Cold sores are a common viral infection that causes patches of tiny, fluid-filled blisters to form on and around the lips. A scab forms when the blisters split, which might last several days. Cold sores normally heal themselves, without leaving a scar, in two to three weeks. While there is no cure for cold sores, various treatments can help manage outbreaks.
Common Medication
Treatment Options
Below is a list of common medications used to treat cold sores, which a doctor or provider can prescribe to you for just $5 through SesameRx. Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your doctor.
Below are common treatment options for cold sores. During your appointment, talk to your doctor about what treatment plan is right for you.
Over-the-counter treatments like docosanol (Abreva) may help to speed up the healing process. Apply it to the affected skin with a cotton swab at the first sign of symptoms. This keeps the sores from spreading to other places of your body. Other over-the-counter treatments use drying agents, such as alcohol, to help speed healing If a fever develops or your sores are very painful, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Creams with lidocaine or benzocaine may offer some pain relief.
To help prevent and manage outbreaks, doctors often reccomend the following:
Use lip balms and creams.
Use a zinc oxide cream or a sunscreen lip balm to protect your lips from the sun.
Regularly applying moisturizing cream or balm to your lips will help prevent dryness and discomfort.
Apply a compress to the area. A cool, moist cloth can help relieve redness, remove crusting, and speed up healing. To relieve pain, apply a warm compress to the blisters. Some people develop cold sores as a reaction to stress.
Try relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises and meditation to help manage your stress.
To speed up the healing process of cold sores, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication. These drugs may include:
- Acyclovir (Zovirax)
- Valacyclovir (Valtrex)
- Famciclovir (Famvir)
- Penciclovir (Denavir)
These products may come as a pill or topical cream that is applied to the sores multiple times a day. In extreme cases, some antiviral medications can be given as an injection.