Listerine, an antiseptic mouthwash, has been shown to exert a potent antiviral effect against the viruses responsible for cold sores. This means it can actively work to inactivate the virus on contact.
Cold sores are primarily caused by the herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1), and less commonly by herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2). When exposed to Listerine, these viruses experience a significant reduction in their infectious activity.
- Targeted Antiviral Action: Studies have demonstrated that a brief exposure, specifically 30 seconds, to Listerine can lead to a substantial decrease in the infectiousness of the herpes simplex viruses.
- Significant Reduction: For HSV-1, the virus most commonly associated with cold sores, a 96.3% reduction in infectious virus has been observed. Against HSV-2, which can also cause oral herpes, a remarkable 100% reduction in infectious virus was noted.
This direct antiviral action suggests that Listerine can effectively neutralize the cold sore virus when it comes into contact, potentially limiting its ability to spread or initiate an infection in the areas where the mouthwash is applied. While this demonstrates a powerful effect on the virus itself, its primary action is on the viral particles rather than directly treating the lesion of a cold sore.
