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.
