What Is the Best Medication for Cold Sores on Lips?

cold sore medication

Cold sores are a common viral infection of the lips and mouth caused by the herpes simplex virus. They can be unsightly, painful, and just plain annoying. At some point in their lives, over 3.7 billion people will suffer from cold sores on their lips.

While most people have at least some familiarity with cold sores, many don’t know how to treat them. In this article, we’ll cover some general tips for managing your discomfort with cold sore medication. Read on to learn more.

Antiviral Medication for Cold Sores

The most common medications for cold sores are acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir. These medications work by blocking the activity of a protein called viral DNA polymerase, which is required for the replication of the herpes simplex virus.

When you take an antiviral medication to treat a cold sore infection, the medication stops or slows down this process and prevents further growth of the virus.

Home Remedies for Treating Cold Sores on Your Lips

Prescriptions are usually required to purchase cold sore medications that contain an antiviral agent. If you need immediate pain and swelling control, start off with an ice pack.

Ice will bring down swelling and reduce pain, as well as keep bacteria from spreading. Apply an ice cube wrapped in a thin towel for 20 minutes at a time as needed throughout the day.

If there is no swelling or redness around your cold sore, then dab a small amount of petroleum jelly on it every few hours to help keep the area moisturized and prevent cracking.

Many people find that the best cold sore medication in your kitchen is honey. It has a similar effect as acyclovir but is less potent. Applying it to your cold sore every day will help speed up the healing process and soothe itching.

Never Touch Your Cold Sore

Touching your cold sore will increase the risk of spreading the virus to other people. To keep your hands clean, wash them with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer after touching your lips.

When treating a breakout, avoid touching any other areas of your face so that you don’t spread it elsewhere on your body.

How Long Does a Cold Sore Last?

Cold sores typically last for 7-10 days. They usually start with tingling, itching, or burning on your lip. Once the blisters appear, they tend to go through various stages of development until they finally heal completely.

Get Cold Sore Medication Online

The best way to treat cold sores is by using an antiviral medication, but you’ll need a physician’s prescription to get one of these. But there’s no need to make a trip to the doctor, where you’ll probably run into people who will find your swollen lip unsightly. At Swell Clinic, we provide virtual sexual wellness services for those who want to heal in private.

Reach out to one of our medical professionals for advice on the right cold sore medication.

PrEP for Women: What You Need to Know About HIV Prevention

PrEP for Women

PrEP for women is a powerful HIV prevention tool that anyone, including women, can use. When taken as prescribed, PrEP is highly effective in preventing HIV infection. It’s used before and after exposure to the virus, making it an ideal form of protection for women at high risk for HIV infection.

You may have heard of PrEP for HIV before but don’t know much about it. Our guide will fill you in on what you need to know about PrEP and its benefits.

What is PrEP?

PrEP is a new(ish) HIV prevention tool that anyone, including women, can use. PrEP is short for pre-exposure prophylaxis. It’s a daily medicine that can be taken by people who do not have HIV to prevent infection.

Here are some reasons women consider taking PrEP, including:

  • You are in a relationship with an HIV-positive partner
  • You are not in a monogamous relationship
  • You have multiple sexual partners
  • You have recently been diagnosed with another STI via STD testing

With this information, it’s time to discover the benefits of PrEp and how it works for those that take it.

How Does PrEP Work?

PrEP works by protecting your cells from HIV infection. The PrEP medication consists of two drugs, tenofovir, and emtricitabine. These work together keeps HIV cells from replicating themselves.

PrEP is taken before and after exposure to HIV.

PrEP is not a vaccine, so it does not prevent you from getting other STIs. It is important to remember that PrEP should be used with other prevention methods such as condoms.

One thing we have to say is PrEP doesn’t cure HIV if you’ve contracted it. It is strictly a measure used as a prevention tool.

PrEp is Not For…

PrEP is not for women with an HIV status that is unknown to them. As mentioned above, it’s a medication that should be used only for women that are currently HIV-negative.

Do you have decreased kidney function? Be sure to talk to your doctor about this before starting PrEP. PrEP may not be for you then.

Are you pregnant or breastfeeding? PrEP is not recommended for use during these two life events. When you seek herpes treatment, this medication might be an option your doctor recommends.

How to Get It?

The only way to get PrEP is through a prescription by a licensed doctor. Before going to your appointment, don’t forget to research the medication.

This way, you can be an active participant in your own care.

PrEP for Women: A Useful Guide

If you think PrEP for women is right for you, please let us help.

Are you ready to discuss things with a trained medical professional and determine if taking PrEP is an option for you? Book an appointment with Swell Clinic because we specialize in virtual sexual wellness and health.

Take back control of your sexual health and life today.