by Angie Mohr

Created on: April 28, 2008   Last Updated: April 29, 2008

Cold sores are not only annoying and socially embarrassing but can also be painful. Knowing how to avoid getting cold sores and how to treat them once they appear can make a difference.

Cold sores are caused by the Herpes simplex virus (HPV). Most cold sores are caused by the Type I virus whereas most genital Herpes infections are caused by the Type II virus. Cold sores are fluid-filled and frequently painful blisters on the lips and/or nose. There is no cure and cold sores can re-emerge under conditions of stress or immune system suppression.

Avoiding Cold Sores

The Herpes virus that causes cold sores is contagious and can be passed from person to person by way of fluid contact, most often kissing. The herpes virus transmits most easily during a cold sore breakout but is also able to transmit when the virus is latent. To avoid cold sores, do not engage in intimate activities with someone who has a cold sore break out. Also, do not share cups or utensils with other people even if they do not appear to have an outbreak of cold sores. If you have the virus that causes cold sores, avoid touching your face as you can spread the virus to others. The Herpes Type I virus that most often causes cold sores can be transmitted to other parts of the body, usually in the initial infection which causes more virus shedding than subsequent outbreaks. Once cold sores have been diagnosed by your physician, there is no need to see him or her about new outbreaks unless they occur in your eye or other parts of your body.

Cold Sore Treatments

There are many down home cold sore treatment recommendations out there including dousing cold sores with vodka, aloe vera and river mud. Because of the viral nature of the infection, none of these treatments solves the underlying problem. To relieve the pain and itching of full-blown cold sores, the best over-the-counter medications are lidocaine and benzocaine creams that provide a numbing effect. To lessen the cold sore break out altogether, there are two recommended prescription drugs: acyclovir (Zovirax) and valacyclovir (Valtrex). Valtrex in particular has shown promise in eliminating or reducing the duration of cold sore outbreaks when taken at the first signs of tingling or itching, prior to the presentation of cold sores. If you have frequent and severe cold sores, you can take these medications daily to prevent out breaks.

Managing your cold sores can be effective and prevent most of the discomfort and visual effects of the outbreaks.

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