When to Seek Medical Advice

Cold sores generally clear up on their own without treatment. However you should seek advice if:

• You have a pre-existing health condition that has compromised your immune system
• The cold sores do not heal on their own within one-two weeks
• Symptoms are severe
• You experience irritation in your eyes

What OTC Products Are Available?

There is no cure or vaccine for the herpes simplex virus. Over-the-Counter (OTC) topical medications can provide symptomatic relief. Topical anaesthetics that contain benzocaine, lidocaine, tetracaine, or dibucaine may relieve the burning, itching and pain, temporarily. Skin protectants such as allantoin, petrolatum and dimethicone may help keep the lesion moist and prevent cracking. Sunscreens may help keep the lesions moist and prevent additional outbreaks if UV is a precipitating factor.

In New Zealand you can get the following treatments available without a prescription:

• Zovirax (acyclovir 5%) Cream
• Zovirax (acyclovir 5%) Pump
• Compeed Coldsore Patches (15's)
• Vectavir Cold Sore Cream (2g)
• Virasolve Cold Sore Cream (5g)

Natural / Herbal Cold Sore Remedies

Here are eight natural remedies that are used for the treatment of cold sores:

• Lysine - an essential amino acid found in red meat, milk, eggs, cheese, wheat germ, brewers yeast and fish.
• Lemon Balm - may have antiviral properties
• Reishi and Astragalus - a type of mushroom used in traditional asian medicine
• Resveratrol - a compound found in red grapes and available as cream
• Peppermint Oil - not recommended until further studies complete as it is absorbed through the skin and should never be ingested
• Propolis - a brownish resinous substance collected by bees that is used to glue their hives and keep germ-free
• Self-Heal - a herb, also known as Prunella vulgaris found in China and Europe
• Other Remedies - Echinacea? Black current ? Rhubarb?