Q&A: Is there any way to treat or prevent cold sores?

Several steps might help. Cold sores are caused by the virus herpes simplex type 1. Like the related genital-herpes (simplex type 2) and chicken pox viruses, the bug stays in your body permanently, emerging when your immune system is weakened. Avoiding the triggers might reduce the frequency of outbreaks. Common ones include excessive sun exposure, stress, respiratory illness, and oral or facial wounds, even from shaving or dental work.

Several medications can shorten the duration of outbreaks. Prescription valacyclovir (Valtrex) may be the best choice for treatment because it requires fewer doses and costs less than some other prescription remedies. An over-the-counter drug containing docosanol cream (Abreva) is slightly less effective but it’s cheaper and can help ease the pain. Contact your physician if the sores don’t heal within two weeks. And if you have more than six outbreaks a year, ask your doctor about taking acyclovir (Zovirax) for prevention, since it can reduce episodes by up to 80 percent.

Read about why you get cold sores, and take a look at 7 natural remedies for cold sores (subscribers only).