Evidence supporting the use of: Benzoic acid
For the health condition: Cold Sores

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Benzoic acid has a long history of use in topical preparations for minor skin irritations, including cold sores (herpes labialis), primarily due to its antiseptic and mild antifungal properties. It has been a component in over-the-counter ointments, often in combination with salicylic acid, aimed at soothing and protecting affected skin. The traditional rationale is that benzoic acid helps prevent secondary bacterial infection and may aid in drying out the sore. However, there is minimal high-quality scientific evidence supporting its direct antiviral effect against herpes simplex virus, the causative agent of cold sores. Modern clinical guidelines do not recommend benzoic acid as a primary or evidence-based treatment for cold sores; instead, they favor antiviral medications such as acyclovir or docosanol. The use of benzoic acid in cold sore remedies is thus primarily justified by tradition and historical practice rather than robust clinical trials. Its inclusion in cold sore products persists in some regions and legacy formulations, but current evidence does not strongly support its efficacy for this specific indication.

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