How to treat herpes-related cold sores

Although there are medications to help reduce the number of cold sore outbreaks that individuals who have herpes experience, these persistent abscesses may still crop up from time to time. A recent article published by the Los Angeles Times provides several recommendations on how to minimize the appearance of cold sores.

"[Herpes] is one of the most common viral infections, and yet you're a pariah [if you have a cold sore]. People look at you like you're a leper," Dr. Adam Friedman told the newspaper.

At the first sign of a blister, individuals should hold ice on the affected area for no more than 15 minutes to help reduce swelling, the news provider suggested. Another option is to soak a cotton ball in whole milk and hold it to the sore between 10 and 15 minutes. The news source explained that the protein monocaprin that is found in milk has been associated with fewer herpes symptoms.

To help speed the healing process and provide protection against infection, people may consider covering a cold sore with a thick moisturizer like petroleum jelly.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most people who have herpes do not experience any visible symptoms.