Cold sore

Diagnosis

Cold sores can typically be identified by your doctor simply by observing them. Your doctor could remove a sample from the blister for laboratory analysis in order to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Without treatment, cold sores typically heal in two to four weeks. Numerous antiviral prescription drugs may hasten the healing process. Examples comprise:

• Acyclovir
• Valacyclovir
• Penciclovir
• Famciclovir

Some of these products come in pill form that must be taken orally which are the most effective treatment. There are also creams that need to be used on the sores several times per day. Some antiviral medications can be administered via injection for particularly serious infections.