Aciclovir Treatment Options for Side Mouth Cold Sores
Why Cold Sores Appear on Side of Mouth
Cold sores commonly develop on the side of the mouth due to HSV-1 virus dormancy in facial nerve pathways. The virus may reactivate due to stress, illness, sun exposure, or hormonal changes, causing blisters to appear along the lip line or mouth corners. This location can be particularly problematic as it may crack during eating or speaking.
Aciclovir Tablets vs Cream
EverydayMeds offers both aciclovir 400mg tablets and 5% cream for cold sore treatment. Tablets work systemically and may be more effective for severe or frequent outbreaks, typically taken five times daily for 5-10 days. Aciclovir cream provides localised treatment, applied every four hours to the affected area. Early treatment within 24-48 hours of symptom onset maximises effectiveness.
Proper Application Technique
When using aciclovir cream on side mouth cold sores, wash hands thoroughly before and after application. Apply a thin layer covering the entire lesion and surrounding area. Avoid rubbing vigorously as this may cause irritation or spread infection. Use a cotton bud if preferred to minimise direct contact.
Managing Side Effects and Complications
Side mouth cold sores may cause temporary stinging when applying topical treatments. Tablet forms of aciclovir generally cause fewer local reactions but may occasionally cause nausea or headache. If cold sores frequently recur, discuss suppressive therapy options with a healthcare provider. Valaciclovir tablets, also available through EverydayMeds, offer less frequent dosing alternatives.
