Cold Sores - Treatment

The treatment goals for cold sores (oral herpes) are to shorten the disease course, alleviate symptoms, and prevent complications. The main approaches include pharmacological treatment, non-pharmacological therapies, and lifestyle adjustments, targeting the active replication of herpes simplex virus (HSV) and symptom manifestation. During treatment, the most appropriate strategy should be selected based on the stage of onset, severity of symptoms, and the patient's overall health condition.

Early intervention is crucial, especially the use of antiviral medications within 48 hours of symptom onset, which can significantly reduce viral activity. Additionally, daily care such as keeping the affected area clean, avoiding touching blisters, and boosting immunity are important for preventing recurrent outbreaks. The following sections detail the specific content and implementation methods of each treatment approach.