Although there are no tried and tested cures for cold sores and herpes as of today, the symptoms and the length of the outbreaks can be reduced by the use of certain anti-viral drugs that are easily available. Evidence suggests that some of these drugs can prevent future outbreaks of the infection by interfering in the multiplication process of the virus and these anti-viral drugs are most effective when taken early during the infection. Usually, optimal results are seen when the treatment is started as soon as possible. The process should ideally begin when the blisters start to appear for the first time and might last for the entire duration of the infection. The bottom line is that the earlier you start, the better your chances of recovering faster.
Acyclovir (Zovirax) is one of the best known medicines that is used the world over for treatment of ulcers and cold sores. It is a multi-dimensional drug and can be used in a number of ways. It can be consumed directly by mouth or injected into the patient's body intravenously. The drug can also be applied as an ointment directly on the sores, but it is not so beneficial when applied externally. The drug is also available in liquid form for treating children. Zovirax is helpful in treating primary infections as well as in healing secondary and recurrent outbreaks. Consuming the drug orally helps to reduce the chances of future outbreaks of the infection and also tends to reduce the duration of recurrent outbreaks.
There are certain precautions that can be taken to avoid further spreading of the virus and to relieve you of the pain quicker. These precautions include preventing the in-take of salty and citrusy foods, which cause irritation to the sores. Some lip products, especially those that contain a non-prescribed phenol (which is a medicated lip ointment) and other lip ointments might soothe the blisters around your lips as well. Applying bandages over the sores also prevents spreading of the virus and it also provides some respite from the pain.
Apart from preventing unwanted materials in your diet, you could add certain minerals and vitamins to make your diet healthier, which in turn would help in hastening the healing process and in reducing the length of the primary as well as the recurrent outbreaks. Unprocessed foods containing a high degree of fresh vegetables and whole grains are beneficial for those suffering from cold sores. Beverages containing high caffeine content, sugar or alcohol should be avoided as much as possible.
Fresh vegetables, legumes, fish, turkey and chicken are highly recommended for those who are suffering from acute herpes problems because such foods contain a good amount of natural lysine, which happens to be one of the best initiators of the healing and recovery process. 1000mg of lysine is recommended at least three times a day for cold sores patients. A study also revealed that those patients who were taking adequate quantities of lysine were less prone to the pain and recovered faster than those who were not consuming any lysine. After the patient has recovered, it is suggested that 500mg of lysine should be taken on a daily basis to prevent the recurrence.
