Management and Treatment of Cold Sores

Cold sores can be a real pain—it’s the last thing you need. Unfortunately, there is no cure for cold sores yet, but we’ve put together a few different treatments and management techniques to help you stay on top of yours!

Treatment Options

There are  several ways to treat cold sores. A cold sore will eventually heal on its own, but medication can help speed up the healing process.

• Prescription antiviral drugs stop pathogens from developing and spreading. These medications come in the form of either a cream or a pill.

• Over-the-counter antiviral creams and ointments slow the growth of the cold sore virus. They are more readily available than prescription medications and can be found at most major grocery stores and pharmacies.

• Consult your physician if you have concerns or additional questions about medications.

Managing Symptoms

In addition to medication, there are many ways to manage cold sore pain and symptoms. Try the following:

• Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen as a pain reliever

• Use skin protectants like lotion, Vaseline, or face cream to keep the affected area moist and prevent further infection

• Place a cold, wet towel or an ice pack over the affected area at least twice a day for 15-20 minutes to reduce swelling and redness

• Clean the sore and wash your hands frequently to avoid spreading bacteria

• Avoid acidic foods to prevent further irritation

Prevention

The best cure is prevention, especially when it comes to cold sores, which are highly contagious. Try these tips to help prevent future cold sores and avoid passing the bacteria on to others:

• Avoid intimate contact (kissing, sharing drinks, etc.) with someone who has a cold sore

• Prevent fatigue, stress, and excessive exposure to sun or cold weather when possible

• Wash your hands frequently!

If you have additional questions about cold sores, feel free to give us a call at (801) 334-9444 or stop by our office!