Treating Cold Sores With Antiviral Medication

If you suffer from cold sores, you may consider taking antiviral medication. These medications contain acyclovir or penciclovir and can help reduce the outbreak's duration and ease the pain. You can also apply over-the-counter creams to help reduce the symptoms.

Herpes simplex virus type 1 causes cold sores.

Cold sores are small, fluid-filled blisters on the lips, often in clusters. They tend to heal within two to three weeks, although they can recur. Some people also experience swollen lymph nodes and fever.

They can be treated with oral antiviral medications.

Oral antiviral medications can treat cold sores and help to prevent outbreaks. The medications are most effective when taken within a few days of the first occurrence of cold sores. The symptoms usually go away in about two weeks. Antiviral medications can also reduce the healing time of cold sores and suppress recurrent outbreaks. These drugs come in creams or pills and must be applied daily for at least five days.

They can cause scarring.

Scars from cold sores can be a common side effect of this infection, but they're not always visible. Depending on the outbreak's severity, cold sores can leave a permanent mark. Although cold sores can leave a permanent mark, most outbreaks do not cause scarring if treated correctly. To avoid scarring from cold sores, avoid picking at the scab or opening the sore. The picking will only spread the sore and increase the risk of a scar.

They can be spread by kissing.

Cold sores are contagious and can be spread through kissing. Generally, cold sores heal within a week, though there may be recurrences. The virus responsible for cold sores remains dormant in the body and can be transmitted to others via saliva and other oral surfaces. Kissing can make you more susceptible to contracting the disease, especially during an outbreak.

They can be treated with topical creams.

Over-the-counter creams for cold sores can be beneficial for controlling pain and promoting healing. They contain ingredients like benzyl alcohol and docosanol, which can block the entry of the virus into healthy cells. This helps shorten the duration of a cold sore breakout and prevent its spread. However, if over-the-counter products are ineffective, you can try prescription medications. Some medications can help prevent a cold sore from developing or even cure it completely.

They can be prevented by avoiding triggers.

If you have been suffering from cold sores, finding a cure is essential as soon as possible. Several methods can help you prevent these outbreaks, including avoiding triggers and taking an antiviral drug. Prescription medications such as valacyclovir or acetaminophen can reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks.