Table of Contents
What kills a cold sore?
Oral antiviral medications tend to be more effective than topical treatments. Examples of antiviral medications that a doctor may prescribe for cold sores include: acyclovir (Zovirax) famciclovir (Famvir)
Can cold sores be cured permanently?
There’s no cure for cold sores. Once you have the virus, it stays in your body. The sores themselves usually heal on their own in 1 or 2 weeks. Antiviral medications can speed healing, especially if you take them at the first sign of an outbreak.
What is the fastest way to heal a cold sore?
There are antiviral drugs that can help cold sores heal faster, including acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir and penciclovir….What are the best ways to get rid of a cold sore?
- Cold, damp washcloth.
- Ice or cold compress.
- Petroleum jelly.
- Pain relievers, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen.
Can you kiss someone with a cold sore?
Cold sores are contagious during all stages of the development and healing process, meaning you shouldn’t kiss anyone, share eating utensils, have oral sex or engage in any other oral contact throughout the entire process of a cold sore developing and healing.
Do cold sores stop with age?
People of all ages can become infected with the virus that causes cold sores. Many people are exposed to the virus during childhood. It is possible to develop a cold sore at any age, though the chance of having a cold sore outbreak decreases after the age of 35.
Are cold sores for life?
Cold sores are caused by a virus called herpes simplex. Once you have the virus, it stays in your skin for the rest of your life.
Why do cold sores happen?
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. Once this virus is in you, it can cause outbreaks of cold sores. Cold sore outbreaks are often triggered by exposure to hot sun, cold wind, a cold or other illness, a weak immune system, changing hormone levels, or even stress.
How long is a cold sore contagious?
How long are cold sores contagious for? Cold sores, caused by a type of virus called herpes simplex type 1, are contagious until they completely go away, which usually takes about two weeks. Cold sores are the most contagious when fluid seeps out of the sores.