No. It should only be used externally.

Can I use Campho-Phenique inside my mouth?

Campho-Phenique is for external use only. Consult your physician
before using the cold sore treatment for canker sores or other sores
inside the mouth.

What formulas are available? What are they used for?

  • Campho-Phenique Cold Sore Treatment with Drying Action - Dries cold sore/fever blisters and helps prevent infection to promote healing. Maximum strength formula stops pain and itching on contact. Start using at the first sign of a cold sore and before the scab. For temporary relief; stop use and see your doctor if symptoms persist for more than 7 days.
  • Campho-Phenique Pain Relieving Antiseptic Liquid - Provides instant relief to soothe itchy bites from chiggers, mosquitoes, sand fleas, black flies and other biting insects. Relieves pain and itching associated with insect bites, minor burns, sunburn, minor cuts and scrapes. Protects against infection in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. For temporary relief; stop use and see your doctor if symptoms persist for more than 7 days.
  • Campho-Phenique Pain and Itch Relieving Antiseptic Gel - Relieves pain and itching associated with insect bites, minor burns, sunburn, minor cuts and scrapes. Protects against infection in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. For temporary relief; stop use and see your doctor if symptoms persist for more than 7 days.

What is an antiseptic?

An antiseptic is a chemical which kills or halts the growth of micro-organisms.
While disinfectants do the same thing, antiseptics are specifically applied to living tissue.
Some additional examples of antiseptics include soap, iodine, and hydrogen peroxide.

Why is there phenol in Campho-Phenique?

Phenol temporarily inactivates the nerve endings in the skin, providing a local anesthetic
or numbing effect.

Why do Campho-Phenique liquid and gel contain
eucalyptus oil?

This ingredient is present to produce a pleasant odor. It is strictly for cosmetic reasons and
contains no medicinal properties.

Are there any animal by-products in Campho-Phenique?

No.

How do I apply the product? Do I use with a bandage?

These directions apply to adults and children 2 or older. For children under 2, consult
your doctor before using.
  • Cold Sore Treatment with Drying Action - Clean the affected area.
  • Apply directly to cold sore or fever blister 1 - 3 times daily. Do not bandage.
  • Antiseptic Liquid - Clean the affected area. Apply a small amount of this product on the area 1 to 3 times daily. Do not bandage.
  • Antiseptic Gel - Clean the affected area. Apply directly to the affected area 1 to 3 times daily. Do not bandage.

What is the history of Campho-Phenique?

1884 Campho-Phenique Liquid is introduced.
1944 Campho-Phenique Liquid is purchased by Sterling Drug.
1945 Campho-Phenique is repositioned as a first aid antiseptic.
1979 Campho-Phenique Gel is formulated as a first aid product.
1984 Campho-Phenique Gel is repositioned as a cold sore remedy.
2003 Campho-Phenique Cold Sore Treatment for Scab Relief is launched.

What is the history of the ingredient phenol?

In 1867 Joseph Lister demonstrated that phenol cleansing of patients' skin before and
after surgery could greatly reduce infections.