What should i do for a cold sore?

OTC: There are treatments like abreva that are over the counter and work well. If you get them all the time you may want to ask your md for an rx for acyclovir. That said they heal by themselves in 7-10 days.

Lemon balm: Melissa officinalis or lemon balm (cream) has been shown in european studies to help expedite healing of cold sores. It may cut healing time in half.

"fever blister": Cold sores are little blisters that form on the lips or mouth. They are caused by a herpes simplex virus. The blisters often break open and leak a clear fluid, then scab over after a few days.

Viral infection: A "cold sore" is caused by an infection by herpes virus type i. Most of us are infected by this type of virus in childhood. We get better, but the virus becomes dormant in our bodies and can be reactivated, causing cold sores. The virus is often reactivated by illness or stress.

A virus infection: Cold sores on the lips or near the lips, are usually caused by oral herpes virus. They start as a slightly raised reddish area, then form a cluster of tiny blisters, which break open the next day, leaving a sore (ulcer) to heal up over a week. Sores appear more often when a child is under stress or is ill from another illness. Younger babies with herpes should see a doctor when a sore appears.

Several things: Lysine. Use tea tree oil on it with a qtip...Stings but helps it resolve faster. Use homeopathic rhus tox...Can sped healing by several days. Acupuncture and chinese medicine can help as well. Call or see your doctor and ask bout anti-herpes medication like valtrex (valacyclovir). Eat cooling foods like cucumbers and pears and avocado.

Agree w Dr. Franz: Your doctor can prescribe valtrex (valacyclovir). Melissa officinalis or lemon balm (cream) has been shown in european studies to help expedite healing of cold sores. It can reduce healing time by half. Studies also show that regular use can help v recurrences. Brief supplementation w lysine 1, 000mg orally 3x a day at the onset, can also hasten healing. Your dermatologist can also provide laser treatments.

Cold Sore: Cold sores are caused by a virus. It will heal itself in 7-10 days. Alternatively you may use an otc med like abreva which will shorten the time if it is on your lip or see your dentist or md for an rx for zovirax ointment($$$) again for the lip. If it is intra-oral zovirax(acyclovir) is available in pill form.

More options: Agree w dr. Karsant. Melissa officinalis or lemon balm (cream) expedites healing of cold sores. It can reduce healing time by half. Studies also show that regular use can help v recurrences. Brief supplementation with lysine 1, 000mg orally three times a day at the onset, can also hasten healing. Your physician can prescribe oral valtrex (valacyclovir).

Your doctor can : Prescribe valtrex (valacyclovir). Melissa officinalis or lemon balm (cream) has been shown in european studies to help expedite cold sore healing. It can reduce healing time by 1/2. Studies also show regular use can help v recurrences. Brief supplementation w lysine 1, 000mg orally 3x a day at the onset, can hasten healing. Your dermatologist can provide laser treatments.