Remedies for Cold Sores Inside the Mouth

Cold sores are viral (herpes simplex) infections that can show up on the mouth or inside the mouth, and are often caused by stress combined with a weakened immune system, or too much direct sunlight without SPF protection. They appear as painful fluid-filled blisters. Cold sores are also referred to as fever blisters and typically go away by themselves after 10 days to 2 weeks. Once a person has been infected with the herpes simplex virus, the virus remains in his body for the remainder of his life and may or may not cause cold sore flare-ups in the future. This virus is highly contagious.

Prevention

• Prevention is the first line of defense against cold sores. Use a lip balm with an SPF factor of at least 15 whenever you are out in the sun (or wind). Support your immune system with a well-balanced diet, plenty of fiber and water, and a daily probiotic supplement, such as acidophilus or lactobacillus.

Medical Treatment

• The most promising medical treatment for cold sores is to take prescription Valtrex as soon as you feel a cold sore coming on. Acyclovir (Zovirax) is another prescription medication sometimes prescribed, but is not very effective once the cold sore has developed.
  There are also topical balms, such as Abreva, which helps the sore heal faster and numbs the pain, but contains no anti-viral properties, and therefore is not a preventative.
  If frequent cold sores (two in 4 months) are a problem, talk to your physician about chronic suppression therapy, which means taking a daily prescription to prevent recurrences.

Alternative Therapies

• There are alternative therapies which may give you some relief from the pain and duration of the flare-up. Take Lysine as soon as you feel a cold sore developing. There are lip balms that contain lysine as well. Taking vitamins C, E and B-12 seem to shorten the duration.
  A product called Herp-Ease, from Alchemilla, which contains St. Johnswort, Calendula, Spilanthes and Echinacea, applied directly to the sore works well to heal the sore quickly. You can use this if you have sores on the inside of the mouth by applying it to your tongue and then applying your tongue to the sore. Zinc oxide applied directly to the cold sore (on the lip) helps protect and soften the scab, making it less painful.

Protect Your Nervous System

• If you are prone to cold sores, protect your nervous system, as well as your immune system. The HSV virus attacks the nervous system, so if you can avoid stress and get lots of rest, it may help in your fight against reoccurring cold sores.

Conclusions

• Taking excellent care of yourself is a step in the right direction in fighting the HSV. Be prepared to defend your immune and nervous systems at the first sign of a cold or mouth sore. Have Lysine on hand, and if your doctor deems it necessary, a supply of Valtrex and Abreva. If you are infected, get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids. Make it your goal to be healthy enough that your defenses will successfully fight the next flare.