Cold sores, the blisters formed around the mouth, can be very painful. They usually take 7 to 10 days to go away and the may even leak clear fluids. The cause of these cold sores is the herpes simplex virus type-1. Unfortunately, there is no complete cure for HSV-1. Cold sores go away only once they have completed their cycle. Cold sore treatments can only reduce their duration; they cannot completely stop them from recurring.
Diagnosis
The first stage of the treatment process is to diagnose what is triggering the outbreak of cold sores. There are certain common triggers of cold sores. If once this trigger has been identified then you can avoid it or treat it to stop recurrences of cold sores.
Treatment for the cold sores will depend on whether it is the first outbreak of cold sores or a recurrent one.
First Outbreak
The very first cold sore outbreak is treated by the doctor with antiviral medication. The antiviral medicines reduce the pain caused by the cold sores and increase the pace of the healing process. Topical ointments are also given to reduce the itching and burning caused by the cold sores.
Recurrent Outbreaks
Recurrent cold sores are treated with the same medicines as the first outbreak. The only difference is, since the outbreak is recurrent the doctor as well as the patient are aware which oral medicines and topical ointments work best.
Topical ointments for soothing the cold sores are mostly available without prescription, so in a recurrent outbreak a visit to the doctor is not necessary. Also, antiviral medicines can be used as the first symptom of itching and burning starts. This is before the outbreak of the cold sores and this symptom can only be identified by personal experience with cold sores.
Preventing Future Outbreaks
When cold sores start recurring it means that there is a particular trigger that is causing it. Identifying that trigger is very important to control future outbreaks. With the help of the doctor you can treat or control these triggers. Once, these triggers are under control future outbreaks will start to reduce and may even completely stop.
If the reason is a weak immune system then the doctor may give you medicines to strengthen it with the help of vitamins and minerals.
Other Treatments
Doctors suggest that it is important to drink lots of water when you get cold sores. During cold sores it may become difficult to eat properly due to mouth ulcers. Therefore, it is important to prevent dehydration.
Lemon and mint balms work as an effective salve for the cold sores. They have a soothing effect and reduce the itching and burning.
Zinc oxide topical ointments are also effective in reducing the time period of cold sores.
Conclusion
There may not be a cold sore treatment to kill the HSV-1 from the body. Yet, it is possible to reduce or eliminate the triggering cause of the cold sores. Oral and topical medicines can only reduce the duration of the cold sores; they cannot completely stop them from recurring.
Want More Information?
Make sure you check out the other in-depth information and resources:-
- Cold Sore Causes
- Cold Sore Home Remedies
- Cold Sore Natural Remedies
- Cold Sore Prevention
- Cold Sore Home Treatment
- Cold Sore Symptoms
- Stages Of A Cold Sore
- What Causes Cold Sores?
- How Long Do Cold Sores Last?
- What Is a Cold Sore?
Resources:
Royal College Of general Practitioners – http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2158304
