Frequently Asked Questions

---

Zap-H™:

1. is the only over-the-counter topical (OTC) composition that disrupts the herpes virus envelope.  
2. is a unique (patent pending) combination of ingredients that together generate a synergistic effect due to the combinaiton of ingredients which are not possible with any single ingredient, with the ultimate result a more rapid, symptomatic relief of skin sores due to the herpes virus, 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 excipients. 
5. contains FDA approved, non-prescription menthol that can rapidly shorten duration of symptoms including tingling, pain, itching, and burning of the cold sore lesion.  
6. works fastest the sooner it is applied when signs/ symptoms (i.e., tingling sensation or a red sore on or near the lip) of an outbreak are noticed. Unlike other treatments, Zap-H™ is also  effective for older (i.e., over 2-3 days) sores, or after blisters have started to form.  After 4-6 days of a sore, it is likely too late to have a significant effect. 
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.  

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, largely due to the relatively benign nature of the ingredients in Zap-H™. In some instances, frequent multiple applications might result in minor irritation, though this should be temporary. Such irritation has not been common in early sores, rather it 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 after 20-30 minutes of Zap-H application.  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.  We do not know if 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™. Our findings in clinical studies show that Zap-H™ alone works better than docosanol and we recommend to prioritize Zap-H™.  

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 we do not know if an antiviral cream would provide a barrier layer that could 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 antiviral cream before applying Zap-H™.  Our findings in clinical studies show that Zap-H™ alone works great on its own and 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. A simple method is to simply apply a drop directly from the tube.  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.  In fact, there is no known cure for herpes virus outbreaks of any kind.  Zap-H™ is a topical cream that makes the viral sore disappear.  There is no cure for the herpes virus because it hibernates within the body's nerve cells and remains dormant until a trigger, such as stress, causes an outbreak. 

No, you do not need to use a moisturizer, but you need to continue to apply Zap-H™ until after symptoms, namely a 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 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 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.  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, as they both arise from the host cell wall internal membrane.  The mechanism of action for Zap-H™ is that it breaks down/ disrupts the herpes virus envelope, and in this way Zap-H™ can be applied to genital herpes sores.  However, results at this time are unknown. 

We have systematically not tested Zap-H™ for its application on a third herpes virus, 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 (68 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) most symptoms had either significantly subsided or were gone.  His words were that the Zap-H™ was “amazing”. (See the Case Study 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/ disrupts the HZ protective envelope.  In this way, it is thought, but not proven, that Zap-H™ can help the shingles rash disappear more quickly.