According to Whole Living, roughly 90 percent of Americans have been exposed to cold sores, also known as herpes simplex virus. They are transmitted through sharing drinks, food and utensils and kissing. It can be embarrassing to have cold sores on or around your mouth, and they can last up to 14 days without treatment. Unfortunately, cold sores can't be cured, but there are steps you can take to prevent and treat them.
Heat or Cold
To relieve pain, people struggling with cold sores can apply heat or cold to the area. For example, you could apply a warm compress or ice to the cold sores. This can help to relieve mild pain, but it probably won't help shorten the duration of the outbreak.
Medications
Antiviral medications such as Zovirax, Famvir and Valtrex work to prevent and reduce the duration of outbreaks. There are two types of medications that you can take that include medications to suppress outbreaks in the future and episodic medications that you take at the first sign of a cold sore outbreak. There are also topical medications that you can use including Denavair, which you need a prescription for, or an over-the-counter treatment, Abreva.
Supplements
To reduce the outbreak of cold sores, you may want to consider taking supplements. Before taking any, talk to your primary care physician to make sure they won't negatively interact with any other medications you're taking. According to Whole Living, some studies have shown that lysine can suppress cold sore breakouts and shorten their duration. However, other studies have been inconclusive. If you have heart problems or high cholesterol, lysine is not a good option. Propolis and Zinc are two more supplements that may help to shorten the duration of herpes simplex breakouts. However, more studies are needed.
Herbs
Lemon balm is commonly used in creams to treat cold sores. Whole Living reports that people who used a cream that contained lemon balm to treat cold sores saw an improvement in two days. A combination of rhubarb cream and sage may help reduce the duration of breakouts. If you decide to use herbs to treat your herpes simplex virus, you should check with your doctor. Like supplements, herbs can negatively interact with other herbs and medications that you're taking.
Relaxation Techniques
One big factor in cold sore outbreaks is stress which suppresses your immune system and increases chances that you'll have an outbreak. To prevent future outbreaks and shorten their duration you should practice daily relaxation techniques. Determine what stress-relieving activities work for you such as regular exercise, yoga or meditation and try to fit in at least 20 minutes a day.
