Can metronidazole gel be used for cold sores on the lips?
Disease description:
I’ve developed numerous blisters on my lips over the past two days. A friend recommended using metronidazole gel—can metronidazole gel be used for lip blisters?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Xu Gang
Cold sores on the mouth are not always treatable with metronidazole gel. Whether metronidazole gel can be used depends on the underlying cause of the cold sores. Metronidazole is an antibacterial agent; therefore, if the cold sores result from a bacterial infection, topical application of metronidazole gel may be appropriate. However, if they are caused by a viral infection or vitamin deficiency, metronidazole gel is generally not recommended.
