Treating Cold Sores

If your are one of many that gets cold sores, than you know that painful and embarrassing feeling that comes along with it. You know, that itchy, burning sensation of the little red blisters that just seem like they are never going to go away. Well here are a few ways that you can help treat, and in some cases, even prevent them from forming.

Before we get to the types of treatments that I have researched, lets find out what a cold sore really is and what causes them.

What is a cold sore?
A cold sore (also known as a fever blister) is a group of small blisters on the lip and around the mouth. The skin around the blisters become red, swollen, and painful in most cases, and may leak a clear fluid. Cold sores are contagious and will normally take several days to a couple of weeks to heal.

What causes cold sores?
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which is broken into to types, HSV-1 and HSV-2. Both virus types can cause lip and mouth sores, and cannot be cured once infected with the virus.
　

Ways to treat a cold sore
Cold sores will usually start to heal on their own after a few days, if left untreated. But if your looking to help ease that painful feeling and help get it heal a few days faster, they can be treated by using skin creams, ointments, and pills in some cases. Skin creams and ointments can be purchased over the counter, but the treatment in the form of pills will require a prescription. There are several different brands and types of creams and ointments available. Some treatments will work better than others, it will depend on the individual and severity of the cold sores, but here are a few types of treatments that I have been advised work the best.

1. Zovirax - An ointment that can be purchased over the counter, with some forms prescribed by a physician. It is to be applied to the infected area, 5-6 times a day, starting at the earliest signs of an outbreak. The ointment has antibiotics in it, so it is much stronger than over the counter products, and can help relieve symptoms and help cold sores to heal faster. In some cases, it can even stop cold sores from fully forming if treated early enough. I have found that a 5g tube of Zovirax cost about $20 with health insurance and a 2g tube to cost about $25 without. I have found that this is the best form of treatment for most people, because it is very effective and cost about the same as most of the other over the counter products.

2. Abreva - This is an over the counter ointment that cost about $15 for a 0.07 fl oz. The ointment is to be applied 4-5 times a day, with treatments starting at the earliest signs of outbreaks. This treatment made it to number two on the list because of its cost. It is very effective, but you get about a 3^rd of the amount of the 5g tube of the prescription Zovirax, and I was even told that it doesn't work as well.

3. Toothpaste - This was the craziest thing I heard out of the home remedies that I was told, but several different people mentioned it. I was told that this is used in the cases that no medication is available at the time and when in the comfort of your own home (since you wouldn't want to walk around with toothpaste all over their lips). It has been said to help comfort the annoying painful sensation of a cold sore and has been used overnight.
　

So the next time you get a cold sore, keep these treatments in mind, and hopefully one will work for you. Remember it is always best to first speak to your physician about what the best treatment options that are best for you.