Cold Sore Treatment
What is a cold sore?
A cold sore is an infection that appears on your skin as small painful blisters. These usually develop on your lips but they can appear on other parts of the face and body. They’re very contagious especially when the blisters have burst.
What causes cold sores?
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. This virus has two types, Type 1 (HSV-1) is transmitted by oral-to-oral contact, whereas type 2 (HSV-2) is a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI).
Is a cold sore curable?
No, however, there is a cold sore treatment to suit everyone, whether you want to hide your cold sores with a patch or apply soothing creams to the blisters. Once you have caught the Herpes Simplex Virus the cause of cold sores you will have it for the rest of your life, however, this does not mean that you will permanently have a cold sore on your face. The virus will lay dormant within your body and outbreaks of cold sores can be triggered by a number of factors such as cold weather or stress.
How to treat cold sores?
A cold sore should heal on its own within 10 days. However, if you decide to treat your cold sore blisters there are lots of cold sore remedies that you can try. It is important that whenever you happen to touch the scab or fluid from your cold sore that you immediately wash your hands, especially before and after you apply cold sore cream to the blisters.
You might choose to use some home remedies to heal your cold sore, one of the best is making sure that you are drinking plenty of water. This will help your cold sore to heal quicker as your skin will become more hydrated. It is also a good idea to think about the foods you are eating too as acidic or salty food can irritate cold sores.
Cost?
Aciclovir 200mg tablets - 5 day course - £22.50
Aciclovir Oral Suspension 200mg/5ml - £20 per 125ml