feel less of a pariah

At the very least I think people should try it once to see if it works for them, make their own decision....I'm sure people will who know of a new product.

This ailment is embarrassing and I know that most will do anything they can to work through it.

Ending thing....

I don't get them often, but about once a year and it seems always in January...or at times of high stress....as is the rule.

Felt very strong about passing on this review because I know how it makes me feel and I'm sure that it makes others feel not their best either.

Hope this review helps.....    -