What treatments are available?
It is not possible to eradicate the virus from the body. However, antiviral treatments for cold sores are available as over-the-counter creams that are applied multiple times a day for 4-5 days.
Doctors can also recommend tablet treatments. The tablet options available include:
These may be helpful especially if cold sores are frequent or severe.
If your cold sores are not bad enough to make a special visit to your doctor, make a note to discuss at your next doctor's visit.
All treatments should be used in the early stages of a cold sore outbreak, when the virus first starts to multiply. Early treatment can help speed healing and reduce pain and tenderness.
As cold sores are unpredictable, it is important to have treatment on hand, so that you can be ready as soon as the next outbreak starts.
