Treating Fever Blisters or Cold Sores

Fever blisters or cold sores are a result or symptom of having oral herpes, which is caused by the Type 1 Herpes Simplex Virus. There is no absolutely proven treatment or cure for oral herpes, but there are remedies and prescription medicines that can manage some of the symptoms connected with having fever blisters or cold sores.

Remedies or medications can vary from prescribed medicines to over-the-counter medications, as well as a variety of home treatments which can offer some relief from fever blisters or cold sores.

Most commonly prescribed cold sore treatments consist of medicines that manage symptoms such as pain, itching and the burning feeling caused by fever blisters or cold sores.

Docosanol is one of the medications that has commonly been prescribed. Prescribing docosanol can limit the severity of the viral infection and thereby effectively inhibit the herpes virus. Other medications such as oral antibiotics simply act as a deterent to the virus by providing a more stable environment which deters the development of such symptoms as cold sores, promotes a faster healing of the fever blisters and minimizes further herpes simplex attacks.

Home remedies for cold sores and fever blisters are simply treatments that have proved beneficial in shortening the duration or decreasing the severity of the cold sores or fever blisters.

Ice application or cold compresses placed during the early stages of a fever blister or cold sore lowers the temperature of the fever blister area, which can help decrease the severity and provide relief from a fever blister or cold sores pain and itching.

Some people also swear by applying tea bags to the cold sores or fever blisters. Tea bags have been seen to minimize the cold sores or fever blisters duration and severity. Tannic acid in tea is said to have antiviral effects.

Applying lip balms and Vasoline works by softening the tissues and scabs so that the fever blister or cold sores do not crack or bleed.

Taking the dietary supplement "lysine" has been said to decrease the likelihood of cold sores or fever blisters attacks.

Herbal antiseptics such as aloe vera or tea tree oil are also said to decrease cold sores or fever blister outbreaks.

It is important to remember however that fever blisters and cold sores can be difficult and the best remedies and treatments should be carefully applied and watched for any ill effects caused by the treatment regimen.

After being in the medical field for many years, I can say the best treatment is to keep the area clean and dry, as well as if you have chronic outbreaks to follow carefully any medical treatment plan that you have been given by your physician. Chronic outbreaks can be extremely painful and upsetting however stress and fatigue can make outbreaks increase. If you have chronic attacks of fever blisters or cold sores try and figure out as soon as possible what if anything is causing the outbreaks and what treatments if any, lessen the severity and duration of them.

References for this article include:

health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/home-remedies/home-remedies-for-cold-sores.htm　
www.emedicinehealth.com/cold_sores/article_em.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cold-sore/DS00358/DSECTION=lifestyle-and-home-remedies