A Guide To Cold Sore Prescriptions

By Author: Charles Cameron
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A cold sore is a fluid-filled blister or a cluster of blisters that appears on the lips and around the mouth. It is also known as fever blisters, oral herpes, or herpes labialis. Cold sores are widespread. More than half of the people in the United States have been infected with the virus that causes cold sores, though many people never develop cold sores or have any symptoms. About 20 to 40 percent of people who have the virus develop cold sores.

What to Look for in Cold Sore Prescriptions?

Ingredients

Cold sore medications, both prescription and OTC, rely on different active ingredients to offer relief and healing. There are drying agents (Domeboro solution, calamine lotion, zinc oxide, witch hazel), which when dabbed on the sore dry up the blister and its fluid. Topical steroids or anti-inflammatory cream, like hydrocortisone, when applied a few times a day reduces pain, itch, redness, and inflammation. They provide comfort and can be used with anti-virals. Prescribed topical anti-viral creams can reduce the severity and duration of a cold sore. The most effective are penciclovir and acyclovir and should ...
... be started immediately at the first signs of a prodrome.

Another option is topical anesthetics, like prescription lidocaine or OTC benzocaine, which are available as mouthwashes, creams, and ointments. They can be applied to the sore up to three times a day as needed for local pain relief. The doctor recommends applying them before eating, especially if the sore is making it too painful to eat.

Form

Cold sore prescriptions are available in different forms. There are oral medications and topical options as well as devices and patches that block the virus causing the cold sores and treat symptoms. Topical barrier gels and ointments reduce discomfort while the sore heals. They act as a barrier from outside irritants (food, drinks, talking) and may keep out bacteria that can cause a secondary infection in the viral sore. Try Vaseline, Aquaphor, and chapstick (don’t double-dip or keep the stick/jar for cold sores only). Topical hydroxypropyl cellulose adheres to the lesion to keep out irritants (Zilactin and Ziladent are both over the counter medicines). Certain medications, such as Abreva, may also help cold sores heal faster if used as soon as you feel a cold sore developing. Abreva works by helping to prevent the herpes virus from spreading to healthy skin cells.

Can you use cold sore medicine while pregnant?

It depends on the medicine, which is why a pregnant person should run all of their medications past their OB/GYN. However, Abreva and Zovirax, and Valtrex (two prescription cold sore options) are considered safe for pregnant patients. The FDA hasn't specifically evaluated the products for use on pregnant patients but research has been done to suggest they're more than likely safe. Additionally, once a parent passes their 36th week of pregnancy these antivirals carry less concern for the developing baby.

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