Fast-acting cold sores treatment

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), a very common virus that lives in the body for life after infection. The herpes simplex virus transfers easily between people through normal human interactions, like sharing unwashed utensils or cups, touching a sore before it’s healed, or kissing. Once infected with HSV, people can get cold sores outbreaks repeatedly. There is currently no cure for HSV. However, there is some good news! Cold sores treatments are available, such as antiviral medications, that can help prevent and resolve outbreaks from occurring.

There are many lifestyle and health factors that can trigger a cold sore outbreak, like a weakened immune system, lack of sleep, and stress - just to name a few. The first sign of a cold sore is often a tingling or burning sensation in the breakout area. This is followed by a small, red bump. The bump fills with fluid before blistering. Eventually the blister breaks and crusts over. The entire process, from the first sign of a cold sore to the healing of the crust, can take about two weeks.

Thankfully, there’s ways to help manage cold sores. Prescription oral antiviral medications like valacyclovir (generic Valtrex) can be an effective cold sores treatment. It works best when you take it immediately after the first symptoms appear. Taking antiviral medications within the first 24 hours of symptoms can shorten how long outbreaks last.

Ro is a telemedicine company that provides a discreet, convenient, and affordable way to help patients receive prescription cold sore treatment from a healthcare provider—all without leaving the couch. It starts with an online visit. During the online visit, you will answer questions about your symptoms, medical history, and other basic information. You'll also be asked to upload your photo ID to verify your identity. A healthcare provider will review your information to determine if you're a good candidate for treatment through telemedicine and craft a personalized treatment plan for you.

Ro-affiliated healthcare providers prescribe valacyclovir (generic for Valtrex) to treat cold sores (oral herpes). When used properly, this medication can stop an outbreak at the first sign that one is coming on or lessen its severity.

Cold sore (oral herpes) medication works extremely well. For the treatment to work, it’s important that you understand how to use it. Your healthcare provider will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan for maximum success.

They will help you learn how to identify the specific symptoms that indicate that you’re about to have an outbreak (prodrome) and use your medication to shorten or stop the outbreak from occurring.

Your provider may prescribe valacyclovir as a daily treatment to prevent cold sores. This is an off-label use of the drug, which means that the FDA hasn’t approved valacyclovir as a suppressive treatment for cold sores. Healthcare professionals are allowed to prescribe FDA-approved medications for off-label uses if they think it is the best course of treatment for their patients. If you have questions about using valacyclovir for cold sore suppression, talk to your provider.

You may wonder if home treatments and treatments can relieve your cold sore symptoms and make the often painful blisters around the mouth go away quicker. These home cold sore remedies may include lip balms, using cold tea bags as a compress, or applying ice to soothe the area and ease pain. While these home remedies can help to alleviate some cold sore symptoms, such as reducing swelling, there's no evidence that they make cold sores go away faster, and they may actually make the outbreak worse. Taking this medication right after noticing the first cold sore symptoms can shorten the outbreak’s length.