Treatment Cold Sores

This section is about what over the counter treatments are available (not all treatments may be available in that country) and how they help.

Please check all ingredients and make sure one is not sensitive to product.
Do not treat mouth ulcers, eyes or genital areas if have a cold sore without medical advice.
Follow manufacturers instruction and complete course. Do not share product with others

Aim:

The aim is to stop the herpes simple virus which will then stop the symptoms of a cold sore.
It is also important to try to indentify the triggers causing a cold sore and then trying to avoid (if possible) that trigger.

Antiviral Cream

These creams stop the virus. They should not be used in the mouth, or treat mouth ulcers, eyes or genital areas. To be effective one must follow the manufacturers instructions carefully and complete course of the treatment. One should not share creams with others to avoid cross infection.

Cold Sore Lotions

These have mild antiseptic properties and help to keep the skin clean while the body heals the cold sore. Again do not share medicinal products to avoid cross infection. These are mainly used when antiviral creams may not be suitable.

Patches

Patches are available to provide the right environment for the skin to heel quickly. It also protects the cold sore from the outside environment.

Salicylates

These have anti-inflammatory properties to promote healing and should only be used by patients aged 16 years old and older.

Antiseptic Creams

These have antiseptic properties and prevent bacteria entering the cold sore.

Witch Hazel

It contains tannins which has:

Antioxidant properties
Anti-inflammatory activity
non anti-inflammatory activity that fights against bacteria
Can act as an astringent by drying out the skin
Always use a high quality forms (many cosmetics contain perfumed products and other additives which may not agree with your skin)- preferably non alcohol and/or contain aloe vera (has antiseptic properties and good for sunburns as well as moisturising properties) and/or hyaluronic acid (act as a good moisturiser)
It does not help to get rid of itchiness
It is not be advisable for certain skin conditions, such as rosacea and/or extreme dryness as it can be very drying, which could cause your skin to overproduce oil and worsen blemishes.
If one have any open skin areas, the product also cause the skin to burn when applied and/or one may want to use with caution if you have sensitive skin. If one finds condition is getting worst after using witch hazel then stop using it.
If you’re trying out witch hazel for the first time, it’s a good idea to test it out in a small area of skin away from your face, such as the inside of your arm. If you don’t see any redness, rash, or dryness after a couple of days, then you can try it out on your face.
Do not apply under the skin directly to help bags under the eye (mix with other creams and/or lotions).
If using this product and have signs of an allergic/anaphylaxis reaction, such as problems breathing, hives, facial swelling, or swelling of your lips, tongue, or throat, call for an ambulance and seek emergency medical attention.

Rubbing alcohol/Surgical spirit

Kills bacteria but doesn’t necessarily prevent their growth (if rubbing alcohol is mixed in with another solution, it must be more of more than half to be effective)
It can also kill fungus and viruses.
Never drink rubbing alcohol it can be fatal.
One should only use it on your skin and never let children use it without supervision.
Never use rubbing alcohol topically to reduce fever and in hot baths — it’s ineffective as well as alcohol can absorb in the skin and become toxic
Rubbing alcohol is also highly flammable, so never use it near an open flame or high heat.
Rubbing alcohol can cause the skin to get very dry as it has anti-stringent properties, it can be very drying to skin so don’t use on any dry areas i.e acne and dry skin eczema , which could cause your skin to overproduce oil and worsen blemishes.
Applying it after shaving or to open acne areas can cause a burning sensation. Best to avoid as it can cause a chemical burn.
Best to avoid if one has neurological conditions and/or heart conditions.
If one finds condition is getting worst after using witch hazel then stop using it.
If using this product and have signs of an anaphylaxis/allergic reaction, such as problems breathing, hives, facial swelling, or swelling of your lips, tongue, or throat, call for an ambulance and seek emergency medical attention.

Vitamins

Multivitamins are not intended to prevent long term conditions, reduce infection and is not proven (or data is weak) to help with cancer.

These are essential nutrients that the body requires in small amounts to function properly.

Herbal

Vitamins - If depressed