Cold sores typically develop around the outside of the mouth, but occasionally, the herpes simplex virus that causes these lesions can migrate to areas on the inside of the mouth. Over-the-counter pain killers can be used to alleviate some of the cold sore pain and inflammation. Prescription medications, lysine, licorice, and zinc may also help heal a cold sore in the throat. Also, a substance known as arginine should be avoided, and a person's toothbrush should be discarded during and after treatment.
A cold sore in the throat can not usually be treated with topical medications, so oral medications may be used. Doctors may prescribe an oral cold sore medication,or OTC painkillers. Antiviral medications, like acyclovir, may be able to reduce the severity and duration of a cold sore. They may also prevent the virus from spreading.
Treating a throat cold sore may also be done naturally. Lysine, for instance, is an amino acid that has been shown to reduce the severity of cold sores. People with cold sores are often advised to consume roughly 3,000 milligrams of lysine each day. A lysine supplement may be necessary to achieve this, but lysine can also be found in dairy and meat. Taking a 500-milligram lysine supplement may also help prevent a cod sore outbreak.
Licorice is another natural remedy for cold sores. Real licorice contains a glycyrrhizic acid, which may help heal a cold sore. Many licorice sticks are not made with real licorice. Instead, anise is often used to make it taste like licorice. If real licorice sticks can not be obtained, powdered licorice mixed with a bit of oil can be swallowed to help cure a cold sore in the throat.
Zinc may also help heal a cold sore. Like other natural treatment methods, this mineral may help relieve the severity of a cold sore. Zinc lozenges are often considered best to help heal a cold sore in the throat.
When an individual is suffering from a cold sore, certain aggravating substances should be avoided. The amino acid arginine is one of these. Arginine can help the virus multiply and spread, and it is found in foods like nuts, seeds, chocolate, and raisins.
The herpes virus that causes cold sores can spread easily by contact. If a person uses a toothbrush when he has a cold sore in the mouth, he can keep infecting himself. Many experts recommend that cold sore sufferers replace their toothbrushes when they begin a cold sore treatment. After the cold sore clears up, that toothbrush should be discarded, and another new one should be purchased.