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Cold Sore Treatments

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Cold Sore Treatments

Cold sore treatment has come a long way in the last half century. Although there is no cure for HSV1, there are numerous treatment options to try and minimize the amount of outbreaks (frequency) and the length or life cycle of each outbreak. Antiviral medication has traditionally been the most widely used treatment, with the discovery of Lysine now leading in efficacy and use. Treatments vary from home remedies to natural retail products, to antiviral medication, and even vaccinations.

Here is a simplified list of common cold sore treatments:

• Stress Reduction: In several medical studies, the reduction of stress has shown to significantly reduce the frequency of cold sore outbreaks. Reducing stress not only avoids triggering an outbreak but also helps keep the immune system strong, preventing other medical issues.
  
  
• Topical Medication (natural): With the discovery of Lysine’s effect on the herpes virus, natural products containing lysine for treating cold sores have become the widely. A study on one such product, Lip Clear Lysine+ ointment which contains 14 natural nutrients, showed that it reduced cold sore life cycles by up to 50% or more and if applied at the first signs, itching and tingling, can often prevent the sore from forming. Lip Clear Lysine+ also provides immediate relief from pain, burning and itching upon application. Using lysine in oral form can help prevent outbreaks, and when taken when symptoms appear, can shorten the duration of the outbreak. Lysine tablets or capsules are available in stand-alone form, or as a constituent in an immune boosting formula such as Super Lysine+ Tablets.
  
  
• Children’s Cold Sore Treatments. Children can use the same non-prescription treatments as adults. However, brands like Little Lips Super Lysine+ are flavoured to appeal to children.
  
  
• Topical Medication (chemical): Docosonal and Tomantadine are topical treatments that inhibit the virus from fusing to the body’s cells, therefore reducing the effect the virus has on the skin. These medications provide relief and help speed healing but are typically priced in the $15 to $20 range. Lower cost topical treatments containing menthol, camphor or benzyl alcohol focus on stopping the itching, burning and pain associated with the sore, but have little effect on healing time.
  
  
• Prescription: There are many prescriptions available for people who suffer from severe cold sores. In some cases, steroids or antibiotics may be prescribed. Both can have adverse side effects and in most cases the virus builds up a tolerance to this treatment. Other prescriptions may come in the form of antiviral medications in both topical and oral forms. Antiviral agents such as acyclovir and famiclovir interrupt the replication process of the HSV1 virus, literally ‘stalling’ it so that the immune system can create antibodies to fight it. The cost of these medications vary, but if are generally in the $30 to $90 range.

Although there is no cure for HSV1, there are vaccines being tested for both HSV1 and HSV2. In time, it is hoped that medical research can discover a vaccine that will inoculate our children and future generations. For the time being, there are some highly effective natural and chemical treatments options available.

Next: Cold Sore Prevention

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Cold Sore Treatments