(Herpes Simplex), including prescription, over the counter (OTC), as well as home treatments for cold sores. First, we're going to go over some of the basics about cold sores, like what causes them and where it comes from, and then I'm going to tell you about some of the available treatment options and which one was the most effective for me. Basics About Cold Sores
The Herpes Simplex Type 1 virus is what actually causes the cold sores you keep getting--it can never be permanently killed or 'cured' per se because it remains in your nervous system forever. The only way to catch it is from someone else who has an active outbreak--someone you kissed or someone who's toothbrush, razor, towel etc. you used at some point while they had an active outbreak.
When the sores come, they cause a tingling sensation that turns into pain. The duration of the sore is anywhere from seven to ten days; and on occasion a little bit longer.
You can easily find products containing docosanol, benzocaine, lidocaine, camphor, zinc, lysine, tetracaine or phenol off the shelf that are effective against cold sores.
There are plenty of ways to get relief for your cold sores. There are topical treatments that can help give you relief. One such topical treatment is lidocain. You could also use benzyl alcohol or the medicine called Zilactin that is benzyl alcohol.
Antiviral medications may somewhat shorten the duration of your outbreak and decrease your pain, if started early enough. If you experience frequent outbreaks, you can ask your doctor to prescribe an antiviral as a cold sore treatment or to help prevent outbreaks before they occur.
Your doctor can prescribe certain prescription anti-viral medications for you that may or may not shorten the duration of the outbreak and decrease the severity of your symptoms if started early enough. There are also preventative medications and home remedies such as the one below that can help to stop an outbreak before it happens, but this is only really relevant if you're getting outbreaks on a very regular basis and most cold sore sufferers will go months or years between outbreaks.
Home Treatments and Remedies for Cold Sores:
The main key to getting quicker relief is to simply let it heal. Do not try to pop the blister. Do not squeeze the blister or pinch it. Once the blister has broken, don't try to pick the scab off. Let the cold sore go through the entire process and it will help with relief.
The Herpes Simplex Type 1 virus is what actually causes the cold sores you keep getting--it can never be permanently killed or 'cured' per se because it remains in your nervous system forever. The only way to catch it is from someone else who has an active outbreak--someone you kissed or someone who's toothbrush, razor, towel etc. you used at some point while they had an active outbreak.
When the sores come, they cause a tingling sensation that turns into pain. The duration of the sore is anywhere from seven to ten days; and on occasion a little bit longer.
You can easily find products containing docosanol, benzocaine, lidocaine, camphor, zinc, lysine, tetracaine or phenol off the shelf that are effective against cold sores.
There are plenty of ways to get relief for your cold sores. There are topical treatments that can help give you relief. One such topical treatment is lidocain. You could also use benzyl alcohol or the medicine called Zilactin that is benzyl alcohol.
Antiviral medications may somewhat shorten the duration of your outbreak and decrease your pain, if started early enough. If you experience frequent outbreaks, you can ask your doctor to prescribe an antiviral as a cold sore treatment or to help prevent outbreaks before they occur.
Your doctor can prescribe certain prescription anti-viral medications for you that may or may not shorten the duration of the outbreak and decrease the severity of your symptoms if started early enough. There are also preventative medications and home remedies such as the one below that can help to stop an outbreak before it happens, but this is only really relevant if you're getting outbreaks on a very regular basis and most cold sore sufferers will go months or years between outbreaks.
Home Treatments and Remedies for Cold Sores:
The main key to getting quicker relief is to simply let it heal. Do not try to pop the blister. Do not squeeze the blister or pinch it. Once the blister has broken, don't try to pick the scab off. Let the cold sore go through the entire process and it will help with relief.
About the Author:
Unless you have best cold sore treatment that has worked for many in a short time, you will always have cold sore frequently.