Treatment for Cold Sores Outbreaks

Cold sores are clusters of blisters that eventually turn cloudy. While they may appear initially inside the mouth, they usually occur on the outside, around and on the lips. They may also be found less frequently on the cheeks, nose or rarely, in the eye. These innocuous sounding blisters are not as benign as their name suggest and are typically caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Some of the symptoms are fever, swollen lymph nodes, body ache, fatigue and sores in and around the mouth. This is probably why a diagnosis of HSV infection does not happen until much later.

There are no cures or home remedies for these cold sores and the recurring nature of the infection can make it quite frustrating to live with. However, medication to minimize the severity of the symptoms is available. The recurrences are usually preceded by a tingling or burning sensation. The blisters when they appear eventually become cloudy and filled with pus. On breaking they reveal a bright red area that eventually dries up, leaving a dry crust. They usually heal about a week after the initial outbreak.

The frequency of outbreaks can vary, with a lucky few never having any. In severe cases, the outbreaks may occur several times in a year. The treatments for these outbreaks include:

Denavir: This antiviral agent is available in the form of a topical cream and helps to decrease the length of an outbreak and quicken healing.
Acyclovir: Available as an oral pill, it may help to decrease symptoms but needs to be taken soon after the onset of symptoms.
Zinc: Ointment of zinc oxide can be applied to the sores but only after the crusts have formed.
Drying Agents: Agents such as rubbing alcohol can be used when the sores initially appear.

A word of caution - Avoid using steroid based creams, smallpox vaccination or dye-light therapy as they have not been proved to be effective against cold sores and may in fact make them worse.

Reference:

http://www.uhs.umich.edu/coldcankersores

answered by G M

Try L-Lysine for sores in corner of mouth, it will take approximately one moth to three to get in your system, but it really works.

answered by M

Cold sores also known as fever blisters are common and very contagious. They are painful hideous mouth sores caused by the herpes simplex virus. When latent herpes simplex virus particles which have been dormant (asleep) in the body become activated, cold sores occur. It is important to remember to wash your hands often, especially if you have touched your face. Avoid sharing cups and utensils with other people as without proper hygiene this can be very contagious.

answered by P P

I get reoccurring cold sores on my lips and need a home remedy that works fast!