Available remedies for the cure of fever blisters are topical creams, ointments and a few other oral medications. Topical applications can lessen the existence of the cold sore in the skin. Examples of which are Zovirax, Abreva and Dynamiclear. In addition, there are the medicinal herbs and nutrients that are equally effective like lysine, which is efficient in the reduction of outbreaks.

Herewith are some of the best cold sore cure home remedies than can provide temporary relief:

1. Ice is applied on the skin areas with sores to help pacify and reduce the temperature of the infection. This will prevent the virus from replicating.

2. Warm tea bags should be applied hourly to the infected area. The tannic acid in tea bags such as Early Grey has antiviral properties. This is highly beneficial in the initial sign of outbreak.

3. To avoid cold sore scabs from bleeding and cracking, use petroleum jelly; and lip moisturizers to moist and soothe the lips.

4. Lemon is the best cold sore cure and a favorite home remedy. This has been in use in Europe to end cold sores and fever blisters for over decades now. The technique is to put a slice of lemon on top of the cold sore and try to leave it there for as long as possible. Change the slice of lemon every now and then.

When using lemon as a home remedy, it should be noted that this is applicable only at the initial outbreak and not when the crusts or sores are already open. This has helped a lot people thwart several herpes outbreaks. During feelings of strong itchiness, a slice of lemon on top of the affected area can stop the itchy feeling. Hence, some consider lemon as the best cold sore cure.

One of the suggestions on how one can use lemon without being obvious and be embarrassed about it is to apply it during the night. At work, filling an empty bottle of perfume spray can provide a discreet method of alleviating yourself several times in a day.

5. Another home remedy is the use of raw whole milk. This is also widely known for several years now supported by a confirmation from science as to its potential. According to recent study, monocaprin being present in raw whole milk can automatically kill the herpes virus upon contact. Hence, it appears that applying milk fat on the afflicted area is better than drinking the milk itself. Raw whole milk is always available and you may have it in your kitchen. Try it; it might be the best cold sore cure.

Herbal cold sore cure or natural cure for cold sore can keep the immune system in the best condition. Adding to the cold sore cure are healthy diet and enough sleep.

Here are some herbal cold sore cure and treatment:

1. Astragalus–was found to contain anti-herpes simplex virus properties in a test tube study that was made.

2. Acidophilus capsules–should be taken from three to four times in one day with milk.

3. Take aloe juice and rub aloe gel on the cold sores.

4. Apply cornstarch paste on the affected skin area.

5. Lemon balm extract helps in the healing process and the reduction of cold sores outbreak.

6. Put spirit of camphor on the skin with sores as herbal cold sore cure or natural cure for cold sore.

7. Drink two to three cups per day of various herb combinations of sedative violate, ginger, tea tree oil and herbal sage.

8. Lysine found in meat, cheese, sardines, soybeans, eggs etc. can prevent the replication of the virus.

9. Prunella vulgaris herb has medicinal properties that can treat the herpes simplex virus.

Herbal cold sore cure or natural cure for cold sore is equally effective when compared to traditional antiviral drugs.

There are various products that are available in the market for the treatment of cold sores but none of them can offer prevention in the formation of the virus. The medications can only help in pain reduction and faster healing. Some medications require doctor prescription while others can be bought over-the-counter (OTC). Unfortunately, OTC drugs seem to help in only a small way, thus, making them ineffective as a cure.

The cold sore virus requires three things to replicate and knowledge of this is needed to heal a cold sore as this will be useful in getting rid of cold sore and fever blisters:

1. Arginine–This is an important protein needed by the herpes virus as a building block in the creation of new herpes viruses. The presence of abundant arginine in the cell is required in order to do this. To prevent the replication process and heal the cells, there should be plenty of lysine. Lysine replaces the arginine that is in the cells, which in turn will reduce and prevent the cells from creating clones of the herpes virus.

Normally, the herpes virus will surface and get enough arginine that is present in the cells. If there are not so many available arginine, they often retreat. Due to this reason, many folks are eating lysine rich foods before and during cold sore seasons. These folks usually avoid arginine rich foods. To them, lysine can heal a cold sore; and the best way of getting rid of cold sores and fever blisters is by taking 1,000 mg to 3,000 mg lysine capsules during outbreaks.

High lysine rich foods include meat, cheese, milk, and yogurt while arginine rich foods are chocolates, grains, seeds, and nuts.

2. Warm and moist environment–As an antidote to this, applying ice at the first time you feel itching will greatly affect the delay and reduction of the cold sore. This procedure when applied to the area will delay the outbreak in case you have some important matters to attend. This might not totally heal a cold sore but getting rid of cold sores and fever blisters even on a temporary basis will offer some good relief.

3. Acid environment–When a person is in good health, the normal pH balance level should be around 7.4 or slightly alkaline. Below 7 on the pH scale would mean that the body system is turning into acid which usually happens during times of flu, stress, colds or too much exposure to the sun. Avoid citrus foods, tomatoes, vinegar and carbonated soda in touching the affected area as this will cause further burning sensation.

Understanding the information given will help heal a cold sore and much more get rid of cold sore and fever blisters. This should be done in continuance with the cleaning of the sore area with hydrogen peroxide or alcohol to shorten the duration of the virus by as much as fifty percent.

FDA Approval and Fever Blister Treatment

FDA has the authority to approve antiviral medications that are specifically suited for the type of infections that they treat, specifically herpes infections. However, some antiviral medications that have no FDA approval were found to be effective in the fever blister cure as shown in clinical studies. These off-label medications are also given as prescription in the treatment of the herpes infections based on current information. In view of this, the health-care provider should thoroughly discuss the matter to the patient.

Effects of Antiviral Drugs for Fever Blister Cure- Fever Blister Treatment

Some of the effects of antiviral drugs on fever blisters are the following:

1. Increase the healing period of fever blister.

2. If taken immediately, it can prevent the recurrence of outbreaks, development of lesions and reduce the size of the lesions.

3. Pain caused by the disease is reduced including the viral shedding.

Treatment of Fever Blister Initial Outbreak

The initial fever blister outbreak is considered to be worse than the recurrence of the herpes virus infection. The fever blister cure or fever blister treatment on initial outbreak should be oral antiviral drugs while subsequent occurrences can be treated by topical medications.

Herewith are the approved FDA medications for fever blister:

Penciclovir–Penciclovir 1% cream is applied on the affected area every two hours for a duration of four days. If used within one hour of the initial herpes virus, the treatment will only last for about two days. Penciclovir was also noted to decrease the length of viral shedding and still effective even after the development of vesicles. Vesicles are small bubbles of liquid that are located within a particular cell.

Acyclovir–Recurrent fever blisters are treated by Acyclovir 5% cream. As an effective medication, frequent application will improve the healing period by half day. When oral acyclovir was given five times a day as treatment for gingivostomatitis in children, the healing period was reduced from ten days to four days with similar results in fever, viral shedding, drinking and eating difficulties. However, when a low dosage of acyclovir is used as fever blister cure or fever blister treatment, the duration of the outbreak will be shortened by about one day. Nevertheless, if used with high dosage during prodromal stage, the pain and duration will be lesser.

Famciclovir–Intake of 1,500 mg of famciclovir during the first sign of symptoms will shorten the herpes infection by about two days.

Valacyclovir–Taking 2 gm of valacyclovir twice a day during initial outbreak as fever blister cure or fever blister treatment will lessen the herpes virus infection by a little over a day.

The Use of Suppression Therapy

Regular intake of antiviral drugs on a daily basis as suppression therapy has no sanction from the FDA and may be considered a violation of their rules and regulations. The doctor prescribing this way of treatment should be aware of the consequences. Nevertheless, studies showed that if there are at least six recurrences in a year, the following medications can be taken as fever blister cure or fever blister treatment to benefit the patient, to wit;  400 mg of acyclovir twice a day, 250 mg of famciclovir twice a day and 500 mg of valacyclovir once a day.

Below are the medicinal treatments you can use in case you are afflicted with shingles:

1. Antiviral drugs or combination of antiviral drugs and corticosteroids to lessen the pain and duration of shingles.

2. Medicines for pain, topical creams, and antidepressants to offer long-term relief from pain.

3. Antiviral drugs like valacyclovir, famciclovir or acyclovir to lessen the pain and duration of outbreak. As a note, oral antiviral drugs if taken within three days from the initial outbreak of shingles will normally lessen the period of expectancy and severity of the shingles. The most important of all is the prevention of a permanent nerve pain.

4. Over-the-counter pain drugs like ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen as pain relievers. They also act as muscles and pain relievers.

5. Corticosteroids or the combination of corticosteroids and antiviral drugs as pain reliever can reduced duration of shingles.

6. Topical antibiotics, which is directly applied to the skin. This will prevent infection of blisters.

7. Antihistamine will reduce the itching and inflammation.

Although shingles is not considered contagious, it can be transmitted as a form of chickenpox to anyone who comes in contact. Young children without immunization shots or with unhealthy immune systems including those undergoing radiation therapy or chemotherapy, as well as the elderly are most susceptible to shingles. Previous thinking dictates that young children should get their smallpox from schoolmates or friends on purpose. By doing this, they can prevent being sterile when they acquire the virus at an older age.

However, recent developments noted that when a person is infected by smallpox, shingles might resurface in the future. When affected by shingles, the severity may vary with every person. If antiviral is not administered, the risk of nerve pain may last a number of years or worst, a lifetime.

Now if a person, especially a child cannot take drug medications for some reason or another, there are available natural cures for shingles. Rather than suffer the risk of complications from drug medications or from letting shingles left untreated try these alternative forms of medications:

1. Apple cider vinegar–Apply to the skin area with shingles at least four times during the day and three times at night. After the application, the skin burning and itching sensations will disappear in a few minutes.

2. Jewelweed–This should be applied as a topical treatment on the area with shingles.

3. Multivitamins–Take multivitamins with magnesium, calcium, selenium, lysine, zinc; and vitamins A, C, D, E and B-12 are essential as shingles cure in order to strengthen the immune system.

4. Acidophilus and garlic tablets–These will relieve the pain and itching.

5. As part of the natural shingles cure, there are also foods to avoid like seeds, nuts, and chocolates due to their arginine content. Excessive amount of arginine in our body will lessen the benefits that will be derived from lysine. Heat and direct sunlight should also be avoided particularly if it will result to sunburn.

Another natural cure for shingles is an antiviral medicine that is made from elderberry extract. This over-the-counter drug is highly effective if you have flu or colds, all of which are viruses. What may be even powerful against shingles are the combinations of elderberry extract, raw honey, propolis extract, organic apple cider vinegar and echinacea root extract.

These shingles cures do not have the side effects present in almost all of the traditional medications. However, before taking any medication whether traditional or natural, a doctor should be visited for proper medication and consultation.

The possible treatment involves antiviral drugs such as famcyclovir, valacyclovir or acyclovir, especially during acute outbreaks.

Acyclovir given during the initial outbreak can reduce the reproduction ability of the virus. Hence, this will lessen the possibility of its recurrence as subsequent outbreaks. In order to be effective, medication should immediately start the moment the first sore appears. If one is infected, the other sexual partner should also undergo examination for possible treatment with herpes simplex cure.

Famcyclovir and valacyclovir has similar effects by preventing the infection of the herpes virus as soon as they are administered upon diagnosis of the disease.

In case the afflicted suffers from frequent recurrent outbreaks, suppressive therapy or long-term drug therapy is already needed. Suppressive therapy can reduce the outbreaks by as much as 85 percent and the viral shedding by as much as 90 percent.

Likewise, herpes simplex cure includes the use of topical antibiotic ointments so that secondary bacterial infections will be prevented.

During genital herpes outbreak, the patient can be more comfortable by following a number of measures:

1. Wearing of loose clothes is recommended to avoid trapping in of heat and moisture which can hamper the treatment.

2. Avoid extreme heat or sunlight since you may tend to sweat profusely and introduce moisture.

3. Clean and keep the sore area dry, moisture is conducive to the proliferation of the virus.

4. Cool or lukewarm water can be placed on the area with sores for a period of time to relieve the itchiness and discomfort.

5. The use of douches, feminine deodorants, sprays, or perfumed soaps should be avoided since they may only interact and lessen the effectiveness of the drug.

6. If there is pain, try ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin.

7. Refrain from touching the sores to avoid further contamination or infection.

8. If ever you touch the sores, wash your hands immediately to avoid contaminating your other body parts or other people.

How to Prevent the Herpes Simplex

Having too many sexual partners heightens the possibility of transmitting and contracting herpes simplex virus. Why not just limit your sexual partner to one, so you don’t have to worry about herpes simplex cures.

In very much the same way, if there is already a tingling, burning, or itching sensation, refrain from having intimate contact and sexual intercourse to avoid spreading the virus.

However, there may be the absence of symptoms or sores, but there is still the possibility of contracting the herpes virus if you’re not into safe sex. Hence, the use of latex condoms during sexual contacts is strongly advised. An alternative to condom is the use of spermicidal foams or jellies notwithstanding the controversies related to its use.

Do not share your towels and clothing with anybody. If you accidentally touched the sores, do not touch the skin of other people but immediately wash your hands with soap.

The possibilities of babies being infected are also present. The expectant mother should disclose to her doctor regarding any exposure to the herpes virus and if possible, herpes simplex cure should be taken. The doctor can protect the newborn from being infected by taking special precautions.

Vitamin C–can enhance the immune system by acting as an antifungal, antiviral, antihistamine and antioxidant agent. Also, it improves the activity of the white blood cells by encouraging the production of interferon, a specific immunoactive protein, that the blood vessels release in response to the attack of viral infections.

Zinc– According to several clinical trials, zinc can reduce the severity and frequency of the genital herpes outbreaks. It inhibits the ability of the herpes virus to replicate itself especially when zinc sulfate ointment is applied to lesions. Intake of zinc supplement of about 15 to 30 mg every meal which is equivalent to a total intake of around 60 to 90 mg in a day may enhance the immunity of the cells. In addition, it also improves the fighting capabilities of the immune system. The dosage of 60 to 90 mg per day can be taken for a period of one month up to two months, which will be reduced to 30 mg a day. Provided, the immune system improves, the number of outbreaks is lessened.

Lysine–shows some importance in the treatment of the herpes virus and prevention of outbreaks. According to some researchers, a diet rich in lysine and low in arginine will not activate the herpes virus thereby lessening the number of outbreaks. In order for the herpes virus to replicate, arginine is needed. With the presence of high lysine in the diet, this will block arginine from activating the herpes virus. Examples of foods rich in arginine are: grains, nuts, and chocolates but has low lysine content. Conversely, legumes have high contents of lysine with lesser arginine considering that they are amino acids. If one is favored over the other, a deficiency might arise. Natural genital herpes cure if considered as the best cure for genital herpes, should have an inclusion of herbs as support for the immune system, in a patient’s dietary program.

Aloe vera—acts as an effective antiulcer and vulnerary while being used as a topical application or taken internally. Based on research, the aloe gel has many compounds that can stimulate the immune system. A dose of one to two oz. a day as aloe juice is effective against chronic viral infections. The amount of consumption can be increased up to a pint a day.

Lemon balm or Melissa officinalis- According to research, this herb was proven to contain antiviral properties effective in curing herpes virus. If applied on the initial outbreak of herpes, it will accelerate the healing process and prevent the occurrence of an outbreak.

Licorice-is known for years as an antiviral that can cure ulcers and lessen inflammation. As a herpes treatment, it contains a steroid-like saponin known as glycyrrhizin effective in alleviating the pain and promotes faster healing of the herpes lesions. In can be used either as a topical application or internally. When taken as tea, preparations include the boiling of one teaspoon of shredded roots in a cup of water for about five to ten minutes. Recommended intake per day is four to five cups daily. On the other hand, a cloth soaked in tea will also have a faster healing effect on ulcer sores if applied directly on the infected area. Licorice has glycyrrhizinic acid which renders it as an effective antiulcer compound. In fact it is being marketed as a natural genital herpes cure considered as the best cure for genital herpes.

The essence of the bee venom is the substantial anti-inflammatory contents in mellitin. Other substances in bee venom include some complex form of proteins and peptides which is vital for people with neurotoxic and immunogenic deficiencies. The bee venom being an alternative medicine in the herpes zoster natural treatment is usually applied directly to the affected area by means of acupuncture. As a result of this procedure, the relief from pain is immediate and the progress in the health condition is evident. Before the administration of bee venom, various tests are conducted to ensure that the patient is not allergic to it.

Another herpes zoster natural treatment is the Ayurvedic medicine or Ayurveda, which originates from India. It aims to promote wellness by integrating the balance of the body, mind and soul through the use of products and techniques like herbs and massage. As an example, herpes zoster natural treatment involves in its initial stage the use of an ointment with herbs such as Haridra (Curcuma longa), Usheer (Vetiveria zizanioidis), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus) and Chandan (Santalum album).

If the blisters collapse and there is ulcer formation, an ointment with the following herbs is used; Mandukparni (Centella asiatica), Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra), Daruharidra (Berberis aristata) and Haridra, until the lesions are eradicated.

Ayurvedic medicine also uses other herbs for herpes zoster natural treatment in every situation, like in the following cases:

1. As a pain reliever– Vish-Tinduk-Vati, Maha-Vat-Vidhwans-Ras, Vat-Gajankush-Ras, Trayodashang-Guggulu, Sinhanaad-Guggulu, Kaishor-Guggulu, Yograj-Guggulu and Triphala-Guggulu.

2. For antiviral infections– Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bhrungraj (Eclipta alba), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa), Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Yashtimadhuk and Bhumiamalaki (Phyllanthusniruri).

3. With more than one-month of herpes zoster pain (post-herpetic neuralgia)–Bruhat-Vat-Chintamani, Ekang-Veer-Ras, Tapyadi-Loh and Kaishor-Guggulu.

4. If there is suspicion of immuno-compromised like HIV–Suvarna-Raj-Vangeshwar-Ras, Suvarna-Malini-Vasant, Bala (Sida cordifolia), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera).

Further, some of the known herpes zoster natural treatment includes hyssop, thyme, oregano, rosemary sage, red pepper and peppermint, to name a few. These herbs have antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that are highly effective in the cure of herpetic rashes. Preparation involves boiling any of the herbs or in combination, then use it to wash the affected areas of the shingles after letting it cool. In relation to the red pepper, its basic ingredient is capsaicin which is the common component of herpetic balms and ointments being sold in the market.

Before conditioning your mind in the use of these herbs as herpes zoster natural treatment, referring the matter to your doctor is appropriate in order to have a medical basis and avoidance of further complications, if any. The traditional medicines have their medical basis to rely on due to various clinical studies made for the safe and immediate cure of the herpes zoster aside from the quality standards adhered in the preparation.

Traditional Medicines

1. Acyclovir–As a DNA polymerase inhibitor, this is also a prototype antiviral drug. Medications may be administered orally or intravenously. As an oral treatment, the dosage is five times in a day but the bioavailability, the unchanged dosage of the drug as it reaches the circulatory system, is lower because of incomplete absorption as against other drugs. However, intravenous acyclovir is administered to patients with immunocompromised (immune deficiency) like HIV and to those who cannot take oral medications.

2. Valacyclovir–This is a prodrug of acyclovir taken three times a day. Valacyclovir has a better potency in decreasing the pain compared to acyclovir and has better bioavailability due to the fact that the blood drug level produced is almost the same level with the intravenous medication of acyclovir. Valacyclovir as herpes zoster treatment may be equally effective with herpes natural treatment for herpes zoster.

3. Famciclovir–This is similar to acyclovir as a polymerase inhibitor and taken three times daily. However, famciclovir has better bioavailability than acyclovir and valacyclovir. This has longer intracellular half-life or longer life inside the infected cells as against acyclovir.

When choosing any of the three traditional medicines, the right medication will vary for every individual as well as the capacity of the patient to afford the cost of medicines. These medications have antiviral agents that are normally allowed by the body but possess some side effects normal to any drugs. Side effects are abdominal pain, dizziness, vomiting, headache and nausea.

If the traditional herpes treatment fails to its expectation, there is the herpes natural treatment for herpes zoster to reduce the itchiness and pain like lotions with calamine, capsaicin cream and lidocaine for topical applications.

Eleutherococcus

Eleutherococcus or the extract of Siberian Ginseng showed positive indications as an effective herbal treatment to restrain and contain genital herpes infection. A study of a certain product which contained eleutherococcus as its main curing ingredient, manifested that patients who took this medication resulted to a lessening of the severity and frequency of HSV outbreaks. However, it took 3 months of medication before said favorable effects were achieved. Nonetheless, eleutherococcus as natural genital herpes remedies showed promise as a potent medication.

Echinacea

Echinacea or Cornflower is a well-liked natural remedy in the treatment of genital herpes in the United States due to its antiviral, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. In a certain study made, echinacea or Cornflower elicits good response against herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2), or the HSV related to genital herpes, but there is no sufficient evidence to associate its effectiveness in animals.

Another study published in Pubmed disclosed that there is no significant benefit derived when echinacea was used as a natural genital herpes remedy on persistent genital herpes. Nevertheless, echinacea was noted to be effective after the herpes virus 1 (HSV-1) was exposed to light.

Astragalus

Astragalus is a popular Chinese medicine and has already gained wide acceptance in the Western world. This is native in northern Asia but also grows in Europe and North America where there is temperate climate.

As an effective Chinese medicine for natural genital herpes remedy, the herb is combined with angelica and ginseng and should be taken on a regular basis. Chinese herbalists also use this in boosting the immune system and as treatment for strokes, kidney infections, diabetes and even cancer. Accordingly, this has scientific backing of Chinese researches but is not properly recognized by the medical world.

It was also noted in some studies that astragalus is a broad spectrum antibiotic and in some ways protect the bone marrow cells by enhancing the immune system. Further studies revealed that this is active in the treatment of genital herpes (HSV-2) and in HSV-1, to prevent infection.

In the absence of medical agreements regarding the use of these herbs as natural genital herpes remedies, proper consultation with your doctor is still necessary. It would be better to entrust your medication to a professional practitioner in order to avoid further complications.