Even though they do not cause serious health complications to an individual, cold sores are some of the most uncomfortable infections in the world.
They can disturb your comfort and self-esteem because they usually form around the lips.
However, you should not worry since in this article, we will show you how to treat cold sores with Valacyclovir.
Let’s get started.
What are Cold Sores?
Cold sores are common viral infections that form blisters around your lips.
These blisters are fluid-filled and they are reddish in colour.
Cold sores are transmitted from an infected person to another and through:
- Sharing utensils with an infected person
- Sharing towels
Cold sores are also called herpes on the lips and they are caused by herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1).
Genital and anal herpes are caused by herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV2).
Causes of Cold Sores
You can get cold sores by becoming in contact or sharing some items with an infected individual.
This does not mean that individuals with cold sores should be avoided.
In fact, cold sores are just like the common flu, since they are caused by a virus.
Most infections that are caused by viruses can only be controlled to prevent severe effects.
A virus invades the living cells in the body and then it uses these cells to generate similar viruses.
However, your immune system can fight and keep viruses away. The severity of a virus varies from one person to another.
In most cases, you should take medications as you wait for your immune system to respond.
The virus that causes cold sores is HSV-1. The virus might also cause sores on your genital areas.
Other things that may trigger the formation of cold sores include:
- Stress
- Allergies to some foods
- Menstruation
- Fatigue
- Colds
- Fever
Symptoms of Cold Sores
Before cold sores form visible blisters on your lips or nose, you will experience the following:
- Itching and Tingling: Before the cold sore appears, you will experience a burning tingling or itching on your lips. This occurs two days before the sores appear.
- Fluid-filled blisters: Cold sores normally cause blisters that have a colourless liquid on your lips. They may also form at your nose and cheeks.
- Formation of a crust: The fluid-filled blisters usually burst and leave some small open sores that heal after a week and a few days.
However, you should be aware that the signs and symptoms of cold sores vary.
If you are experiencing them for the first time, the sores may take longer to heal and they are usually painful.
If it is a recurrence, the blisters may form spots at a similar place and they are less severe.
Cold sores have the following symptoms if you are experiencing them for the first time:
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Painful gums
- Fever
How to Get Rid of Cold Sores
If you experience any symptoms of cold sores, you should consider removing them immediately before they escalate.
Before you visit a doctor, here are some home remedies you should try out:
- Painkillers: You can use over-the-counter painkillers from your nearest pharmacy to relieve cold sores.
- Ice-Ice can help relieve the pain from the itching sores if they form on your lips. Just compress a small ice on the blisters and you will notice a difference.
- Aloe Vera-Aloe Vera gel is a great alternative especially if you have severe blisters as a result of cold sores. The gel fights viruses like HSV1.
Clinical Medication for Cold Sores
If you want to know if you have the HSV1 virus, you should visit your doctor for screening.
The doctor may do a blood test to assess if you have the virus.
Currently, there is no clinically proven medication for cold sores.
Your doctor will prescribe medications that alleviate the pain and the extent of damage caused by the sores.
Clinical medication also prevents recurrence of the virus.
One of the most reliable medications for cold sores in the world is Valacyclovir.
The medication is the most preferred because it is directly absorbed into the body’s immune system quickly.
Therefore, it eradicates cold sores and prevents recurrence of the virus faster, as compared to other medicines.
Valacyclovir
Valacyclovir tablets are taken orally to alleviate the pain and itching caused by cold sores.
It is available under different names, depending on the location.
For example, it is commonly known as Valtrex in the US.
Valacyclovir also prevents cold sores from developing again in future.
However, the medication is also used to treat other related infections like:
- Genital herpes
- Shingles or herpes zoster
- Cold sores or oral herpes
- Chickenpox (varicella-zoster virus)
Be sure to inquire from your pharmacist or doctor to learn more information about Valacyclovir.
However, the medication is used to treat both the symptoms and outbreaks of cold sores and the related infections.
Valacyclovir has a lot of scientific backing, a reason why it is widely prescribed as the effective medication for herpes viruses.
Precautions Before Taking Valacyclovir
Valacyclovir is not reactive with some medications for other infections.
Talk to your doctor about your recent medication history for professional guidance.
The most common drugs that interact with Valacyclovir are the HIV/AIDS medications.
The medication may also cause allergies. If you experience any allergic reaction after using Valacyclovir, consult your doctor for immediate assistance.
Side Effects of Valacyclovir
Valacyclovir has several potential effects that over 10% of the users experience.
If you experience the following, call your doctor immediately:
- Speech problems
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Seizure
- Little urination
Some serious effects associated with Valacyclovir include:
- Feeling weak
- Stomach pains
- Bleeding
- Little or no urination
However, the most serious side effects are experienced by old-aged individuals (usually 67 years and above).
How to Get Valacyclovir To Treat Cold Sores
You can now get Valacyclovir medications to treat cold sores at Burst Health online pharmacy anywhere in Australia.
Get a free medical examination by one of our doctors on our platform and the medication will be delivered to you in 24-72 hours.
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