How do you get rid of herpes labialis fast?

Talk to your doctor to see if one of these might be a good option for you:

1. Acyclovir (Zovirax): available in oral form and as a topical cream.
2. Famciclovir: available as an oral medication.
3. Penciclovir (Denavir): available as a cream.
4. Valacyclovir (Valtrex): available as a tablet.

How do you treat herpes labialis?

Cold sores (herpes labialis) usually go away within 1-2 weeks, but they can be treated with antiviral medications, like acyclovir or topical antiviral creams such as docosanol (Abreva), to reduce pain and shorten healing time.

What is the best medicine for cold sores?

Best Overall: Abreva 10% Docosanol Cream Treatment for Cold Sore/Fever Blister, 0.07 Ounce. Abreva is great for abbreviating cold sores. It’s the only FDA-approved, non-prescription medicine to treat cold sores with the active ingredient Docosanol.

How did I get herpes labialis?

Herpes simplex labialis is the result of a virus called herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). The initial acquisition usually occurs before age 20. It typically affects the lips and areas around the mouth. You can get the virus from close personal contact, such as through kissing, with someone who has the virus.

Why do I get cold sores on my lip?

Cold sores spread from person to person by close contact, such as kissing. They’re usually caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), and less commonly herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Both of these viruses can affect your mouth or genitals and can be spread by oral sex.

Are all cold sores a form of herpes?

Cold sores are usually caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and are also called oral herpes or fever blisters. But, not all herpes viruses cause cold sores. Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) usually causes genital herpes. Only in rare cases can HSV-2 also cause cold sores.

Can you get a cold sore that isn’t herpes?

Having a cold sore does not necessarily mean you have an STD. Most of the cold sores are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which usually affects the lips and is not generally transmitted by sexual contact. Though less common, cold sores may be caused by another type of herpes simplex virus called HSV-2.

Is Zovirax good for cold sores?

Zovirax contains aciclovir, an antiviral, which penetrates deep into the skin to fight the virus which causes cold sores. This significantly shortens healing time, and if used at the first sign, you could be cold sore free in 3 days*.

Why is cold sore called cold sore?

WHY IS IT CALLED A “COLD SORE”? Because it comes out when you have a “cold”. The same reason some people call it a “fever blister”. The HSV virus, which is always present in your body, tends to overcome the immune system and erupt as blisters that turn into “sores” when your immune defenses are run down.

What is the difference between cold sores and herpes?

HSV-1 = Oral herpes (usually) Unlike HSV-2,which is almost entirely transmitted through skin-to-skin contact,HSV-1 is transmitted via oral-to-oral contact,usually resulting in orolabial herpes,or cold sores around

HSV-2 = Genital herpes.

You can get genital herpes from someone who has oral herpes.

What causes herpes cold sores?

Cold sores are caused by certain strains of the herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV-1 usually causes cold sores. HSV-2 is usually responsible for genital herpes. However, either type can cause sores in the facial area or on the genitals.

How to never get another cold sore?

How to get rid of a cold sore. Apply a cool compress—and keep your hands off of it. “Cool compresses or ice can be applied 5 to 10 minutes a few times a day to also help relieve some of the discomfort and decrease inflammation,” says Dr. Kassardjian. Avoid the urge to pick at it, too.