Cold Sores Treatment

Cold sores are one of the several health concerns that affect both children and adults. These are painful, fluid-filled lesions that usually develop in and around the mouth area. Caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), this painful condition is also known as fever blisters. Cold sores are not very serious, but they are contagious and have a high risk of recurrent infection. Taking these into consideration, cold sores treatment and preventive measures are advocated for reducing the disease course and frequency of occurrence.

Cold Sores Causes and Symptoms

As already mentioned, cold sores are caused by an infection of the herpes simplex virus. This virus is categorized under two types, viz. type I herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) and type II herpes simplex virus (HSV-2). Though both the strains are virulent, the former strain results in sore symptoms in the mouth area (cold sores or oral herpes), while the latter type is mostly associated with genital herpes.

The symptoms of cold sores are manifested in successive stages. It starts with an itching and tingling sensation in the infected area. After about 2-3 days, the area turns reddish and fluid filled blisters appear. Within a weeks time, the blisters erupt and release clear fluids, after which they crust over and heal. In general, fluid filled blisters are developed within 20 days, after getting exposed to this causal virus.

Cold Sores Treatment

In most cases, treatment for cold sores is not necessary, as they heal naturally on their own, within a course of 2-3 weeks after the onset of symptoms. Therapeutic intervention for cold sores is advocated for cosmetic purpose. Similar to any other medical problems, early diagnosis and timely treatment are the basic keys for shortening the duration of cold sore disease. The best treatment for cold sores includes the following options:

Topical Treatments
Topical ointments are applied for soothing the pain, experienced before and after eruption of the fluid filled lesions. They serve as a barrier between the skin and environmental irritants that aggravate cold sore symptoms. Such topical creams are available in the form of lip balms and skin protectants.

Antiviral Medications
Cold sore treatment with antiviral medication (tingling and redness) is most effective in the early prodromal stages. These medicines are effectual for combating the painful symptoms of cold sores and reducing the healing time. Administration of oral antiviral medication for cold sore treatments should be done under strict medical supervision.

Home Treatment
Cold sore home treatment includes application of ice cubes over the infected areas. This not only helps to numb and soothe the painful blisters, but also prevents further spreading by deactivating the virus. You can also place warm tea bags that have antiviral properties to quicken the healing process of cold sores. Regular use of over-the-counter lip moisturizers is effective to prevent the drying scabs from bleeding.

Vaccinations
Though cold sore vaccinations are available, they are not effective for all the patients. As per the clinical trails conducted, the effectiveness of these vaccines is restricted to women who have not been affected with HSV. Current researches are ongoing to formulate effective vaccines for cold sores that will be applicable to all types of patients.

Usually, cold sores do not result in scarring of the affected skin area. But the worst part is the recurrent incidences of cold sores. Unlike other types of viruses that can be eliminated completely from the body, eradication of herpes virus is not always possible. Rather, HSV has the ability to remain in an inactive state for several years. Thus, apart from the current intervention for cold sores treatment, one should follow necessary guidelines to prevent the recurrence of these nasty sores.