Cold sores, also known as herpes labialis and oral herpes, are painful, fluid-filled blisters that form on the borders of the lips. They are caused by one of two types of the herpes simplex virus, usually type one. Although cold sores are not serious and usually resolve on their own within 10 to 14 days, many people seek treatment on the basis of their unattractive appearance. Ointments and creams that contain propolis, a compound produced by bees, may hasten cold sore healing.
Definition
Propolis, also known as bee glue, bee propolis, bee wax and propolio, begins as resin collected from plants and trees by Apis mellifera, or bees. In the hive, bees modify the resin by adding saliva and wax to produce the glue-like propolis. Bees use propolis to hold together structural components of the hive and to trap invading insect species. Humans, according to the University of Michigan Health System, use it to treat conditions such as endometriosis and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as infections like cold sores.
Relationship
In the 2003 edition of the "Professional's Handbook of Complementary and Alternative Medicines," pharmacists Charles W. Fetrow and Juan R. Avila explain that propolis contains more than 50 percent phenols and flavonoids by weight, including pinocembrin, galangin, pinobanksin, and pinobanksin-3-acetate. In test tubes, these compounds demonstrate antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activity that may be relevant for people with cold sores. In addition, Fetrown and Avila say, propolis appears to activate some components of the immune system, including macrophages and the complement cascade.
Types
People with cold sores should choose water-based extracts, creams or sprays that contain propolis. In the "Women's Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine," naturopathic doctor Tori Hudson recommends topical products that contain at least 3 percent propolis. If topical products are unavailable, patients should choose water-based extracts intended for oral use and apply them using a cotton swab. Propolis products are most effective when applied three to five times per day.
Safety
Propolis is derived from bees and tree resins, so people who are allergic to bees and those with a history of asthma or anaphylaxis should not use it. Fetrow and Avila caution that propolis can cause allergic contact dermatitis, even in people with no history of allergic reactions. People who experience redness, stinging or swelling upon application should immediately remove the product using gentle soap and water and discontinue use. If symptoms become severe or irritation lasts longer than three days, the affected person should see a doctor.
Effectiveness
Interest in propolis for cold sores is based on a March 2000 study published in the journal "Phytomedicine." In that study, a team of researchers from Lvov State Medical University in the Ukraine found that 80 percent of people with genital herpes who used propolis ointment experienced healing within 10 days compared to 47 percent of people with genital herpes who used the prescription drug acyclovir. Although genital herpes and cold sores are different conditions, they are caused by the same virus. As a result, the University of Michigan Health System says that propolis "might also benefit people with cold sores," although it concedes there are no studies to support this claim.
Considerations
Propolis does not replace conventional medical treatment for cold sores or any other condition. People who use it should share this information with all health care providers. Severe, frequent or long-lasting--longer than 10 to 14 days--cold sores should be evaluated by a doctor.
References
- "Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine, 7th Edition"; Klaus Wolff, M.D. et al.; 2008
- "Professional's Handbook of Complementary and Alternative Medicines, 3rd Edition"; Charles W. Fetrow, Pharm.D. and Juan R. Avila, Pharm.D.; 2003
- University of Michigan Health System: Cold Sores
- "Women's Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine: Alternative Therapies and Integrative Medicine for Total Health and Wellness"; Tori Hudson, N.D.; 2007
- "Phytomedicine"; A Comparative Multi-Centre Study of the Efficacy of Propolis, Acyclovir and Placebo in the Treatment of Genital Herpes (HSV); Natalia Vynograd, Ph.D. et al.; March 2000
- University of Michigan Health System: Propolis
