How Can I Manage Cold Sores?

Do you take an antiviral medication prescribed by your doctor?

Do you use over-the-counter cold sore ointment docosanol (Abreva)?

Do you use any other remedies that you bought at the pharmacy without a prescription?

Do you use lip balms and creams such as topical zinc oxide cream, or topical licorice root cream?

Do you use a cotton swab when applying a cold sore cream?

If you apply a cold sore cream with your fingers, do you wash your hands before and after applying the cream?

Have you tried any of the alternative medicine treatments like propolis, a cream that combines rhubarb and sage, and lysine (an amino acid)?

Do you apply a cold compress to the affected area?

Do you use some relaxation techniques to relieve stress or do you use lemon balm extract?

Based on your answers, there are several other ways that can help you manage cold sores. There are several types of antiviral drugs that your doctor may prescribe to speed up the healing process. Some of them are in the form of pills, while others are creams that you need to apply to the sores several times during the day. You can also try over-the-counter cold sore ointments, docosanol, or lip balms and creams such as topical zinc oxide cream. When applying a cream on a cold sore, you must use a cotton swab to prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of your body.

Based on your answers, you know a lot about how to manage cold sores.