Cold Sore Treatments
The Herpes Simplex virus causes cold sores. Without proper treatment, the cold sores will spread and increase in seriousness as well as become very contagious. It is very important to always wash your hands and do not share any drinking containers or anything else that is exposed to the cold sore. The medical treatment for cold sores that doctors prescribe frequently is called acyclovir or Zovirax. This will reduce the length of the cold sore and helps to prevent it from being a more serious case of the virus.
The cold sore is a Herpes Simplex 1 virus without a cure. There are treatments to reduce the infection, spreading, and pain or discomfort. Sometimes there are not any symptoms until the breakout occurs. The breakouts can occur around the mouth, lips, inside the mouth, and near the nostrils. The cold sore will generally heal within seven to ten days without treatment yet in some cases the sores spread and become a more serious case. To reduce the spreading or increasing of the seriousness, treatment is always the best solution. To reduce the virus and improve healing, use antiviral treatments such as benzyl alcohol also known as Zilatin or a tropical lidocaine. In some cases, it is advisable to seek medical attention when the cold sores spread or take longer to heal.
Treatments include over the counter creams and ointments. Apply cold to the sores to reduce the pain and swelling. Take a pain reliever such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen for the discomfort and possible swelling and fever.
Avoid giving aspirin to children with cold sores as the possibility of contacting Reye’s syndrome could occur. Avoid squeezing the cold sore as well as picking or touching it. Always wash your hands after touching or applying the creams and ointments to reduce the spreading of the virus.Apply the ointment or creams several times a day to the infected area to help increase the healing and reduce the spreading of the virus. Use aloe gel to keep the area soft as well as reduce the possibilities of cracking or splitting of the skin.