Cold sores, also referred to as fever blisters, are blister-like lesions that often appear on the face and genitals. Experts at the Mayo Clinic explain that these sores are a result of the herpes simplex virus and typically last about 10 to 14 days. Cold sores are often triggered by a menstrual period, fever, stress or fatigue. Although the herpes virus is not curable, there are several ways to reduce the duration and frequency of cold sores.
Topical Medications
According to the Mayo Clinic, several types of topical medications can help remedy cold sores. Lidocane can relieve pain symptoms associated with cold sores. In addition, Benzocaine can be used to protect cold sores from additional irritation or trauma, speeding up the healing process.
Over-the-Counter Pain Medicine
The Patient Education Institute suggests using over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin to ease the inflammation caused by a cold sore. Do not give aspirin to children or teens. It has been linked to a fatal illness called Reye's syndrome.
Vitamins and Minerals
Because vitamin and mineral deficiencies can sometimes contribute to a cold sore outbreak, the Herpes-Coldsores website says to be sure to maintain a healthy diet. Eat foods that are full of zinc, bioflavonoids and vitamins B, C and E. During a cold sore outbreak, reduce the consumption of foods that are high in arginine. These include nuts, chocolate and carob. Instead, eat fresh vegetables and fruit to increase the amount of lysine found in the body. If your lifestyle is too hectic to make proper eating choices, take a vitamin supplement.
Antiviral Medications
Experts at the Mayo Clinic explain that many antiviral medications can be taken orally to shorten the lifespan and lessen the pain of a cold sore. If started as soon as a cold sore appears, prescription medications like Acyclovir, Famciclovir and Valacyclovir can all remedy a cold sore by eliminating the virus's growth. If cold sores are recurrent and you become ill during an outbreak, a doctor may suggest an antiviral medication that will help prevent cold sores from reoccurring.
Compress
To ease the pain while a cold sore heals, Herpes-Coldsores.com recommends applying ice to the blister. Not only will this numb the cold sore, it will lower the infection's temperature, helping the body fight the virus easier. In addition, tea bags can be used hourly as warm compresses. Black tea is especially beneficial because the tannic acid found in it has antiviral qualities. For best results, use tea bags right when an outbreak is noticed.
