Overview
Have you ever noticed the irritating small fluid-filled blisters around your lips? Unfortunately, you have gotten yourself into something serious, hence treatable. These small blisters are called cold sores caused by the Herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1). This can spread from person to person through skin contact or fluid contact, e.g., Saliva. You can get rid of this medical condition without going to the doctor in person by connecting with an online doctor for a virtual consultation and prescription.
How to get rid of a cold sore without going to the doctor?
You can get rid of cold sores and pus or fluid-filled blisters by consulting online healthcare providers through the app. Virtual healthcare providers will ask you about your symptoms, determine the correct diagnosis, and prescribe as per the nature and severity of your medical condition.
These blisters are often termed fever blisters and can stay for longer. It also said that once you get infected with this virus, it stays with you for life and causes infection or blisters around your lips now and then.
Cold Sore Treatment Options
A virus causes a cold sore and can be treated by using anti-viral medication that works to stop the replication and reproduction of the virus. Keep in mind that there is no anti-viral oral medication that can be taken over the counter. Only your healthcare provider can determine or diagnose the medical condition after a thorough examination and lab tests, after which you will be prescribed the right set of antiviral medication that suits the nature and severity of your medical condition.
Prescription medication
Usually, for cold sores or fever blisters, antiviral prescription medications are prescribed according to the origin, virus, and severity of the medical condition.
Some of the most recommended and prescribed antiviral options are :
- Acyclovir
- Valacyclovir
- Famciclovir
- Penciclovir (Denavir)
Your healthcare provider or pharmacist can only determine the dose, dosage form, and medication administration route,
says Dr. Richard Honekar
It’s beneficial to not self-medicate or change the prescribed dose/dosage without the proper consultation with your doctor.
You can discuss your medication and prescription-related queries with ease by connecting with a virtual healthcare provider in your home.
Topical Medications for cold sore
All the topical forms of prescription medication, including
- Valacyclovir
- Penciclovir (Denavir)
Are available to get quick relief in 24 hours. You can apply those medications topically on colds, sores, or fever blisters to get quick relief from irritation, itching, or redness.
Usually, topical medications are prescribed along with the prescription oral tablets to improve symptoms of cold sore and give quick relief. After 24 hours of applying the topical cream, you will notice an improvement in cold sore symptoms.
Over the Counter Pain Relievers
Over-the-counter pain relief medications include:
They are non-prescription pain relievers that can manage pain and discomfort. Non-prescription and over-the-counter medications do not treat the medical condition but only relieve symptoms, including pain and itchiness.
Cold sore home remedies
There is a lack of enough evidence to support the treatment of cold sores using natural products or home remedies. However, some might provide some relief and improve the topical symptoms, including improving itchiness and irritation in the affected area.
Some home remedies that can help somehow in getting rid of cold sores in 24 hours include :
- Apple cider vinegar proved effective, but a patch test and dilution in water are necessary before applying this directly to the affected area.
- Essential oils include rosemary essential oil, peppermint oil, tea tree oil, cinnamon essential, and basil essential oil.
- Honey, especially “Kanuka honey,” extracted from manuka trees, can help provide relief.
- Lemon balm is an extract from the mint family used to treat HSV, but further trials are needed.
- Lysine usage of a maximum of 3 g can help relieve and avoid the recurrence of cold sores.
When should I see a doctor?
You can now get connected with an online doctor for cold sores and get the prescription medication to treat the cold sores and blisters in 24 hours. Treatment can take longer than that, but getting a consultation is integral to effective consultation.
FAQs about cold sores treatment
There is no treatment or cure for cold sore overnight. However, several home remedies, including essential oils, honey, and lysine, can help relieve the symptoms.
Keeping the cold sore dry is better to avoid pain in the blisters and sores. Keeping only the lips moist once they start to cure will help prevent extreme dryness during or after the treatment.
