Cold Sore Medicines are a type of medication used to treat cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus. Cold Sore Medicines come in many forms, including creams and ointments, tablets, liquids, and injections. They are available both over-the-counter and with prescriptions from doctors.
Cold sores are unsightly and uncomfortable, but they can be cured with the right medication. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover some of the most popular cold sore medicines on the market today. We will also help you choose which one is best for your needs by providing product reviews and discussing how each medicine works.
Is it a cold sore?
One of the most common misconceptions about cold sores is that they are a type of cold. In reality, they are more closely related to herpes and chickenpox viruses which often lie dormant in your system until triggered by stress or another illness (such as an upper respiratory infection). Once activated, these viruses can cause blister-like lesions on your lips called “cold sore” blisters. The good news is this: there’s the treatment for it!
If you are experiencing pain, itching, or tingling in your mouth – it may be a sign of cold sores. The best way to know for sure is by visiting with your doctor and getting an accurate diagnosis. They can also offer treatment options if they confirm that you do have the virus.
If you are in a lot of discomforts and want relief quickly, there are cold sore remedies to choose from. The best treatment for your needs will depend on the severity of symptoms as well as how long they have been present. Here is a list of top-rated treatments:
Abreva cream – This topical ointment is often prescribed by doctors when herpes virus blisters appear on the lips or face at first sign (within 24 hours).
Releev lip balm – Made with natural ingredients like beeswax, this product can provide instant itch relief and moisturizing benefits all day long. It also includes antimicrobial peptides which prevent infection and help heal tissue wounds faster than other products available today.
Lip Ice Herbal Ointment – This product is made with natural ingredients like plant-based oils and herbal extracts. It provides long-lasting relief from cold sore symptoms, including pain, itching, tingling on the lips or face.
NuSkin Medicated lip ointment – The active ingredient in this generic treatment is docosanol which provides a topical anesthetic that will help heal your sores more quickly than other products available today.
Zilactin cream for Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) & Cold Sore Relief – With soothing zinc oxide combined with lysine to form a protective layer over your skin’s surface where blisters first appear, it can provide temporary relief of blister formation as well as healing.
Everything You Need to Prevent and Treat Cold Sores, According to Dermatologists
The best medications for cold sores are topical ointments such as Abreva and Releev, which can shorten the duration of a cold sore by two days. Cold sore treatments should be applied several times per day until the blister has healed to minimize discomfort or spread from one side of your mouth to another.
If you’re unlucky enough to suffer from chronic cold sores, it is important that you see a dermatologist. They can offer insights and treatment options for someone who’s been living with the virus for years.
Best medication for cold sore
- Abreva® cream (sparingly)
- Releev™ gel or ointment (several times per day until blister has healed).
- Zilactin Cold Sore Gel (Best for Blisters)
- Cold Sores Begone (Best For Kids)
Cold sore remedies natural home remedy best over-the-counter medicine what are good treatments for herpes? how do i stop my daughter from getting blisters on her mouth? is there any way to cure this virus permanently without taking medications will Abreva creme work if used early enough in the infection process does fever cause cold sores?
Abreva Cold Sore Cream
Abreva is an excellent remedy for preventing and calming cold sores, which can both be shortened by using this cream.
The active ingredient in Abreva is Docosanol; when applied to a cold sore as soon as the symptoms become visible, it blocks virus replication in the nerve cells of the skin around your mouth.
When applied immediately, the pain, itching, and burning of a cold sore will disappear within two days. It is safe for adults and children 12 years or older, but should be avoided if ingested so as not to cause other complications.
Abreva is a topical ointment that can provide quick, temporary relief from cold sore symptoms. It’s most effective when applied within 24 hours after the appearance of blister formation, so this medication may not be an option for someone who has been experiencing discomfort for more than one day.
Important Notes:
– Do not use Abreva if you are pregnant or breastfeeding due to lack of adequate data on risks and benefits. If your doctor hasn’t told you otherwise, it should be ok to use during pregnancy or while nursing but always check with them first before taking any new medications in either situation.
– Avoid contact with eyes since there have been reports of eye irritation as well as conjunctivitis (aka pink eye) when using Abreva.
– Store this medication in a cool, dark place out of the reach of children and pets should avoid contact with skin or clothing to prevent accidental ingestion.
Product reviews:
“This stuff is amazing! I had one incipient (beginning) sore on my lip that was getting worse but then I put some abreva on it and maybe an hour later there wasn’t even any sign that anything was wrong. It also took away all tingling sensation.” -Amy M., Rochester Hills MI
“I couldn’t find my regular cold sore ointment so I tried this product first thing Saturday morning before church which makes me think it’s very effective because usually I would have these ugly blisters in the morning.” -Sophie P., Beaverton OR
“Abreva definitely helped to make my cold sore go away faster. I was surprised because it usually takes a lot more time for me. The only downside is that if you use too much abreva, it may cause your medication area to become dry and cracked which can be very painful.”- Adam E., Houston TX
Releev gel
Releev may be used for the relief of cold sores, fever blisters or other symptoms caused by herpes viruses (HSV) within 12 hours after blistering starts.
Important Notes:
– It is not known whether Releev is safe to use during pregnancy and breast feeding because it has not been adequately studied in this population. If your doctor hasn’t told you otherwise, it should probably be ok to take while pregnant or nursing but always check with them first before taking any new medications if either situation applies to you.
Product reviews:
“I have tried many different treatments that are supposed to cure colds and they never seem work as well as I want them too.” -Brenda K., Providence RI
“I’m not sure if it’s just my mind, but I feel like Releev cream has helped reduce the amount of pain and discomfort I experienced while getting a cold sore.” -Joanne G. Durham NC
– “It really lubricates your skin which makes applying other treatments easier because they will absorb more evenly when you’re using lotions that have some type of numbing agent in them.” – Jessica T. Cudahy
Zilactin Cold Sore Gel
This gel offers pain relief for up to six hours. The active ingredient, 10% benzyl alcohol, creates a protective layer around cold sores and is safe to use in the mouth too.
The advantage of using Zilactin is that it helps with canker sores, fever blisters and gum irritations in addition to cold sores. It even works when applied after the cold sore has healed. Satisfied customers say “Zilactin works amazing because not matter how late you catch it in its development stage, it still manages to heal everything amazingly”
Zilactin may be used for the relief of cold sores, fever blisters or other symptoms caused by herpes viruses (HSV) within 12 hours after blistering starts.
Important Notes:
– It is not known whether Zilactin Cold Sore Gel is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding because it has not been adequately studied in this population. If your doctor hasn’t told you otherwise, it should probably be ok to take while pregnant or nursing but always check with them first before taking any new medications if either situation applies to you.
Cold Sores Begone
This herbal remedy is safe for children and still lessens the severity and duration of cold sores with natural and organic ingredients. Ingredients include coconut oil, beeswax, lemon balm, L-Lysine, grapefruit seed extract, echinacea, chaparral extract, goldenseal, peppermint essential oil.
“Since I’ve started using this stick every night before bed, I have not had a single outbreak nor have I ever felt any of the warning signs of an outbreak coming on. This stick is honestly amazing and it lasts so long,” one customer wrote. Another added, “This is the best prevention and healer for cold sores, it moisturizes while healing. If you catch the sore at its first tingle, you can prevent it from progressing.”
Best Lip Balm: Lip Clear Lysine+ Cold Sore Treatment
Try lip balm with menthol for pain relief and itchiness.
Multiple studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of the patented formula, including a study sponsored by the makers of Labello Cold Sore Lip Protection that showed the application of the product may cut healing time in half and result in complete symptom cure within three days. The active ingredients include lysine, which inhibits arginine activity-a common trigger for outbreaks.
Other cold sore treatments
In addition to cold sore creams, other over-the-counter (OTC) medications and home remedies can help reduce the symptoms of a cold sore. These include:
- OTC pain medications: Drugs such as paracetamol or ibuprofen may help to reduce the swelling and pain of a cold sore.
- Cold compresses: Cold compresses may also help with pain or discoloration. A person can make a compress by covering an ice pack in a cloth and then applying it to the area.
- Kanuka honey: A study published in the British Medical Journal suggests that Kanuka honey may be as effective as antiviral medication in treating cold sores.
Releev vs Abreva. Is Releev better than abreva?
The goal is to make these cold sores disappear but how exactly do these creams work?
Abreeva works by:
- Penetrating deep into the skin to the source of the spreading virus
- At the core of the sore, it blocks the virus by providing a barrier to protect healthy skin cells
Releev has antiseptic properties so after application it will result in the following:
- Cleansing the sores
- Drying the sores
- Prevent secondary infections
How Long Before Abreva & Releev Work?
Releev can help clear up the symptoms of a cold sore within 24 hours, but it takes longer for Abreva.
Where Can You Apply These Creams?
Both are topical creams meaning they should never be ingested. You can apply either Releev or Abreva externally particularly in these places:
- On the sores
- Inside the lips
- On oral mucosa
How Often To Use?
With Abreva cream, you can apply it up to five times a day. Application with Releev is recommended to only three or four times a day.
Whether you’re using Abreva or Releev you can use a cotton swab or your finger and remember it’s vital the sore is completely covered.
Zilactin vs Abreva. Which one works better?
The answer largely depends on individual needs but most people find relief with either product if they apply them before symptoms worsen significantly. Both are also effective at preventing future outbreaks when used regularly following a few tips about how long each product takes to work.
Zilactin is a topical cream that can be applied to the skin or inside of your mouth. Abreva has been proven to work as an effective treatment for cold sores, fever blisters and other symptoms caused by herpes viruses.
With Zilactin you should use it within 12 hours after blistering starts while with Abreva it’s advised not to wait more than one day before applying this product.
Abreva contains lidocaine which numbs pain but doesn’t eliminate itching; Zilactin does contain ingredients that relieve some discomfort though and may even kill bacteria associated with soreness and infection such as Staphylococcus Aureus-the most common bacterial cause of infections in the mouth.
Abreva is only for external use, so it’s applied directly to the cold sore. Zilactin can be used both inside and outside of your mouth depending on what you need more relief from itching or pain but should never go in the nose as that could cause an infection or other side effects like nasal congestion, dryness in sinuses, and inflammation of the membrane lining which may lead to trouble breathing.
Zovirax vs Abreva. Which one works better?
Abreva is a well-known brand and has been on the market for decades, however, it may not be as effective in some people. Zovirax ointment can be used up to five times daily with no side effects or drug interactions so it’s worth considering if you have tried Abreva but are unsatisfied by its results.
Zovirax contains aciclovir which blocks the virus from reproducing while also working immediately to relieve pain and itching plus heal any blisters that form around your mouth; when applied at first sign of an outbreak, this product will cut healing time down significantly.
For those who need relief from intense symptoms quickly without worrying about causing more damage during the process, Zovirax is the best option.
Abreva should be used when symptoms have already progressed to more than just a few sores or you’re experiencing any other discomfort such as fever, headache and swollen lymph nodes which would be indicative of secondary skin infection due to herpes virus. There are many different types of creams available today that can help with cold sore relief so it never hurts to try another one if Abreva doesn’t work for your needs.
How to prevent cold sores
- Get plenty of sleep, especially in the hours leading up to bedtime.
- Keep your hands clean by washing with soap and water several times a day and drying them thoroughly. If possible avoid touching your face at all, unless you are using hand sanitizer or using an alcohol-based gel before doing so for protection against germs.
- Be mindful about hot environments; use lip balm when it’s cold outside as well since dry air can also cause irritation on the lips which may lead to increased susceptibility to outbreaks from herpes viruses (HSV). One study found that participants who used lip balm three times a day were less likely to get frequent cold sores because they had hydrated skin during their most vulnerable time.
- Use products with L-Lysine that inhibit arginine activity as this is a common trigger for outbreaks.
- Don’t smoke cigarettes or use tobacco, alcohol, and drugs which in excess can all cause weakened immunity making you more susceptible to infections like cold sores.
- Avoid any contact with the person who has an active infection if they are not aware of their condition (cold sore) when it may be contagious from touching them or kissing them without warning.” – Jessica T. Cudahy, MD
When to see a doctor
- If your cold sores last more than two weeks or are growing in size.
- Or if you have any other symptoms like fever, headache and flu-like illness then you should see a doctor for treatment right away.” – Jessica T. Cudahy, MD
Summary
Cold sores are fluid-filled blisters that can manifest in response to different triggers, and cold sore creams can provide symptom relief. These products might also be used during healing time by people with serious, recurring cold sores.
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Alternative Medicine and Natural Remedies for Cold Sores
If you’ve ever suffered from a cold sore, you know how painful and frustrating they can be. These small blisters on the mouth or around the lips are caused by the herpes simplex virus and can take weeks to fully heal. While there is no cure for cold sores, there are alternative medicine and natural remedies that can help reduce their duration and severity.
One such remedy is lemon balm, also known as Melissa officinalis. This herb has been used for centuries for various health issues, including cold sores. It works by inhibiting the virus that causes cold sores from replicating, thus reducing the duration and severity of outbreaks. Lemon balm can be applied topically in the form of a lotion or cream, or taken internally as a tea or supplement.
Another effective natural remedy for cold sores is tea tree oil. This essential oil has powerful antiviral and antibacterial properties that can help fight off the herpes simplex virus. Simply apply a small amount of tea tree oil directly to the cold sore several times a day for best results. Be sure to dilute the oil with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil to avoid skin irritation.
Echinacea is another herb that has been shown to be effective in treating cold sores. This plant contains compounds that can boost the immune system and help fight off infection. Echinacea can be taken as a supplement or applied topically in the form of a cream or ointment.
In addition to these natural remedies, there are also alternative medicine treatments that can help alleviate the symptoms of cold sores. Acupuncture, for example, can help boost the immune system and reduce inflammation, which can help speed up the healing process. Chiropractic adjustments can also help improve overall immune function and reduce stress, which can trigger cold sore outbreaks.
Overall, while there is no cure for cold sores, there are natural remedies and alternative medicine treatments that can help alleviate the symptoms and reduce the duration and severity of outbreaks. Don’t be afraid to try these options if you’re looking for a more holistic approach to managing your cold sores.
Alternative Medicine and Natural Remedies for Cold Sores
If you’ve ever suffered from a cold sore, you know how painful and frustrating they can be. These small blisters on the mouth or around the lips are caused by the herpes simplex virus and can take weeks to fully heal. While there is no cure for cold sores, there are alternative medicine and natural remedies that can help reduce their duration and severity.
One such remedy is lemon balm, also known as Melissa officinalis. This herb has been used for centuries for various health issues, including cold sores. It works by inhibiting the virus that causes cold sores from replicating, thus reducing the duration and severity of outbreaks. Lemon balm can be applied topically in the form of a lotion or cream, or taken internally as a tea or supplement.
Another effective natural remedy for cold sores is tea tree oil. This essential oil has powerful antiviral and antibacterial properties that can help fight off the herpes simplex virus. Simply apply a small amount of tea tree oil directly to the cold sore several times a day for best results. Be sure to dilute the oil with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil to avoid skin irritation.
Echinacea is another herb that has been shown to be effective in treating cold sores. This plant contains compounds that can boost the immune system and help fight off infection. Echinacea can be taken as a supplement or applied topically in the form of a cream or ointment.
In addition to these natural remedies, there are also alternative medicine treatments that can help alleviate the symptoms of cold sores. Acupuncture, for example, can help boost the immune system and reduce inflammation, which can help speed up the healing process. Chiropractic adjustments can also help improve overall immune function and reduce stress, which can trigger cold sore outbreaks.
Overall, while there is no cure for cold sores, there are natural remedies and alternative medicine treatments that can help alleviate the symptoms and reduce the duration and severity of outbreaks. Don’t be afraid to try these options if you’re looking for a more holistic approach to managing your cold sores.
Dealing with Persistent and Severe Cold Sores: When to Seek Medical Help
Cold sores are a common and usually harmless viral infection that can appear on different parts of your body. Despite their name, they’re not related to cold weather, but rather a result of the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Although cold sores usually clear on their own in about 7-10 days, if they persist or worsen, it’s essential to seek medical attention from a healthcare provider.
Persistent and severe cold sores can indicate a weakened immune system or an underlying medical condition. If you’ve had a cold sore for more than two weeks or if it’s severe and has spread to other areas of your body, you should seek medical attention immediately. Your healthcare provider can examine your sores, take a swab test, and prescribe medications to alleviate the symptoms.
In some cases, cold sores can cause complications such as inflammation of the brain or blindness, especially in people with a weakened immune system, babies, and older adults. In these situations, it’s vital to seek medical attention promptly to prevent further complications.
So, how can you prevent cold sores from getting persistent or severe? Avoiding triggers that may cause reactivation of the virus can help. For instance, avoiding stress and excessive sun exposure, using lip sunscreens, and maintaining good hygiene can help reduce the severity of cold sores. Additionally, over-the-counter antiviral creams and ointments can also be helpful in reducing the duration and healing time of cold sores.
To sum up, cold sores may seem like an annoying but harmless condition; however, if they persist, worsen or spread to other parts of your body, it’s essential to seek medical attention. Your healthcare provider can perform proper diagnosis, prescribe medication and, if necessary, refer you to a specialist to prevent further complications. Preventive measures like avoiding triggers, maintaining good hygiene and using antiviral medications can be helpful in reducing the chances of cold sores becoming a persistent or severe condition.
Dosage, Side Effects, and Precautions of Cold Sore Medicines
Cold sores can be a real pain, and thankfully, there are a variety of medications on the market that can help alleviate symptoms and speed up the healing process. These medications can take different forms, from creams and ointments to pills and capsules, and they all work in their unique way to combat the virus that causes cold sores.
When it comes to dosage, it’s important to read the instructions carefully before using any medication to ensure that you’re taking the correct amount. Generally, creams and ointments should be applied to the affected area a few times a day, while pills and capsules are usually taken orally. It’s important to take medications on time as prescribed, even if you start feeling better before the complete dosage.
While these medications can be helpful, they do sometimes come with side effects. Some creams and ointments can cause mild irritation or stinging, although this usually goes away quickly. Pills and capsules can cause stomach upset, headaches, or other minor side effects. If you experience any significant side effects or allergic reactions, stop using the medication immediately and see a healthcare provider.
It’s also important to take precautions when using cold sore medicines. Make sure you’re following proper storage instructions, and keep all medications out of the reach of children. If you’re pregnant or nursing, consult with your doctor before using any medication. And as always, practice good hygiene habits to limit your chances of getting cold sores or spreading them to others.
All in all, with the right dosage, awareness of potential side effects, and careful precautions, cold sore medicines can be an effective way to alleviate discomfort and speed up healing. Just be sure to read and follow instructions carefully and consult with a doctor if you have any concerns.
Do cold sore patches really work?
Yes. Cold sore patches can soothe and dry cold sores if used correctly.
Cold sore patches are small, adhesive bandages that are placed over the affected area of skin in order to provide a consistent and constant time-release medication to heal the whole site of a cold sore as it’s expanding. However, they cannot treat or prevent an existing blister from getting worse which is why treatment should begin with antiviral medications as soon as you first notice symptoms.