Herpes simplex virus 1, or HSV-1 affects the face, mouth and lips and is the most common form of herpes simplex, according to MedlinePlus. Contracted through contaminated saliva, HSV-1 causes sores to form, which are small painful blisters. Once a person contracts HSV-1, the virus remains in her system. The American Academy of Dermatology points out that while HSV-2, the other type of herpes simplex virus, causes genital sores more often, some patients with HSV-1 have genital sores as well. If the sores from HSV-1 are mild, patients may not need treatment. But with more severe outbreaks, patients can use different medications.
Ice and Over-the-Counter Pain Medication
The Nemours Foundation notes that the cold sores produced by herpes simplex virus 1 can make patients uncomfortable. Patients can use ice or another cold item on the area of the cold sore. If the cold sore still hurts, patients can take an over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. These methods do not reduce the appearance of the sore.
Topical Antiviral Medications
The American Social Health Association explains that patients can use one of two topical antiviral medications for oral herpes sores. These topical antiviral medications include acyclovir ointment and penciclovir cream. With both of these medications, patients apply them directly to the sore. Drugs.com notes that patients should apply these topical medications every two hours for four days. The topical antiviral medications work by both speeding up the healing of the sore and reducing the activity of the virus in patients' bodies. Drugs.com explains that the topical antiviral medications are a purine nucleotide analogue, which means the medications prevent the herpes virus from replicating. If the virus cannot replicate, it cannot produce more cold sores. However, these topical antiviral medications do not kill the virus.
A nonprescription option for herpes simplex virus 1 patients is docosanol topical, which the American Social Health Association notes is approved by the Food and Drug Administration as an over-the-counter treatment for oral herpes. Drugs.com explains that docosanol, an antiviral medication, works by reducing the amount of time it takes for the cold sore to heal. Patients apply the medication to the sore five times a day until the cold sore has healed. MayoClinic.com adds that docosanol also reduces pain and discomfort caused by the sores. The American Social Health Association warns that other over-the-counter topical medications that are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration may irritate the affected area, causing a longer healing time.
Oral Antiviral Medications
Whereas doctors usually prescribe oral antiviral medications only for HSV-2 patients, they can sometimes help with HSV-1 as well. Available in pill form, these oral antiviral medication options include valacyclovir, acyclovir and famciclovir. The American Social Health Association explains that valacyclovir is effective for herpes simplex virus 1 patients when they take 2 g of the medication at the first sign of a cold sore, followed by another 2 g of the medication 12 hours later. The American Academy of Dermatology explains that oral antiviral medications work not only by treating the outbreak of herpes, but also by suppressing future outbreaks.
