The American Dental Association defines cold sores, also known as fever blisters, as annoying, painful groups of fluid-filled blisters. Most develop around the lips, with some occasionally appearing on the chin or under the nose. Dermatologist Christina Cernik, M.D. explains in the June 9, 2008 edition of the "Archives of Internal Medicine" that treating a cold sore can be time-consuming -- especially since some antiviral drugs must be taken or applied up to five times a day. However, there are a few fast treatments for cold sores.
Valacyclovir
In the 2008 edition of "Basic and Clinical Pharmacology," University of California-San Francisco Professor Sharon Safrin, M.D. explains that valacylovir represents the second generation of acyclovir, the first drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat cold sores. Compared to acyclovir, the chemical composition of valacyclovir enables it to last longer in the body, decreasing the need for frequent dosing. For example, Cernik says that while patients typically need to take acyclovir by mouth five times per day---every 3 to 4 hours during waking hours---patients take valacyclovir by mouth just twice a day, once in the morning and again before bed. Oral valacyclovir works fastest during recurrent outbreaks of cold sores, when just one day of treatment is required. For the first outbreak, patients typically take the drug for seven days, according to Cernik.
Famciclovir
Like valacyclovir, scientists discovered famciclovir after acyclovir. Although it is chemically distinct from both acyclovir and valacyclovir, Safrin notes that it targets the same enzyme as valacyclovir and acyclovir, so it works the same way. Like valacyclovir, famciclovir circulates longer in the bloodstream, so patients take it just twice a day instead of five times a day like acyclovir. A common dose during the first outbreak of cold sores is 500 mg twice a day for seven days, according to Cernik. During recurrent outbreaks, patients take just one, one-time dose of 1500 mg, compared to two doses of valacyclovir. Like oral valacyclovir, food does not influence the absorption of oral famciclovir, so there's no need to adjust your schedule to accommodate medication dosing.
Aloe Vera
Cold sores heal even without antiviral drugs, according to Cernik; however, drying and cracking during the healing process can derail progress and even increase the risk of complications such as secondary bacterial infections. The Academy of General Dentistry recommends applying a lip balm that contains aloe vera three times per day as a fast way to fight the infection and promote healing. Patients can apply the lip balm during the morning and at night as part of their regular skin care regimens. The Academy also recommends one additional application during the day. Since patients need to wash their hands before and after handling a cold sore, using a disposable cotton swab rather than your fingertips to apply the balm can help save time.
References
- "Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 11th Edition"; Bertram G. Katzung, M.D., Ph.D. et al.; 2008
- "Archives of Internal Medicine"; The Treatment of Herpes Simplex Infections; Christina Cernik, M.D., et al.; June 9, 2008
- American Dental Association: Canker Sores, Cold Sores and Other Common Mouth Sores
- Academy of General Dentistry: What Are Cold Sores?
