Can you stop herpes before it starts

Cold sores usually clear up without treatment within 7 to 10 days. Antiviral tablets or cream can be used to ease your symptoms and speed up the healing time.

If you develop a cold sore, some general advice to follow includes:

• drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration
• avoid acidic or salty foods and eat cool, soft foods
• if brushing your teeth is painful, use an antiseptic mouthwash
• dab creams on to sores rather than rubbing them in
• wash your hands using soap and water before and after applying cold sore creams
• avoid touching your cold sores, other than to apply cream, and don't share your cold sore cream with others

Antiviral creams and tablets

Antiviral creams such as aciclovir or penciclovir (also known as Fenistil®) may speed up the healing time of a recurrent cold sore infection if used correctly.

Cold sore creams are widely available over the counter from pharmacies without a prescription.

They're only effective if you apply them as soon as the first signs of a cold sore appear, when the herpes simplex virus is spreading and replicating. Using an antiviral cream after this initial period is unlikely to have much effect.

If you have frequently recurring bouts of cold sores, use antiviral medication as soon as you feel the tingling sensation that indicates a cold sore is about to develop. You'll need to apply the cream up to five times a day for four to five days.

Antiviral creams can only help to heal a current outbreak of cold sores. They don't get rid of the herpes simplex virus or prevent future outbreaks of cold sores occurring.

Antiviral tablets are generally more effective than creams at treating cold sores, but are usually only prescribed for more severe cases.

Cold sore patches

Cold sore patches that contain a special gel called hydrocolloid are also available. They're an effective treatment for skin wounds and are placed over the cold sore to hide the sore area while it heals.

Non-antiviral treatments

Several non-antiviral creams are also available over the counter from pharmacies without the need for a prescription.

These creams aren't specifically designed to treat cold sores and won't help them heal faster, but they may help ease any pain or irritation. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable treatment for you.

Pain can also be treated with painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol – both are available in liquid form for young children.

However, don't take ibuprofen if you have asthma or stomach ulcers, or you've had them in the past.

Children under the age of 16 shouldn't be given aspirin.

Speak to your pharmacist if you have cold sores and you're pregnant.

Treating complications

If your cold sores are particularly severe or your immune system is damaged – for example, if you have HIV or you're having chemotherapy treatment – you may be at risk of developing serious complications.

For example, your risk of developing encephalitis or the infection spreading to other parts of your body, such as your eyes, is increased.

Speak to your GP if you're at risk. They may prescribe antiviral tablets and refer you for specialist treatment.

The type of treatment recommended will depend on the severity of your cold sore symptoms and the complication that's causing problems.

For example, if you develop herpetic keratoconjunctivitis – a secondary eye infection – you may need to see an ophthalmologist, a specialist eye doctor.

Gingivostomatitis

Visit your pharmacist if you or your child develops swollen, painful gums (gingivostomatitis) as a result of the primary herpes simplex infection. They'll be able to suggest treatments to help ease your symptoms.

If the infection is painful, your pharmacist may suggest using a preparation that contains benzydamine, which is available as an oral rinse or oral spray, to help relieve any pain in your mouth or throat.

Brushing your teeth may also be painful because of the swelling of your gums. Your pharmacist may suggest using an antiseptic mouthwash. This helps prevent secondary infections and will also control a build-up of plaque if you can't brush your teeth effectively.

As with the treatment of cold sores, any pain or fever can be treated using ibuprofen or paracetamol.

In rare cases of gingivostomatitis, it's possible for your lips to become stuck together in places. Using a lip barrier cream available from your local pharmacist will help prevent this.

Dehydration

If you or your child has gingivostomatitis, it's important to drink plenty of fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated. Young children are particularly at risk as they may refuse to eat or drink because of the pain in their mouth.

It's important to watch out for signs of dehydration, such as:

• headaches
• tiredness
• irritability
• lightheadedness
• low urine output

Most cases of gingivostomatitis get better in 7 to 14 days, although it may take up to three weeks for the sores to heal completely.

Specialist treatment

If you or your child still has symptoms of gingivostomatitis after two weeks or the infection is severe your pharmacist may advise you to contact your GP, who may refer you for specialist treatment.

Specialist referral may also be needed for gingivostomatitis if you're pregnant or have a weakened immune system.

Visit your GP if you have a newborn baby who develops gingivostomatitis, as they may also need to be referred for specialist treatment.

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