How Does Cold Sore Medication Work?

Introduction

Cold sores are skin lesions that can develop on the skin or in the mouth during times when the immune system is depressed. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, more specifically the HSV1 virus. Cold sores can be painful and can last for weeks at a time if not treated. Cold sores can also be referred to as fever blisters.

Cause

Cold sores appear when the HSV1 virus is contracted through sores around the mouth or lips. HSV1 is present in many public areas and can easily spread by touch or other forms of contact. HSV1 can remain dormant for years before ever causing a cold sore outbreak. However, once the virus has been awakened from a dormant state, it can cause cold sores. The cold sores develop as red, swollen blisters that congregate around the lips and mouth.

Oral

Cold sore medications that are taken orally are usually antivirals. These medications help to force the virus back into a dormant state. However, they do not cure the disease. Taking an oral antiviral works in a couple of different ways. It helps by decreasing the healing time and helping relieve the pain associated with the cold sore. It also can reduce the size and number of lesions experienced on the face if taken in time. It may also prevent future outbreaks by stopping or limiting viral shedding. Viral shedding is the way in which the virus multiplies and then sheds itself from the host to infect others.

Topical

Topical medication treatments are also available for cold sore treatment and relief. Topical ointments, such as Zovirax and Denavir, work by decreasing the amount of time the cold sore virus is active, as well as decreasing the time that the virus sheds. This helps to both heal the virus quicker as well as reduce the amount of time the virus has to spread to other hosts. Topical treatments also may include ingredients that help to relieve the pain at the cold sore site.

Cure?

There is no current cure for the herpes virus that causes cold sores. Cold sores may occur anytime in your life and can be spread through physical contact with others. This is mostly true when you are currently experiencing a cold sore breakout. They especially can be spread through sexual contact if they are involved with the other, more serious form of herpes virus called HSV2. The HSV2 virus can also create genital sores called genital herpes.

Resources

• Additional Information on Cold Sores