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Herpe Simplex 1 Treatments

Herpes simplex 1 is the most common cause of cold sores. These sores are painful fluid-filled blisters that usually appear on the lips or the skin around the mouth.

Herpes simplex 1 treatments range from natural treatments to prescription drugs, and help to reduce the duration and severity of an outbreak, and prevent future outbreaks.

  1. Herpes Simplex 1

    • The American Social Health Association says that Herpes Simplex 1 has no cure. Once you have the virus, it stays with you for life, hiding in your nerve roots. Outbreaks are unpredictable, often triggered by stress, hormonal changes or an illness.

      The blisters appear on or around the lips, but can also develop inside the mouth, and normally last from 7 to 12 days.

    Phases of Herpes Simplex 1

    • According to Animated-Teeth.com, Herpes simplex 1 sores develop and progress over several days. The phases of development are:

      The Tingle Stage--the sore is not yet visible, but can be felt.
      The Blister Stage--Small blisters form at the site of the cold sore.
      The Weeping Stage--The blisters rupture and the cold sore "weeps."
      The Crusting Stage--The sore has formed a dry, brownish crust.
      The Healing Stage--The sore heals and disappears.

      You can use cold sore treatments through all the stages to help speed the recovery process.

    Over-the-Counter Treatments

    • Over-the-counter medications help to get rid of cold sores and can be used as soon as you feel one starting. According to MayoClinic.com, a topical cream that contains docosanol can inhibit the effect of the cold sore virus, and prevent a full-blown attack.

      Other creams and balms help to keep the area soft, so that cold sores don't crack and bleed during the crusting stage.

    Prescription Treatments

    • In 1996, the FDA approved the prescription medication Denavir (penciclovir topical) for cold sores. It is delivered in cream form and should be applied at the first sign of an impending cold sore.

      Zovirax cream (acyclovir) was approved for use on cold sores by the FDA in 2002. Previously, Zovirax had been used only to treat genital herpes. Treatment with Zovirax cream, like Denavir, should begin at the first sign of a cold sore.

    Alternative Treatments

    • Herpes simplex 1 treatments aren't limited to over-the-counter or prescription medications. There are alternative forms of treatment that have been found to be useful as cold sore treatments.

      The amino acid lysine helps your body produce the antibodies necessary for fighting infections and is also thought to inhibit the herpes simplex virus. Resveratrol, a substance found in red grapes, has been found to inhibit the herpes virus when applied to the cold sore site. And a topical ointment made from lemon balm can help get rid of cold sores, reducing swelling and redness quicker than if the cold sore were not treated.

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