Treatments for Cold Sores (Herpes Simplex Type 1)

June 10, 2008 - 7:30am

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Treatments for Cold Sores (Herpes Simplex Type 1)

by ]]>Editorial Staff And Contributors]]>

The treatment and management of cold sores involves medications and lifestyle changes.

Although treatment can help relieve or reduce outbreaks of cold sores, they cannot be permanently cured. Herpes simplex virus 1 will persist in the nerve tissue once it is infected. Therefore, treatment is focused on preventing cold sore outbreaks and reducing the severity of symptoms.

Treatment involves the following:

]]>Lifestyle changes]]>
]]>Medications]]>
]]>Alternative and complementary therapies]]>

There are no surgical options for the treatment of cold sores.

References:

Beers MH, Fletcher AJ, et al. Merck Manual of Medical Information . 2nd ed. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Research Laboratories; 2003.

Cold sore. Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cold-sore/DS00358 . Updated July 2008. Accessed September 24, 2008.

Herpes simplex. American Academy of Dermatology website. Available at: http://www.aad.org/default.htm . Accessed September 24, 2008.

Miller C. Oral herpes/cold sores essential facts. Australian Herpes Management Forum website. Available at: http://www.ahmf.com.au/oral_herpes/essential_facts.htm . Updated June 2007. Accessed September 24, 2008.

Last reviewed July 2008 by ]]>David Horn, MD, FACP]]>

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.