These drugs are used
The most common medications for lip herpes are ointments or creams with antiviral agents (antivirals). Proven medications that are used primarily for cold sores are acyclovir and penciclovir. These are so-called nucleoside analogues.
The mechanism of action of these antivirals is that they intervene directly in and interrupt the viral reproduction mechanisms, namely DNA replication. This also explains why drugs against fever blisters must be used as early as possible: Antivirals only inhibit the reproduction of the viruses in the patient’s body, but do not kill them. An early use of the drugs keeps the viral load low and prevents the formation of the fever blister or accelerates the crust formation and healing process.
Clinical studies have shown that Aciclovir and Penciclovir are very well tolerated. Both drugs can be used both at the first signs of a fever blister and in later stages. Foscarnet sodium is another active ingredient against lip herpes.
Unlike the two drugs mentioned above, however, this is a prescription-only drug. In early stages of lip herpes, treatment with creams containing tromantadine is also possible, which also contain an antiviral as the active ingredient. In severe cases, which are very rare, the doctor prescribes a systemic therapy with antivirals. This means that the antiviral agents, such as Aciclovir or Valaciclovir, are administered via an infusion and thus achieve higher concentrations of the active ingredient in the body.
Fever blister cream
Fever blisters are usually treated with fever blister creams or gels. Already at the first signs of cold sores, the affected persons should apply a fever blister cream to the itching or burning area. Rapid treatment can stop the spread of the herpes virus and reduce the accompanying symptoms, such as pain and tightness of the lips.
Fever blister creams can be bought over the counter in any pharmacy and there is now a wide range of different products and manufacturers. Common to most products is that they contain antivirals as the active ingredient. The creams can be applied directly to the fever blister or the itching area.
One should take care to apply the cream thinly and repeat this procedure 2-4 times a day as needed. After a few days the symptoms usually improve and after 10 days at the latest the fever blister should have healed completely and the crust should have fallen off. If this is not the case or if the symptoms worsen, a doctor should be consulted and further treatment discussed with him. The use of a fever blister cream accelerates the healing process considerably and is recommended in most cases.
Home remedies
An effective household remedy that can be used for lip herpes is zinc ointment. This cream has an antibacterial effect and removes moisture from the skin, which is why the blisters dry out and heal faster. Ointments containing lemon balm extract have also proven effective in the treatment of cold sores.
Lip herpes can also be treated with lysine. Lysine is an amino acid, a component of proteins, which is known to prevent the outbreak of fever blisters. Lysine can either be taken directly as a preparation or with food.
It is naturally present in many foods, such as red meat, fish or eggs. Many people also swear by toothpaste or vinegar, but these household remedies should be used with caution. The remedies have a very aggressive effect on the skin and dry it out considerably, which can lead to further irritation of the affected skin area and an additional bacterial infection of the fever blister. Finally, it should not be underestimated that a strong immune system is the most effective prophylaxis against cold sores, as a weakened immune system is often associated with the outbreak of herpes viruses. Plenty of exercise in the fresh air and a balanced diet promotes health and strengthens the sense of well-being.
