Cold sores, also known as fever blisters or HSV-1, are currently a permanent reoccurring issue for the individual infected. A variety of home remedies, over the counter medication, as well as prescription medications are available. This is a list of remedies I have located that have worked for most individuals. I do not guarantee any of them will work for you. It is always best to consult a doctor before trying products you are not familiar with.
Home Remedies:
L-Lysine: Take 1000mg to 1500mg a day to help prevent cold sores from triggering. If a cold sore is triggered take 2000mg to 3000mg. You can also use a Lysine Ointment. This will possibly clear up a fever blister in 6-7 days.
Lemon Balm: Apply directly to the cold sore as needed. Known to reduce the healing time of cold sores to 5 or 6 days and helps prevent future occurrences.
Resveratrol: Apply a topical cream two to five times a day, applying as soon as you notice the cold sore will help stop the blister from forming.
Propolis: Apply as directed to assist with stopping the formation of the HSV-1.
Echinacea: Take 300 to 800 mg a day to help prevent HSV-1.
Over the counter:
Releev, Abreva, Nexcare, Zicam, Orajel and many others are all over the counter ointments designed to help with the relief and healing of a cold sore. The active ingredient in most over the counter medication for HSV-1 is Docosanol. Over the counter ointments will assist with the healing process and clear up an individual case in about a week.
Prescription:
Devavir 1% and Zovirax 5% topical creams are the only prescription medications approved by the FDA as an antiviral ointment. These ointments will help kill the virus in its tracks but will not cure you of the virus itself. Scientists are still in the process of finding a cure that will permanently destroy the virus from the human body.
Remember always to check with your doctor before trying any new product for any complications. As well, I would like to clue you in on a treatment that has helped me clear up my cold sores in three to four days. The book "Cold Sore Freedom in 3 Days" by Grace Melgarejo helped me tremendously. This is definitely one to check out and let me know what how it works for you.
