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What are the Different Types of Cold Sore Medications?
While cold sores can be uncomfortable and embarrassing to have, the good news is that there are various treatments available. Most are quite accessible to anyone, as they are sold in drugstores, such as the kind that strives to eliminate burning and itching. A different type is antibacterial, and can stop sores from growing any further, while another sort can stop the cold sore from forming to begin with. Finally, there are prescription cold sore medications, which typically help the sore heal within days, particularly when applied early on.
Once the cold sore has developed, the goal of most people is to get rid of its bothersome symptoms, such as a burning feeling. The sore is also often itchy and red, making it difficult for those suffering from it to keep from constantly scratching it, which may result in the virus spreading further. Fortunately, there are cold sore medications on the market that can numb the area, as they contain camphor, lidocaine, and benzyl alcohol, to name a few common ingredients. This type of core sore medication can frequently be purchased over-the-counter at most drugstores.
Many people can tell when a cold sore is starting to form on their mouth, even before it shows up. For such cases, there are cold sore medications that can stop the sore from growing, by stunting the growth right away. This may result in a sore that is smaller than usual, and perhaps barely noticeable if it is treated quickly. It can also stop more sores from forming as the first one heals.
There are also over-the-counter cold sore medications that can prevent outbreaks to begin with, as they stop the virus from creating sores. For example, one of the most common triggers of cold sores is stress, so those under a lot of stress may consider applying this type of medication instead of waiting for sores to appear. This medication is typically full of antiviral substances, such as lysine, zinc, and phenol, and can usually be purchased at local drugstores.
Some people suffering from cold sores opt to talk to their doctor, who can offer prescription-strength cold sore medications. This type often shortens the life of the sore so that it typically heals within just a few days. Prescription medication like this kind can stop the sore from forming if applied at the beginning of an outbreak, but it can also be used on current sores to start the healing process quickly.
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![The severity of a cold sore will help determine the best prescription drug needed.]()
By: Feng YuThe severity of a cold sore will help determine the best prescription drug needed. -
![There are a number of over-the-counter and homeopathic treatments for cold sores.]()
By: Marco2811There are a number of over-the-counter and homeopathic treatments for cold sores.
Discussion Comments
My grandmother always swore by vanilla extract as a cold sore remedy. I don't know where she picked up this cure, but whenever someone got a cold sore or felt one coming on, she would tell him or her to get some real vanilla and soak a cotton ball with the liquid. When the ball was wet with the vanilla all you had to do was keep it on the cold sore for a while and let the miracle cure go to work.
The vanilla would dry up the cold sores that were already there, and the remedy would also prevent new bumps for appearing, which is good because the bumps can be painful in some cases. And this works on cold sore regardless of where they are located on the body.
I agree that there is a certain stigma associated with cold sores, but this doesn't make much sense. I forget the exact number, but a large number of adults have the virus that causes cold sores. Some people are more prone to getting outbreaks, but just because you don't get outbreaks doesn't mean the virus is not in your body. And if you have the virus then you can pass it on to someone else.
Years ago I can remember a couple of my girlfriends getting cold sores, and they thought the little bumps were such a big headache because of the way they looked. When you are a teenage girl looks are very important as you try to cultivate a reputation and figure out who you are.
Back then the cold sores were an inconvenience. Now that we know more about the relationship between herpes and the cold sore, people are even more conscious of cold sores. Any cold sore medication that can prevent the sores from forming is a welcomed treatment because it saves us a great deal of embarrassment.
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