Most People Carry This Cold Sore Virus—But Few Know How to Control It

How to Treat Cold Sores

There’s currently no permanent cure for HSV-1, but several treatments can reduce discomfort and speed up healing.

Prescription Antivirals

Best taken at the first sign of symptoms, these medications can shorten outbreaks:

1. Acyclovir (Zovirax)
2. Valacyclovir (Valtrex)
3. Famciclovir (Famvir)

Over-the-Counter Remedies

For milder cases, drugstore treatments can help:

• Docosanol 10% (Abreva) – works best if used early.
• Lidocaine or benzocaine gels – relieve pain temporarily.

Home Remedies

While they don’t cure the virus, they can make you feel more comfortable:

• Aloe vera gel – soothes irritation.
• Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) – may shorten healing time.
• Cold compresses – reduce swelling and pain.
• Petroleum jelly – prevents cracks and helps healing.

 Always wash your hands before and after touching the area to avoid spreading the virus.