Frequently Asked Questions

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Zap-H™:

1. is the only over-the-counter topical (OTC) composition that disrupts the herpes virus envelope, with in-vitro lab tests showing rapid viral killing.  
2. contains only safe, non-toxic compounds, all of which are considered GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) per the FDA.  
3. contains FDA approved, non-prescription menthol that can rapidly shorten duration of symptoms including tingling, pain, itching, and burning of the cold sore lesion.  
4. contains menthol at under 0.5%, and at such low levels should eliminate or minimize potential for skin sensitization, yet it provides quick cooling and soothing reliefof symptoms.   
5. 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 2-5 days) sores, or after blisters have started to form. 
6. is a unique 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 cold sores. 
7. is the only cold sore remedy that also shows biofilm disrupting effects. 
8. is formulated for rapid absorption after application. Rapid absorption is yet another key mechanism responsible for rapid relief that occurs with this product.   
9. contains NO benzyl alcohol, propylene glycol or other known skin sensitizing agents, which are common in other cold sore treatments.  
10. 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 minimun 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 ingtredients should use the product with caution, or refrain from its use all together.  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 are considered GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the FDA and are tolerated even when ingested orally. 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 apply any cosmetics after 20-30 mninutes 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 to 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. Your finger may the simplest way to apply Zap-H™.  It is highly recommended to wash your hands after applying. And make sure to apply Zap-H™ frequently, especially early in the outbreak cycle, for best results.  

Good news and bad news on this. There is no cure for the herpes virus (HSV1) that causes cold sores because it hibernates within the body's nerve cells and remains dormant until a trigger, such as stress, causes an outbreak. Feedback from Zap-H™users, however, indicates that even using Zap-H™ for one cold sore outbreak can reduce the frequency and severity of subsequent outbreaks.  Such a reduction in recurrance is anecdotal reporting, and has not been tested or proven.  

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 moisturizing properties, but more importantly, tests in wound studies unrelated to cold sores have shown that certain Zap-H™ ingredients have anti-inflammatory and wound healing promoting properties.  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, although still effective. If Zap-H™ is heated and becomes liquid-like, the product still works. It is recommended to allow it to cool and solidify into a cream, as the warmed liquid would be more difficult to apply on the skin and care would need to be taken so it does not run off the skin. It is recommended to allow it to cool first. Although it can be set at room temperature (less than 75 °F, 24 °C) for several hours, or overnight, it is quicker to put into the refrigerator for a couple hours or more. After cooling, shake the thickened product before dispensing.  Avoid freezing the product, as it may change the consistency.  

We're going to get a little technical in this answer. We have not tested Zap-H™ for treating herpesvirus infections other than cold sores. Cold sores are mostly caused by herpesvirus HSV1 and genital herpes is mostly caused by HSV2. However, either virus can attack either upstairs or downstairs, i.e., cause oral or genital herpes outbreaks. Both of these herpesviruses cause infections that result in skin sores.  They have a similar viral envelope, as they arise from the host cell wall internal membrane. The viral envelope is the outermost layer that protects the viral DNA material (nucleocapsid). The mechanism of action for Zap-H™ is that it breaks down/ disrupts the HSV1 protective envelope, which helps the immune system to kill the viral particle, and that helps to stop the spread of the herpes virus infection.  Future studies are planned to show whether the Zap-H™ formula would also break down/ disrupt the HSV2 viral envelope.  But, because HSV2 has not been tested, we cannot recommend using Zap-H™ on HSV2 or genital lesions.  

We have not tested Zap-H™ for its application on a third herpes virus, a shingles rash, caused by Herpes Zoster, HZ.   It 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 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.  He stated that his sister had a similar recent rash that lasted up to 6 weeks. His words were that the Zap-H™ was “amazing”. (See the Case Study with before/ after photos in the HEALTHCARE PROS section of this website.) 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 and protects the HZ viral DNA material (nucleocapsid).  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.  And that helps the immune system to kill off the HZ viral particles, with the result to stop the spread and duration of a shingles outbreak. 

Although theoretically, and with anecdotal evidence, it is anticipated that Zap-H™ can potentially be effective for the HZ shingles rash, we cannot at this time recommend its application for a shingles outbreak. Clinical studies using Zap-H™ to target the shingles rash are in the planning stages.