No Need to Cover Your Mouth, Help Is Available: Top 8 Ways to Treat That Pesky Cold Sore

Monday, December 08 2008

You’ve got a big date, or a job interview, or maybe it’s just another day, but you’re dealing with something you hate – a cold sore. The name “cold sore” is a bit of a misnomer, as it isn’t really caused by a cold; it’s actually caused by the herpes simplex virus.

Now, don’t panic at the word “herpes.” There are two types of herpes viruses, type 1 and type 2. Herpes simplex virus type 1 generally only infects above the waistline, and is what usually causes cold sores. Herpes simplex virus type 2 normally only infects the body below the waistline, as in genital herpes. Type 2 does not normally cause cold sores, although it can.

There are several methods of treating a cold sore, some pharmaceutical and some that are more of the what’s-in-the-kitchen variety. Regardless, they are probably all worth checking out, especially if cold sores are a problem for you.

1. Denavir cream. In a large clinical study of cold sore sufferers, Denavir (penciclovir cream) was the only medicine of its kind proven to help cold sores disappear. A white, non-greasy pharmaceutical cream that dries clear, Denavir can be used at the first sign of a cold sore, and is supposed to help sores heal in 4-5 days average.
    
2. Zovirax. Zovirax is an antiviral pharmaceutical liquid that slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus. It is used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses, including genital herpes, shingles, chicken pox, and yes, cold sores.
    
3. Viroxyn. Viroxyn is a topical product in a vial that is applied to the cold sore with a swab, thereby making it unnecessary to touch the sore with one’s fingers (never a good idea anyway). The product is supposed to shorten outbreak time by several days or more in the majority of users.
   
   In addition to these chemical-based products, other methods of cold sore relief that are said to work for some people can include:
    
4. Glycerine. Applying a pinch of glycerine to the cold sore and then rinsing it thoroughly may help.
    
5. Salt water. Rinsing the mouth with warm salt water three to four times a day may make a difference.
    
6. T-tree oil. Applying T-tree oil (from Melaleuca Alternifolia leaves, which are supposed to promote healing naturally) is said to make a difference.
    
7. Lysine. Using up to 5,000 milligrams of Lysine daily taken in supplement form during an outbreak may help.
    
8. Zinc. Apply zinc to the cold sore and take it internally as a supplement as well. Doping both of these at once is said to be effective for some people.

None of these are guaranteed to offer total relief for cold sores, and certainly none are a cure for any type of herpes virus. But these are just a few possible options that may help with that pesky cold sore that’s keeping you at home tonight when you should be out having fun.