Zap That Cold Sore: Quick Relief and Lasting Solutions

Feb 05, 2025 Cold Sores

If you’ve ever had a cold sore, you’ll already know that it can be uncomfortable, unsightly and guaranteed to appear at the worst possible time. Cold sores are painful blisters caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). They are most commonly seen around or on the lips. Understanding effective cold sore treatments and preventive measures can help manage and reduce the frequency of outbreaks.

 

What Time of Year Are Cold Sores Most Common?

Cold sores can occur at any time of the year, but certain things may increase their likelihood. Exposure to sunlight, for example, is a known trigger for some individuals, making outbreaks more common during sunny periods. Cold weather often leads to chapped lips, which may also trigger cold sores. Therefore, summer and winter can be equal opportunity offenders when it comes to triggering cold sores. 

 

How Do Cold Sore Creams Work?

Cold sore creams like Zovirax and Virasorb contain antiviral agents like aciclovir. These creams work by stopping the herpes simplex virus from replicating. This reduces the severity and duration of an outbreak. Applying the cream at the first sign of a cold sore, usually when you experience a tingling or burning sensation, is crucial for maximum effectiveness. Early application can help prevent the cold sore from fully developing. 

 

What Are the Best Over-the-counter Treatments for Cold Sores?

Over-the-counter treatments offer accessible options for managing cold sores. Antiviral creams like Zovirax Cold Sore Cream and Virasorb Aciclovir Cream are popular. Additionally, cold sore patches, such as Compeed Cold Sore Patches, provide a protective barrier over the sore, promoting healing and reducing the risk of contamination. These patches can also help conceal the sore, offering a cosmetic benefit.

 

Can You Prevent a Cold Sore Outbreak?

Sadly, it isn’t usually possible to prevent cold sores from appearing or recurring completely. However, you can reduce the severity and duration of a flare-up. Over-the-counter treatments, among other steps, can help.

• Avoid Known Triggers: Identify and avoid personal triggers, such as excessive sun exposure or stress. Doing this can reduce the frequency and often the severity of flare-ups.
• Sun Protection: Use good-quality lip balms with SPF 30 or higher to protect your lips from harmful UV rays and keep them moisturised.
• Stress Management: Stress is commonly known to trigger cold sores. Use relaxation techniques like meditation or exercise to manage stress levels. If you struggle with ongoing stress, it may be worth speaking to your healthcare provider for signposting to additional support.
• Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Cold sores are more likely to occur when you are ill or run down. To support your immune system, ensure you get adequate sleep, eat a balanced diet, hydrate, and exercise regularly. Some people may also benefit from taking a multivitamin or other supplements, such as vitamin D3.
   

Sometimes, healthcare providers such as your GP may prescribe antiviral medications for daily use to prevent recurrent outbreaks.

 

How Do Cold Sore Patches Help?

Cold sore patches, such as Compeed Cold Sore Patches, act as a protective barrier over the sore. They maintain a moist environment, promoting faster healing and reducing scabbing. These patches also help minimise the risk of spreading the virus to others and prevent contamination from external irritants, which can make your cold sore worse or more uncomfortable.

 

Can Vitamins and Supplements Help with Cold Sore Prevention and Healing?

The role of vitamins and supplements in preventing or healing cold sores is not well-established. Some individuals consider taking lysine supplements; however, scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness is limited. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients can support overall health and immune function, which may help manage cold sore outbreaks. A daily vitamin may support you with this.

 

Cold Sore Treatments at Simply Meds Online 

The NHS website provides more detailed information on cold sores, including symptoms and treatments. At Simply Meds Online, we offer a range of effective treatments to help you manage cold sores quickly and efficiently.

 

Zovirax Cold Sore Cream (Aciclovir 5%)

Zovirax Cold Sore Cream is a fast-acting antiviral cream containing aciclovir 5%. It is designed to target the herpes simplex virus at its source. When applied at the first sign of symptoms, it inhibits or reduces viral replication. This reduces the severity and duration of cold sores. 

The cream comes in a convenient pump dispenser, making it easy to apply without contamination. For best results, use five times daily when you feel the tingling or burning sensation that indicates an outbreak is starting.

 

Virasorb Aciclovir Cream (2g)

Virasorb Aciclovir Cream also contains aciclovir, an active ingredient that directly combats the herpes simplex virus. This cream reduces pain, redness, and blistering associated with cold sores, helping to speed up the healing process. It's an excellent alternative to Zovirax and should be applied at the first sign of an outbreak (tingling and/or burning) for maximum effectiveness. Lipsore Cream is also available. 

 

Compeed Cold Sore Patches (15 Patches)

Compeed Cold Sore Patches are discreet, hydrocolloid gel patches that cover and protect cold sores, promoting faster healing. These patches help by:

• Creating a protective barrier to reduce contamination and virus spread
• Maintaining a moist healing environment to speed up recovery
• Reducing pain, itching, and redness
• Providing an invisible cover so you can go about your day confidently

Each patch lasts up to 12 hours and can be used at any stage of a cold sore outbreak.

Choosing the right treatment can shorten the duration of cold sores, reduce discomfort, and prevent their further spread. Simply Meds Online offers all of these over-the-counter treatments.

 

Simply Meds Online are Ready to Help You Zap Your Cold Sore

Cold sores can range from uncomfortable to painful and often reoccur. Understanding the triggers and treatments for cold sores can help you take proactive steps to manage outbreaks effectively and reduce their impact on your daily life. Here at Simply Meds Online, we choose trusted, quality brands and all orders can be shipped quickly and discreetly to your chosen address.

If you’re looking for a cold sore treatment, please consider the products highlighted above or view our range of oral health products.

If you are concerned about skin conditions or feel your cold sores aren’t responding to over-the-counter treatments, please speak to your GP.