5 Effective Cold Sore Medicines That Actually Work

Cold sores can be painful and unsightly, often leading to embarrassment and discomfort for those who suffer from them. Unfortunately, once you’ve been infected with the herpes virus that causes cold sores, there’s no cure; the virus will stay with you for life. However, there are a variety of medicines that can help to treat cold sores when they do appear, reducing the severity of symptoms and shortening the duration of outbreaks. In this article, we’ll be discussing five of the most effective cold sore medicines available on the market today.

Acyclovir

Acyclovir is an antiviral medication that is frequently prescribed to treat cold sores and other viral infections. It works by blocking the herpes virus from reproducing, which can help to reduce the severity of symptoms and speed up healing time. Typically, acyclovir is taken in the form of a pill, or applied topically as a cream or ointment. Many people find that acyclovir is particularly effective when taken at the first sign of a cold sore outbreak.

Valacyclovir

Valacyclovir is another antiviral medication that is often used to treat cold sores. Like acyclovir, it works by blocking the herpes virus from multiplying. Valacyclovir is typically taken in the form of a pill, which is easier for many people to manage than a topical cream or ointment. It’s also available in a form that can be taken once daily to help prevent outbreaks, which may be a useful option for those who experience frequent cold sores.

Docosanol

Docosanol is an over-the-counter cream that can be applied directly to cold sores to help reduce symptoms and speed up healing time. It works by preventing the herpes virus from entering healthy skin cells, which can help to limit the spread of the virus and reduce the severity of symptoms. Docosanol should be applied as soon as possible after the appearance of a cold sore, and can be used multiple times per day as needed.

Benzocaine

Benzocaine is a topical numbing agent that can be used to help ease the discomfort of cold sores. It works by blocking the nerve signals that transmit pain, allowing you to feel more comfortable while your body fights off the infection. Benzocaine is available in a variety of forms, including creams, gels, and patches. It’s important to follow the instructions provided with your chosen product carefully, as overuse of benzocaine can cause skin irritation.

Ibuprofen

While not specifically designed to treat cold sores, ibuprofen can be a useful tool in managing the symptoms associated with outbreaks. This over-the-counter pain reliever can help to ease discomfort and reduce inflammation, both of which can be significant problems for those dealing with cold sores. Ibuprofen should be taken as directed on the packaging, and only used for the duration recommended by your healthcare provider.

Conclusion

While there’s no cure for cold sores, there are a variety of medicines available that can help to manage symptoms and speed up healing time. Whether you choose to use antiviral medications, topical creams, or over-the-counter pain relievers, it’s important to take a proactive approach to treating cold sores in order to minimize discomfort and reduce the risk of spreading the infection. By working with your healthcare provider and staying on top of your treatment regimen, you can find relief from cold sores and get back to feeling like yourself again.