Valtrex for Cold Sores: Is It Right for You? This essential amino acid is available as an oral supplement or a cream. Treating Cold Sores in the Early Stages: Everything You Need to Know. Honey already has a reputation for helping wounds and skin injuries heal. In fact, the large randomized clinical trial found that a medical-grade version of this honey seemed to be as effective as acyclovir. A doctor can prescribe these medications, which … Apply a cold compress. If … All rights reserved. Because cold sores are caused by a virus, doctors may suggest an antiviral medication to help you heal more quickly. Flare-ups can occur at any time — and can last for up to 10 … All rights reserved. Learn about Valtrex, a prescription drug that could help you shorten the time you have cold sores or even avoid them altogether. TREATMENT FOR COLD SORES There are several treatment options available to soothe the symptoms of cold sores. They're caused by a herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) closely related to the one that causes genital h… Also known as Melissa officinalis, Lemon balm, one of the most effective home remedies for cold sores, can speed up the healing process, prevent the spreading of infection … The problem with a cold sore is that the virus that causes them literally kind of sits around just waiting to be reactivated. Note, do not confuse cold sores with canker sores. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) … They should be discussed with your doctor before use, and shouldn’t replace more well-known treatment modalities. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Talk to your doctor to see if one of these might be a good option for you: Experts strongly suggest taking or using these medications as early as you can to expedite the healing cycle. They are tiny, fluid-filled blisters on and around your lips. They include: 1. If you like the way tea tree oil smells, it could be your cold sore remedy of choice. When Does a Cold Sore Stop Being Contagious? You may also want to test it on a small area of skin, such as the inner forearm, to see how you react before applying it elsewhere. Learn more about our commitment to oral health education, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Center for Biotechnology Information. Here are some of the best on the market…. Research from 2006 suggests that applying cream with lemon balm, which is an herb from the mint family, to a cold sore could help the healing process. According to the American Dental Association, the initial infection can also cause painful lesions inside the mouth on the tongue, cheeks, and gum tissue. Antiviral medications: Cold sores are a symptom of a virus, so antiviral prescription medications can be effective. A cold sore usually goes away on its own within two weeks, but if you have a major event on your calendar — like a wedding or an important job interview — you're probably wondering how to get rid of your cold sore fast. If you're looking to ease a cold sore's pain and discomfort, numbing creams that work as a local anesthetic to help numb pain and provide cold sore relief are also available. The key is to treat the cold sore promptly. HSV-1 is the most commonly recurring viral infection. If you feel like you’re constantly dealing with cold sores — several times a year or more — that’s another good reason to check with your doctor. These blisters are often grouped together in patches. 4. Before using this treatment, it may be best to discuss it with your dermatologist first. Consider using an over-the-counter (OTC) antiviral ointment. Perhaps you’re interested in a complementary approach toward healing a cold sore. A topical cream that you apply directly to sores, such as docosanol cream or acyclovir cream. Ice is a very potential remedy to get rid of cold sores overnight and fast. Basil leaves’ tea is the best cure for cold sores. Although study results have been mixed, alternative medicine treatments for cold sores include: 1. Oral antiviral medications: “The most efficient way to get rid of cold sores is with oral antiviral medications,” Dr. These preventive measures include: Cold sores can be annoying, painful, and inconvenient. This is the first one among great ways on how to treat cold sores … With this product, healing times may be comparable to other treatments. Or acyclovir cream sure to dilute it before dabbing it on the lips re interested a! And 49 carry this virus synthetic beeswax, this is the first signs of a Bright.! This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics medical condition or.. 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