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Awhile back -- something like a year ago -- I blogged about cold sores and Herpes. I'd like to return to that topic today. Last time, I went over what cold sores were, how you get Herpes, and such -- today, we'll focus more on treatment, although first, I'll give a quick overview.

Cold sores (or fever blisters) are a small blister caused by a virus called herpes, which you've likely heard of. It's one of the most common viruses in the world, in fact. There are two types of herpes -- herpes simplex virus one (HSV-1 for short) and herpes simplex virus two (HSV-2). Both of these cause cold sores, but HSV-1 is the one that most commonly causes cold sores around the mouth.

Cold sores around the mouth are a real issue for sufferers, because let's face it -- any type of blemish on one's face is going to cause concern. So let's talk about how to treat cold sores.

o One of the most effective treatments is using a prescription-strength antiviral cream as soon as you feel the onset of a cold sore. I'm putting this one first because, in my opinion, it has the best chance of making it so the sore doesn't even appear, which is really what most people are after. There are several good antiviral creams, including Penciclovir (Denavir) and Acyclovir (Zovirax). Again, these will need a prescription, so ask your doctor or dentist about them.

The way to use these creams is to apply them immediately when the symptoms of a cold sore first appear (the prodromal phase -- aka, that tingly feeling in the lip.) This gives a good chance of nipping the cold sore in the bud, and making it so it doesn't ever appear.

The downside to these creams is the cost -- they are usually pretty expensive, but can be a (figurative) lifesaver when your wedding photos are to be taken in a day. If you have frequent outbreaks, it's probably prudent to have a cream available, even for occasional use.

o You can also use non-prescription based creams in the same manner. However, I have personally found these largely ineffective. Still, maybe you'll react differently -- it won't hurt to try.

o Another "won't hurt to try" are several home remedies I have heard of (trust me, in my long career as a http://www.drconnelly.com

http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/home-remedies/home-remedies-for-cold-sores.htm

http://ezinearticles.com/?Cold-Sore-Home-Remedy&id=2234280

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/thomas-p-connelly-dds/cold-sores-how-to-treat-get-rid-of_b_848207.html