Cures for Coldsores

Cold sores, otherwise known as fever blisters, develop around and inside the mouth due to specific strains of the type 1 herpes simplex virus. In some cases, herpes simplex type 2 (the virus responsible for genital herpes) can also cause cold sores. According to the Mayo Clinic, cold sores can be spread by sharing eating utensils, razors or even towels with an infected person who is experiencing an outbreak. When cold sores occur, you can take a few different actions to relieve the problem.

Topical Lidocaine

• One of the most popular over the counter treatments for cold sores is Zilactin. Zilactin works mostly by its active ingredient called benzyl alcohol. Benzyl alcohol dries out the sore, making it difficult for the virus to thrive and spread. Zilactin also creates a thin shell, similar to a Band-Aid, over the sore as it dries. The shell keeps irritants from entering the sore and also helps prevent the viral shedding that can spread the infection. Since Zilactin has a high alcohol content, application to an active cold sore is quite painful; however, the sting quickly subsides within a few seconds after application.

Denavir

• Denavir, scientifically known as penciclovir, is also a common cold sore treatment that not only attacks the cold sore itself, but also attacks the herpes simplex virus that causes outbreaks. Denavir is topical antiviral agent. Once applied to the sore, Denavir works by preventing the herpes simplex virus from growing. This keeps the virus from progressing into a full blown cold sore capable of viral shedding and spreading. You should use Denavir as soon as the symptoms appear for a cold sore outbreak.

Topical Lidocaine

• Topical lidocaine, also known as Bactine or Lidocream, is a topical anesthetic, meaning that once you apply it to the affected area, it blocks the nerve cells from sending pain signals from the cold sore to the brain. This makes lidocaine an effective cure for the pain associated with cold sores.

Acyclovir

• Acyclovir is a synthetic nucleoside analogue medication that specifically targets the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores. This kind of medication works by slowing down the progression of the herpes virus. The medication is able to penetrate and manipulate the viral DNA and prohibit the virus from growing. You take Acyclovir orally either as capsules or tablets.

Suppression Therapy

• Suppression therapy is a proactive step to prevent cold sore outbreaks before they occur. Suppression therapy uses smaller doses of antiviral medications (such as acyclovir) on a daily basis to keep the virus from being able to grow enough to break through the skin. Viral outbreaks in the form of cold sores can still occur while taking part in suppression therapy, but overall the number of outbreaks should decrease.