An Introduction to Cold Sores, Their Treatment and Remedies

Cold Sores, also known as fever blisters and oral herpes, are a type of facial lesion found on the lips or around the mouth area. The medical name for a cold sore is herpes labialis and it is caused by the herpes simplex virus. The name "herpes" is derived from the Greek word "herpein" which means, "to creep", as cold sores often appear to creep as they spread over the face. Herpes simplex is one of the most difficult viruses to control, due to its high contagiousness and it is estimated that 85% of the world's population has been infected with the virus at some stage. Despite this fact, effective cold sore treatment is available for sufferers.

Symptoms

The first symptoms of a cold sore usually appear within 1-3 weeks of infection. The blisters on the lips, mouth or gums which can be quite painful usually last 7-10 days before they begin to resolve. After this, the virus can remain latent in the nerve tissue of the face, and it is quite common for there to be recurrence in the same area from time to time. There are a number of triggers that can cause this including:

• Menstruation
• Exposure to the sun
• Stress
• Fever
• Poor immune system
• Fatigue

Treatment & Remedies

If left untreated, cold sores will usually subside in 1-2 weeks. There are, however, a number of antiviral medications that can alleviate the symptoms. A particularly effective cold sore treatment is Zovirax, also known as acyclovir. Zovirax can help the severity of outbreaks and also prevent new blisters forming. It is available in ointment, pill, liquid, and intravenous form and can also be used to treat ocular herpes. Other cold sore remedies include:

• Washing blisters gently with antiseptic soap and water.
• Applying ice to the area infected can numb the pain and reduce the cold sore's development.
• Tea bags can help minimize a lesion developing.  
• Petroleum jelly can be applied to scabs to prevent them from cracking and bleeding.

For your convenience, we have listed a number of over the counter cold sore treatments below. Remember, however, to always consult your GP before administering any new medication.