Cold sore remedies, such as triamcinolone acetonide, hydrocortisone acetate or hexamide isethionate with tetracaine hydrochloride, can be used in the form of ointment, spray or oral solution and help to reduce pain, facilitate the healing process or eliminate the bacteria that develop in the wound.
The exact cause for the development of cold sore is still not completely understood, however, it can arise from small local traumas, such as the use of braces or brushing, allergies to any food or medication, gastroesophageal reflux, stress, vitamin C deficiency, folic acid , iron and zinc, or certain infectious or systemic diseases. Check out other causes of cold sore.
It is usually not necessary to have a cold sore treatment, as it tends to go away on its own in a few days, however, if the cold sore does not go away in a week or two, if it is very big or very painful, it is important to consult a doctor or dentist, who may indicate the best treatment, including the use of medication.
Cold sore ointments, sprays and oral solutions
Ointments, sprays or oral solutions are applied directly to the cold sore and act to protect the affected region, reducing inflammation and providing temporary pain relief.
Some ointments that may be indicated, by the doctor or dentist, for the treatment of thrush are:
1. Triamcinolone acetonide
Triamcilonone acetonide ointment is a corticoid anti-inflammatory indicated for canker sores or mouth sores, as it helps to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms of pain, swelling, redness and discomfort, being a good remedy for cold sore in the mouth, in addition to of the lips, tongue, gums and cheeks.
This remedy can be found in pharmacies or drugstores under the trade names Omcilon A orabase, Mud oral, Oncileg-A or Coliaft ointment, or in generic form such as triamcinolone acetonide orabase, and should be used with the advice of your doctor or dentist. Here’s how to use a triamcinolone acetonide ointment for thrush.
2. Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is a remedy in the form of a gel with a moisturizing, protective and healing action on the oral mucosa, which allows immediate relief from pain and discomfort caused by canker sores or mouth ulcers.
This remedy can be found in association with aloe vera, for example, a substance that helps to regenerate cells in the oral mucosa, accelerating healing. It is sold in pharmacies or drugstores under the trade name Kin care oral gel.
3. Polycresulene
Polycresulene is another medicine that can be used to treat canker sores, due to its healing and regenerating properties.
This remedy can be found under the trade name Albocresil in the form of a gel or solution for direct application to the cold sore and should not be taken. See how to use and what are the contraindications of this medicine.
4. Thyrothricin
Thyrothricin is a cold sore remedy that can be found in association with other substances, such as lidocaine hydrochloride or hydroxyquinoline sulfate, which have antiseptic, antibacterial and analgesic action, helping to reduce, eliminate or inactivate bacteria that are present in the area , in addition to leading to immediate relief from the pain caused by cold sore.
This remedy can be found under the trade name Malvatricin, in the form of a gel, spray or solution for use on cold sore or mouthwash, and must be used with a doctor’s or dentist’s indication, and is sold only with a prescription.
5. Hydrocortisone acetate
Hydrocortisone acetate is a steroid with potent anti-inflammatory action indicated for the treatment of thrush. This medicine can be found in the form of an ointment and usually contains other associated substances, such as neomycin sulfate, troxerutide, ascorbic acid or benzocaine, which help to relieve pain, improve healing and eliminate bacteria from the affected area.
This remedy is found under the name Gingilone in pharmacies and can be used by adults or children over 2 years old, with medical or dental advice. Because it contains neomycin in its composition, a type of antibiotic, this ointment is only sold with a prescription.
6. Benzidamide
Benzidamide, or benzydamide hydrochloride, is an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anesthetic drug that helps reduce inflammation and relieve pain and discomfort caused by canker sores.
This remedy can be found at the pharmacy under the trade name Flogoral, in the form of a spray or mouthwash (rinse), for direct use on cold sores or mouthwash, and should not be taken.
7. Bismuth sodium tartrate
Bismuth sodium tartrate is another cold sore remedy that is often found in combination with other substances such as neomycin sulfate or procaine hydrochloride. They work by reducing the pain and discomfort caused by thrush, in addition to eliminating bacteria that may be at the site of the thrush.
This remedy is available in pharmacies or drugstores under the trade names Bismu jet oral suspension or Aftine drops, for use directly on the cold sore, and they are sold only with a prescription, and should be used with the advice of the doctor or dentist. Learn how to use Aftine drops.
8. Hexamidine isethionate with tetracaine hydrochloride
The combination of hexamide isethionate with tetracaine hydrochloride results in an antiseptic and analgesic drug indicated for the quick relief of pain caused by canker sores, in addition to keeping the affected area clean, favoring healing.
This remedy can be found under the trade name Hexomedine, in the form of a spray, and must be used under the supervision of a doctor or dentist, for a maximum period of 5 days.
Cold Sore Pills
Pills for the treatment of cold sore are indicated by the doctor in the most serious cases, such as weakened immune system due to diseases or cancer treatment, for example.
The main pills that may be indicated by the doctor include:
- Corticosteroids, to reduce mucosal inflammation and treat systemic diseases;
- antibiotics, to prevent or treat infections in the cold sore region;
- Medicines to reduce stomach acidity, especially in cases of gastroesophageal reflux that can cause thrush.
These cold sore pills should always be used with medical advice, depending on the disease to be treated.
Home Remedies Options
There are also some home remedies that can be used to help treat thrush, such as licorice drops or sage tea, which alleviate pain and inflammation and speed healing from wounds. Learn how to prepare home remedies for cold sore.
In addition, mouthwashing with lukewarm salt water can also help reduce the inflammation and irritation caused by canker sores.
