Cold Sore Treatment
Safe and effective containment and prevention of cold sores
Cold sores are small blisters that appear on your lips or around your mouth, caused by the HSV-1 virus, a form of herpes.
They are highly contagious and quite common. Cold sores can be painful and may take time to heal, so starting treatment early is a good idea.
Antiviral medications such as Aciclovir and Valaciclovir are effective treatments for cold sores.
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Aciclovir 400mg Tablets
Effective Anti-Viral Cold Sore Treatment Antiviral Cold Sore Treatment Aciclovir is an antiviral medication that treats herpes simplex virus infections, includin
From £19.99 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Bonjela Invisible Cold Sore Cream
Fast-acting, Discreet Cold Sore Treatment Bonjela Cold Sore Cream is a quick and effective treatment for cold sores.
£5.99 Add to cart -
Compeed Cold Sore Discreet Healing Patch
Effective Treatment for Cold Sores Compeed Cold Sore Discreet Healing Patches use hydrocolloid technology in a special gel that protects the skin, promoting fast
£6.49 Add to cart -
Valaciclovir Tablets
Effective Cold Sore Treatment Fast and effective anti-viral treatment for outbreaks of cold sores Please note Aciclovir is just as effective at treating Cold
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Valtrex Tablets
Effective Cold Sore Treatment It helps manage cold sores by reducing their severity and duration and preventing future outbreaks.
From £19.99 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Zovirax Cold Sore Treatment Cream
Effectively Treat and Prevent Cold Sores Zovirax Cold Sore Cream contains aciclovir, an antiviral medicine that penetrates the skin to combat the herpes simplex
£6.49 Add to cart
How to Get Rid of Cold Sores
While the herpes simplex virus (HSV) cannot be cured, cold sore outbreaks can be managed and shortened with antiviral medications. There are several effective treatments available:
Aciclovir (Acyclovir): This antiviral medication works by preventing the herpes virus from multiplying. It can help reduce the severity and duration of cold sores, providing relief from symptoms.
Valaciclovir (Valacyclovir): Similar to Aciclovir, Valaciclovir is converted into Aciclovir by your body. It stays in your system longer, meaning it may require fewer doses, making it more convenient for some people.
Valtrex: This is the brand name for Valaciclovir. While both Valtrex and Valaciclovir work the same way, Valtrex tends to be more expensive due to its brand-name status.
All these antiviral treatments are effective in managing cold sores, with Aciclovir typically being the most affordable option.
What Are Cold Sores?
Cold sores are small blisters that appear on or around your mouth and lips. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), most commonly HSV-1, though in some cases, HSV-2 can also lead to cold sores. The virus is highly contagious and can be spread through close contact, such as kissing, or by sharing items like utensils, lipstick, creams, toothbrushes, or razors.
Once infected, the HSV-1 virus lies dormant in your body, but certain factors like a weakened immune system due to illness, stress, or fatigue can trigger an outbreak of cold sores. Cold sores typically take up to 10 days to heal, but they can be painful and uncomfortable.
What Causes Cold Sores?
Cold sores are primarily caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), though HSV-2, which typically causes genital herpes, can also cause oral cold sores in some cases. Cold sore outbreaks can vary in frequency; some people experience them often, while others may get them rarely.
Several factors can trigger cold sores, including:
- Sunlight: UV exposure can weaken the immune system, reactivating the virus.
- Weakened immune system: Illness or other factors that stress the immune system can lead to outbreaks.
- Stress: Emotional or physical stress can trigger cold sores.
To alleviate the pain and speed up healing, antiviral medications are commonly recommended for treating cold sores. These treatments help manage the outbreak and reduce symptoms.
What Should You Do and Not Do if You Have a Cold Sore Outbreak?
Managing a cold sore outbreak carefully is key to minimizing discomfort, promoting healing, and preventing the spread of the virus. Here’s what you should and shouldn’t do during an outbreak:
Do:
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and support the healing process.
- Wash your hands regularly, especially before and after applying creams or touching your cold sore, to avoid spreading the virus.
- Use lip balm with SPF 15 or higher to protect your lips from further irritation.
- Eat cool, soft foods that are gentle on your sore, avoiding hot or spicy foods.
- Take pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help reduce pain and swelling.
Don’t:
- Touch your cold sore to avoid spreading the virus to other areas of your body or to others.
- Kiss anyone or engage in oral contact while you have a cold sore to prevent transmission.
- Share items like utensils, makeup, or towels that may come into contact with the cold sore.
- Eat salty or acidic foods (e.g., citrus fruits, tomatoes) as they can irritate the cold sore and delay healing.
- Engage in oral sex until the cold sore is completely healed, as this can spread the virus to other areas.
Following these guidelines can help reduce the impact of cold sores and prevent spreading the virus to others.