What Are the Treatments for Cold Sores?
You can’t cure HSV or a cold sore, but you can alleviate the pain it causes by avoiding spicy or acidic foods, applying ice, and using over-the-counter remedies. Look for medicines that contain numbing agents such as phenol and emollients to reduce cracking and soften scabs. Abreva is an over-the-counter topical remedy used to help speed healing and minimize pain from a cold sore. If your cold sore is especially painful or irritating, your doctor may prescribe an anesthetic gel to alleviate pain or an antiviral oral medication to speed healing or prevent recurrence. The antiviral agents available for treatment include acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), and valacyclovir (Valtrex). These oral medications are more effective when started within the first 48 hours of the outbreak. Valtrex is more expensive, but is better absorbed in the digestive tract and therefore more reliable. Cold sores can become complicated by a bacterial infection, so it is also important to keep them clean
