Treatment of Cold Sores

At Clearskin clinic London, we treat cold sores by:

• Prescribing antiviral medications

Cold sore is a viral infection, and this is why we prescribe antiviral drugs to treat them. The Dermatologist London will prescribe medications that you can take orally; this includes drugs like famciclovir, valacyclovir, acyclovir, etc.

The medications can also be applied directly on the skin; this includes creams like acyclovir cream and docosanol cream. Our dermatologist London will prescribe an intravenous antiviral medication if your outbreak is severe and you can’t get relief from the drugs mentioned above.

We will also watch you closely to monitor your situation. If you have a weak immune system and get cold sores often, our experienced dermatologist in London will prescribe penciclovir, a prescription cream that can reduce the duration of cold sores.

You are to apply this cream on your skin immediately you notice the first signs of cold sores such as tingling and a burning sensation.

• Pain Medications

The dermatologist in London will prescribe pain medication that you can apply to the sores if you are experiencing lots of pain. Example of this drug is the lidocaine.

• Sunscreen

You have to protect these sores from sunlight when worn all year round — it even prevents the formation of new sores. Also, get a lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher and a broad spectrum to protect your lips.

It is highly important you treat cold sores, this will reduce the risk of infecting others and also shorten the duration of the illness. If you start treatment early from the time you notice the first sign, it might prevent you from having cold sores.

Prompt treatment is recommended if you get a cold sore or:

• An outbreak that lasts more than two weeks
• Frequent episodes of cold sores
• Taking medications that suppress the immune system like in the case of organ rejection or psoriasis
• Undergoing chemotherapy treatment or having cancer
• Immune diseases like HIV and AIDS
• Sores that spread to other parts of your body
• Severe pain
• Lots of cold sores
• Sores near your eyes
• Eczema

You have to treat these conditions if not the cold sores will not go away, also, without treatment, these sores will spread to other parts of your body. You can also develop another sickness and become very ill.

Call us right away to help you get this skin condition diagnosed and treated.

Effects of Cold Sores

Cold sores can’t be cured, but it can be treated — some people have this once while others continue to have it for the rest of their lives. Contact us if you have cold sores several times a year, we will prescribe an antiviral drug which will be of great help.

This drug should be taken at the first sign of a cold sore to shorten the duration. Take this every day to prevent new outbreaks.