What Are the Treatments for Herpes Labialis?
Herpes labialis is the medical name for a common affliction, the cold sore, also known as a fever blister or oral herpes. Most cases of herpes labialis are mild, but some might require more aggressive treatment.
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About Oral Herpes
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Herpes labialis is caused by the presence of the herpes simplex 1 (HSV-1) virus. HSV-1 infection is common in the United States. According to the American Social Health Association, between 50 percent and 80 percent of Americans have oral herpes. By age 50, around 90 percent will have the virus. HSV-1 is spread easily, usually from a kiss from a family member or loved one. The HSV-1 virus takes up residence in the trigeminal ganglia at the top of the spine and lays dormant until it reactivates. Lesions comprised of watery blisters erupt in the area of the mouth, or sometimes on the chin or in the nostrils. They rarely erupt inside the mouth.
At-Home Treatments
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Although cold sores caused by HSV-1 can be quite painful, they usually resolve on their own within seven to 10 days without need for medical intervention. A topical treatment containing lidocaine or benzyl alcohol, such as Zilactin, might reduce pain. The only over-the-counter topical cream proven to speed the healing process is Abreva, which is approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.
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Prescription Oral Medications
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Only around 25 percent of people who experience an initial oral herpes outbreak will experience another. However, a doctor might prescribe oral medication for those who experience frequent outbreaks. The same antivirals used to treat genital herpes--Zovirax, Famvir and Valtrex--are also prescribed for oral herpes.
Prescription Topicals
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Prescription topical antivirals that can hasten the healing process include acyclovir (Zovirax) and penciclovir (Denavir). These topicals can be used directly on active lesions, and they also can be put on the skin at the first sign of pain signaling an oral herpes outbreak.
Preventive Measures
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Herpes labialis does not pose a serious risk unless it affects the area of the eyes--and this is extremely rare. However, there are certain preventive measures that should be taken whenever a fever blister erupts. If the blister is touched, hands should be washed with a disinfectant soap to prevent spread of the virus to other parts of the body. HSV-1 is also a cause of genital herpes. Those with active cold sores should refrain from giving oral sex.
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