Cold sores are a nuisance that occur in almost every person at least once in their life. They are caused by a virus we know as herpes simplex virus or HSV. Cold sores are generally caused by HSV I as opposed to HSV type II. They are particularly contagious when they first erupt and less likely so when they are drying up. The herpes simplex virus is harbored in the nerves and, when certain triggers occur, they come out onto the skin and erupt. Treating a cold sore can be difficult, especially if you have more than one or are immunosuppressed.

The triggers for cold sores include having a fever, the flu or a cold. This is the reason behind calling some cold sores “fever blisters”. Stress can trigger a cold sore as can exposure to the sun or ultraviolet radiation.

If one has a poor immune system, the cold sores can be triggered. Even hormone fluctuations, such as is seen with the menstrual cycle can trigger cold sores to occur. Local skin trauma can contribute to the formation of cold sores. Cold sores generally occur in the same area, attached to the same nerve that is harboring the virus.

One has to be careful also not to share utensils or glasses with anyone who has a cold sore in order to prevent an outbreak in more than one person.

Treating a cold sore can involve using over the counter medication or prescription medication. Medications can be topical or oral.

The over the counter medications generally give one symptomatic relief only. They don’t decrease healing time but they do make a person feel better with the virus.

Some contain topical Benzocaine, a local anesthetic that numbs the area and makes it feel better. Other topical agents include lidocaine, dibucaine and tetracaine. Protecting agents including petrolatum and dimethicone allow the area to be protected and moisturized. Lip balms that contain sunscreen will protect the lesion from the sun.

Oral pain medication, like acetaminophen and ibuprofen will help for the pain of cold sores as can stronger pain medication. Another way of treating cold sores is to use Abreva, which is an over the counter medication that contains docosanol. It is supposed to be applied at the first sign of a cold sore and it shortens the duration of the cold sore when applied five times daily.

Treating a cold sore with prescription medications probably works best. There is topical Zovirax which contains acyclovir that reduces the length of the healing time by a half day and will reduce the pain associated with having a cold sore. The problem with topical cold sore treatments is that they don’t get down into the skin to affect the virus as much as they should.

Treating a cold sore the best way involves using prescription oral medications like oral acyclovir or valacyclovir. The substantially decrease the length of time one has a cold sore, especially when used at the first sign of getting a cold sore.

[top]