Available in a variety of forms and formulations, cold-sore medications can quicken the pace of healing of cold sores or fever blisters caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV). Orofacial herpes is a widespread malady that is more a health irritant than anything lethal.
Cold-sore antivirals are prescribed to reduce the pain, tingling, itching, burning and tenderness. They can be directly applied as aciclovir cream or ointment if you have a weak immune system, or taken orally through famciclovir or valaciclovir tablets.
According to a 2005 study in the Alternative medicine review, a journal of clinical therapeutics, a combination of L-lysine with herbal products and other nutrients produced full resolution of symptoms of facial and circumoral herpes in 40 percent of the participants by the third day, and in 87 percent by the end of the sixth day.
Clinical studies confirm that short-course, high-dose oral antiviral therapy are best for patients with recurrent cold sores. The rationale is that such an approach will accelerate healing, reduce pain and most likely increase your chances of sticking with the treatment full course.
What to Look for
For faster relief, you may want to try the US Food and Drug Administration-approved docosanol available over the counter. It selectively attacks herpes virus-infected cells whether on lips, chin, cheeks, or in the nostrils sparing the healthy cells around. Supplements such as lysine, available as oral tablets, caplets, or powders as well as creams and ointments are another option. A 2005 Italian research study in the Journal of oral pathology & medicine: official publication of the International Association of Oral Pathologists and the American Academy of Oral Pathology suggested that systemic zinc sulphate appeared to reduce both the number of episodes and the time to recovery of cold sores. Optimal benefits may be obtained when these oral antiviral agents are combined with topical corticosteroids, but you are better off waiting until further data confirm such an approach. Also, a 2007 study in the Advances in skin & wound care suggested a role for occlusion in the treatment of wounds caused by facial lesions as they erode and ulcerate during herpes viral infection.
Common Pitfalls
You might want to remember that these medicines are meant for adults alone, except for aciclovir cream and penciclovir cream that may be used in children at least 12 years-old. However, there is no guarantee the blisters won?t come back. Other research suggests HSV can re-appear following a routine dental treatment or facial resurfacing, a cosmetic procedure. And aciclovir, famciclovir and valaciclovir can prevent such an event. But then, there is no such thing as a cure. Therefore, unless you are willing to endure at least a week to 3 weeks to let them resolve on their own, you are better off trying the remedies at the earliest sign of pain or itching.
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