How do you cure a cold sore?

Answer 1

TJT123:

What I use to dry out a cold sore in order for it to go quicker is Mouthwash! Just get a piece of kitchen/toilet paper (a clean piece of course) and put the paper (folded up to make it thicker) over the top of the mouthwash bottle and then turn it all over so the mouth wash pours on the paper cleanly. Then, hold the mouthwash soaked paper on the cold sore. Do NOT move it around or take it off for at least 1-2 minutes as this will spread the cold sore to other areas around the face. Repeat this process every 2-4 hours and the cold sore should dry out the cold sore well. Before going to bed hold the mouthwash on for a bit longer if wanted as its a well known fact that the body is much better at healing when your sleeping!

The Mouthwash Trick not only helps to dry out the cold sore but also kills bacteria in and around the area to stop the cold sore getting worse due to infection (etc).

This method of drying the cold sore out can after removal of the paper begin to sting on the cold sore and surrounding area, or you may get a throbbing sensation, although the outcome is totally worth it!

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Pat Stacey/ID2541137212:

Hydrogen Peroxide and LOTS of vitamins.

Also, a few other ways that seem to work:

1. Obviously, topical, over-the-counter creams from the pharmacy, e.g. Zovirax. They don't really speed up healing but they can prevent a sore from appearing.

2. Garlic oil, applied topically.

3. Aloe vera.

There is no real cure for a cold sore. This is part of the Herpes virus and is highly transmissible when you have an outbreak, and possible to transmit when you don't - although rare. As indicated above you can treat it to assist in the prevention, or healing but once you have the virus you will always have it. Getting enough rest, reducing your stress and eating healthy will prevent outbreaks. It is possible to have one outbreak in your live and then never again, or to have them frequently. If you do have them often examine when they appear to try to determine what is brining them out, do you get them during stressful situations? Did you eat poorly recently? etc.

Answer 2

Cold sores are caused by a virus, doctors may suggest an antiviral medication to help you heal more quickly. The antiviral drugs used to treat cold sores include acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir (Valtrex), famciclovir (Famvir), and penciclovir (Denavir).

Answer 3

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus and typically heal on their own within 7-10 days. To manage symptoms, you can apply over-the-counter creams or ointments, keep the area clean and dry, and avoid picking at the sore to prevent infection. In some cases, antiviral medications prescribed by a doctor may help speed up the healing process.