Frequently Asked Questions

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Zap-H™:

1. is the only over-the-counter topical (OTC) topical composition that disrupts the herpesvirus envelope, wherein it acts as a biologic detergent.  
2. is a unique (patent pending) combination of ingredients that generates a water-based emulsion that acts as a bio-detergent like effect for more rapid, symptomatic relief of skin sores that are due to the herpesvirus, e.g., cold sores, genital sores and shingles rash. 
3. is formulated for rapid absorption after application. Rapid absorption is yet another key mechanism responsible for rapid relief that occurs with this product.   
4. contains only safe, non-toxic compounds, all of which are considered GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) per the FDA, and/or well-established approved topical skin ingredients. 
5. contains menthol that provides a nice cool feeling and a pleasant scent after application of the cream.   
6. works fastest the sooner it is applied when symptoms are noticed, like a tingling sensation or a red sore on or near the lip. Unlike other treatments, Zap-H™ is also effective for older (i.e., over 2-5 days) sores, or after blisters have started to form.  After 4-6 days of a sore, it is less likely have a significant effect but can helpful in that it can hydrate the scar. 
7. contains NO benzyl alcohol, propylene glycol or other known skin sensitizing agents, which are common in other cold sore treatments.  
8. is patent protected (patent pending). 

Zap-H™ is recommended for individuals over 16 years old and was not tested in children less than 16 years old. 

There are no specific limits as to how often it can be applied, unless any irritation develops. Then, either reduce frequency of application or stop if irritation appears serious. We recommend a minimum of 4 times daily, and up to 12 times per day, or as many as is convenient.  

Apply up to 12 times daily the first 2 days of symptoms, as is convenient. When the herpesvirus comes out of hibernation, symptoms usually start with a tingling sensation at the point of infection. You want to continuously expose the viral particles to Zap-H™ to disrupt the rapid growth at the infection site, which helps prevent virus replication and keeps the viral load down. 

The frequent applications are possible due to the benign nature of the ingredients, along with the convenience of absorbing and "disappearing" into the skin/lip tissue.  The recommendations provided here are ideal and less frequent application such as 3 or 4 times daily should still provide excellent results. Every outbreak is unique and you want to be as aggressive as you can be in attacking it, within the limitations of your daily routines. 

Although allergies to menthol or some of the other ingredients are not common, especially at the low levels in Zap-H™, it is possible for such an allergic reaction to occur.  Individuals who are allergic to any of the listed ingredients should use the product with caution, or refrain from its use altogether.  An allergic reaction can be indicated by a rash, itching, swelling (especially of the tongue/ throat, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If this occurs one should contact their physician or go to a local Immediate Care center or Emergency Room. 

In most instances there is no irritation, due to the relatively benign nature of the ingredients in Zap-H™. In some instances, frequent multiple applications might result in minor irritation, but this should be temporary. Irritation has not been common in early stages. If at all, it most likely can occur in open sores and/or blisters, where even applying water can cause an irritation. Again, to date, such irritation has been very mild and short in duration. If the symptoms are mild and tolerable, then one can continue to use the product. If the symptoms are more severe, one can either stop its use, or apply it less frequently. Risks of allergy or irritation are minimized in Zap-H™, as the ingredient concentrations are well below those that usually cause such reactions.  And, perhaps most importantly, Zap-H™ does NOT have any benzyl alcohol, propylene glycol or other sensitizing agents that are used in other cold sore products. All of the ingredients, except for Sclerotium Gum (which is approved for topical application) are considered GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the FDA.. Compared to other topical cold sore treatments, we believe that Zap-H™ has the lowest potential for adverse reactions.  

Cosmetics such as lipstick may be applied over Zap-H™.  It is recommended to allow the 

Zap-H™ to fully absorb first and then apply any cosmetics 20-30 minutes after application of Zap-H.  Also, it is best to use a separate applicator, such as a cotton swab, to apply cosmetics over an unhealed cold sore to avoid spreading the infection.  If cosmetics have already been applied to the skin/ lip, you need to remove any cosmetics prior to applying 

Zap-H™, otherwise it will not get properly absorbed, hence will be less effective. 

We have not tested the combination of Zap-H™ and a docosanol product.  We cannot make any recommendations with regards to using both products during a single episode.  Zap-H™ and docosanol have different mechanisms of action. If you were to try combining the two products on your own, we recommend applying Zap-H™ first because it has rapid absoprtion into the skin.  Other products could potentially provide a barrier layer that would prevent the Zap-H™ from penetrating into the skin, where it does its work.  It is recommended that you make sure that the affected area does not have any residual cosmetic or docosanol cream before applying Zap-H™. In our experience Zap-H™ alone works very well, hence we recommend prioritizing Zap-H™ over other topical creams, including docosanol-based creams.    

We have not tested the combination of Zap-H™ and an acyclovir cream. We cannot recommend using both products during a single episode.  Zap-H™ and antivirals have different mechanisms of action.  If you were to try combining an antiviral cream with Zap-H™, we recommend applying Zap-H™ first because the antiviral cream might provide a barrier layer that would prevent the Zap-H™ from penetrating into the skin, where it does its work.  Make sure that the affected area does not have any residual cosmetic or antiviral cream before applying Zap-H™.  In our experience Zap-H™ works great on its own so we recommend that you prioritize Zap-H™. 

As far as Zap-H™ and oral antiviral medications, such as acyclovir, studies have not been done with the combination of an oral antiviral medication and topical Zap-H™, thus no specific recommendations can be made.  

No. A cotton swab or other applicator is not necessary, but can be used if you feel better to use one. Simply apply a drop directly from the tube to the applicator or you can use your finger to apply Zap-H™.  It is highly recommended to wash your hands prior to and after applying.  And make sure to apply Zap-H™ frequently, especially early in the outbreak cycle, for best results.  

No.  Zap-H™ is not a cure.  There is no known cure once somebody has contracted the herpes virus.   The herpes virus hibernates within the body's nerve cells and remains dormant until a trigger, such as stress, causes an outbreak. Zap-H™ is a topical cream that makes the viral sore disappear. 

No, you do not need to use a moisturizer, but you need to continue to apply Zap-H™ until after symptoms, i.e., either the pink lesion, blister, or scab, have disappeared. Zap-H™ has hydrating properties, but more importantly, tests in wound studies unrelated to cold sores have shown that certain Zap-H™ ingredients have anti-inflammatory properties and also potentially promote wound healing.  Such properties have been documented in a lab but have not been documented for clinical use on human subjects with cold sores.  These features could help to minimize and shorten the duration of a scab.    

It is best to keep Zap-H™ at room temperature (75° F; 24° C )or cooler.  Temperatures above 80°F will cause Zap-H™ to become more runny, i.e., liquid-like, at the high temperature, but it may become more viscous (i.e., thicker consistency) once cooled.  Even keeping the tube in your pocket or in a hot car seat, for example, for several hours may change the consistency.  After high temperature exposure it has been reported that it retains it efficacy, but not enough testing has been done to prove that.   If Zap-H™ is heated and becomes liquid-like, it is recommended to allow it to cool slowly at room temperature, or in the refrigerator for a short time, but the effectiveness is not changed if it becomes liquidy. Just need to be careful in dispensing it. After cooling, it is recommended to vigorously shake the tube before dispensing.  Avoid freezing the product. 

We have not tested Zap-H™ on genital herpes sores. However, the cold sore HSV1 and the genital sore HSV2 herpesviruses both have similar viral envelopes.  The mechanism of action for Zap-H™ is that it breaks down/ dissolves the herpes viral envelope, acting as a biological detergent, and this is true for both HSV1 cold sores and HSV2 genital sores.  In that way, it is thought that genital herpes sores can respond favorably to Zap-H™ just as do cold sore/fever blisters.  However, because we have had no human use on genital sores, we cannot provide any direct evidence of efficacy for genital sores. Just as for Zap-H™ application onto cold sores, it is anticipated that any potential risks should be minimal due to the safe and benign nature of the ingredients. Side effects for genital application are anticipated to pertain to skin irritation, and the possibility of an allergic reaction.  However, additional or unanticipated risks with application are always possible. 

For any application of Zap-H™ on the genitals it is suggested to tread carefully, and/ or obtain a doctor's recommendations.  

We have not clinically tested Zap-H™ for its application on a third herpesvirus, a shingles rash, caused by Herpes Zoster, HZ.  Shingles is the resurgence of the chicken pox (Varicella Zoster or Herpes Zoster) virus that generally occurs at a younger age. 

Anecdotal evidence indicates that Zap-H™ can be effective for a HZ shingles rash. For example, one patient (70-year-old healthy male) had 4 days of symptoms of a dermatomal skin rash on his torso, resulting in tingling and pain, diagnosed as shingles by his medical doctor. After 3-4 days of Zap-H™ application (3X daily) the symptoms had resolved, and the rash was also nearly gone.  His words were that the Zap-H™ was “amazing”. (See the Case Studies with before/ after photos in the HEALTHCARE PROS section.)  In addition, he stated that his sister had a similar recent rash that lasted up to 6 weeks, as her outbreak occurred prior to Zap-H™ being available. The typical duration of a shingles outbreak is 3 to 5 weeks.

HZ has a viral envelope that is not unlike HSV1 and HSV2. It also arises from the host cell wall membrane.  The mechanism of action for Zap-H™ is believed to be the same as for HSV1 and HSV2, i.e., it breaks down/ dissolves the HZ protective envelope, acting as a biological detergent.  In this way, it is thought, but not proven, that Zap-H™ can help the shingles rash disappear more quickly.  Again, Zap-H™ needs to be applied in the first few days of an outbreak to have the best chance to be effective.  It is thought that risks are minimal and only pertain to any potential skin irritation or allergy, as for when it is applied onto cold sores.  However, additional or unanticipated risks with application are always possible. 

For any application of Zap-H™ on the shingles rash it is suggested to tread carefully, and/ or obtain a doctor's recommendations.