Cold Sore Treatments

The herpes simplex virus cannot be cured, but cold sore outbreaks caused by the virus can be effectively managed and cleared quickly with antiviral medication.

Aciclovir (also known as Acyclovir) is an antiviral medication taken to treat cold sore outbreaks. It works by stopping the HSV virus from multiplying, which significantly shortens the outbreak and its accompanying symptoms.

Valaciclovir (also known as Valacyclovir) is an antiviral medication used to treat cold sores. It is a precursor of Aciclovir, meaning it changes into Aciclovir in the body, so it stays in the body for longer and does not need to be taken as often.

Valtrex is the branded version of Valaciclovir. It is equally effective at treating cold sores, and the main difference between the two is that Valtrex is a branded version while Valaciclovir is the unbranded version. Both have the same level of efficacy, although the excipients used to make the tablet may differ slightly, and Valtrex is more expensive as a result of being a brand.

All three of these medications are equally effective at treating cold sores, but Aciclovir is the most cost-effective option.

Cold sores are blisters that occur on the mouth and lips, caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). The herpes simplex virus has two types of infection: HSV-1 (oral herpes) and HSV-2 (genital herpes). Cold sores are commonly caused by the HSV-1 type of the virus and are passed on through close contact with someone who has the infection, often through kissing and sharing objects such as cutlery, lipstick, creams, toothbrushes and razors.

The HSV-1 virus usually remains dormant under the skin, but an outbreak of cold sores can occur when your immune system weakens through stress or illness. Cold sores typically take up to 10 days to heal, and this healing process can be uncomfortable and painful, so it is important to use prescription medication to help clear them at a much faster rate.

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), most commonly the HSV-1 type. Less commonly, cold sores can also be caused by the HSV-2 type, which usually causes genital herpes but can cause oral herpes in the form of cold sores as a result of oral sex.

The frequency of cold sore outbreaks varies significantly from person to person, occurring frequently for some and very infrequently for others. Antiviral medications are recommended to help clear the outbreak and speed up healing of the painful and uncomfortable sores that can appear on the mouth or face.

Cold sores can be triggered by environmental factors such as sunlight, as increased UV exposure suppresses the immune system and allows the HSV-1 virus to become active. Other known triggers include a weakened immune system, illness and stress.

The main symptoms of cold sores are blisters forming around the mouth, which can be itchy, sore and uncomfortable. A tingling sensation may be felt before blisters start to form, and this is a common warning sign of an outbreak. The blisters can crack and bleed, which can be particularly uncomfortable.

Cold sores develop in stages: a tingling, itching or burning sensation comes first, followed by the formation of small fluid-filled blisters. The blisters then fill with fluid and burst, and the resulting scab slowly heals over the following days.

It is important to use antiviral medication early on, as this can significantly reduce how long symptoms last. Cold sores can take up to 10 days to heal in some cases, so prescription medication is recommended to clear them quickly.

When you have an outbreak of cold sores, it is important to manage it effectively to ease discomfort, speed up healing and reduce the risk of passing the virus on.

Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, wash your hands before and after applying cream, use a lip balm with SPF 15 or above, eat cool, soft foods, and take painkillers to ease pain and swelling.

Do not touch your cold sore, kiss anyone while you have one, or share anything that comes into contact with it, such as cutlery or lipstick. Avoid salty, acidic food, and do not have oral sex until your cold sore has completely healed.