The most effective treatment options for cold sores

The most effective treatment options for cold sores

Small and painful blisters that are filled with fluid, which develop on the face are known as cold sores. They are caused by virus. Cold sores are very painful and last for a few days. Various medications are available on the market for treatment of cold sores. While some are topical creams, others are oral medications. Cold sores should be treated as soon as the first symptoms are noticed. This will shorten the recovery time and make treatment easier. Many FDA approved treatments are used by people but only certain medications such as Famvir and Denavir are effective. If you want to buy a medication to treat cold sores, ensure that you have a prescription even if the medication is approved by FDA. Also check if the treatment option that you are taking has the following qualities:

It reduces the time taken to heal cold sores

It reduces the symptoms and relieves you of the pain

It prevents the size and occurrence of lesions.

It reduces the time taken to recover

If you are suffering from cold sores for the first time, you will experience a lot of pain and discomfort. It is worse than infections that are recurrent. Doctors advise that the first outbreak should be treated with an oral medication and recurrent infections should be treated with topical medications.

Denavir

Denavir, a recurrent cold sores treatment, was approved by the FDA in 1996. It can reduce the recovery time by around 2 days, if taken during the initial outbreak. It should be applied every 2 hours during the whole day (from the morning till night). The earlier, the better but this treatment can be used in all stages of the viral attack. It shows quick improvement in the health of the individual taking it.

Condylox

Condylox is used to treat genital warts around the anus and surrounding area. This drug is very strong and you will start noticing the results within 3 days of using this medication. Podofilox, a key ingredient in Condylox, prevents the reproduction of wart cells. You should apply this medication once on the affect areas for a period of 4 days after which you have to give a break of 3 days.

Famvir

Famciclovir, marketed as Famvir is an antiviral drug used for the treatment of shingles. It works by slowing down the growth and spread of herpes virus in the body and helps the body to fight with the infection. It not only treats herpes, but also reduces the symptoms of the same. Famvir is used to treat a number of other health conditions such as genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chicken pox.

You should not take the above medications if you are pregnant of breastfeeding. These drugs might pass in to breast milk and can affect your baby. Never take these medicines without a prescription. Store them at room temperature, away from heat and light. Do not store these medications in the bathroom. Patients under 18 years of age should not use it.