Cold sores are the oral manifestation of a herpes infection. There are two main strains of herpes: HSV-1 and HSV-2, with the former being the most common culprit behind cold sores. There is no cure for herpes because the virus is able to lie dormant in the body. Cold sores are the result of oral herpes becoming reactivated in the body, causing an active infection. Although cold sores eventually will heal on their own, you can take steps to speed the healing process, reduce the symptoms and prevent future outbreaks.
Step 1
Take antiviral medications as soon as you start to feel tingling of your oral mucosa (such as the lips and gums). Valtrex, Famvir and Zovirax are pills that can be prescribed for the treatment of oral herpes. Denavir is an ointment that can be applied to the affected area. All of these medications can be used to shorten the length of an oral herpes outbreak as well as the intensity and severity of the cold sores.
Step 2
Apply Abreva. According to the American Social Health Association, Abreva is the only over-the-counter treatment for cold sores that is FDA approved for that purpose. Abreva can help speed the rate at which the sores heal.
Step 3
Apply ointments containing lidocaine or benzyl alcohol. These ointments will help numb the area and will help relieve the symptoms. Though they will not speed up the actual healing process, they will make the sores less painful.
Step 4
Take lysine supplements. Lysine is an amino acid that some companies market as a treatment for oral herpes. According to the American Social Health Association, there is some clinical evidence that lysine supplements, which can be taken in the form of pills or ointments that can be applied directly to the cold sore, can help reduce the healing time as well as how often you have cold sore outbreaks. Other studies, however, have been unable to confirm the therapeutic properties of lysine, so any manufacturer's claims should be taken with a grain of salt.
Step 5
Take over-the-counter pain relievers. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin all can be used to help relieve the pain and stinging of cold sores. They also will reduce the inflammation around the area, which helps make the sores less noticeable.
Step 6
Avoid oral herpes triggers. Triggers are conditions that help the herpes virus become active in your body and cause cold sores. For example, emotional and physical stress often can lead to a person having cold sores. Minimize your stress, eat a balanced diet and get plenty of sleep. This will help keep your immune system strong and will prevent future outbreaks, as well as speed the healing process for cold sores.
Things You'll Need
- Antiviral medications
- Abreva cold sore medication
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Lidocaine or benzyl alcohol
- Lysine supplements
