What is the treatment for lip sores?

From the Guidelines

Treatment for lip sores should prioritize keeping the area moist and protected, with the application of white soft paraffin ointment to the lips every 2 hours during the acute phase, as recommended by the most recent guidelines. This approach is supported by the British Association of Dermatologists' guidelines for the management of Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis in children and young people, 2018 1.

Key Recommendations

• Apply white soft paraffin ointment to the lips every 2 hours during the acute phase to keep the area moist and protected 1.
• Clean the mouth daily with warm saline mouthwashes or an oral sponge to prevent infection 1.
• Consider offering favorite drinks for oral irrigation rather than standard mouthwashes to make the process more comfortable 1.
• For pain relief, consider using an anti-inflammatory oral rinse or spray containing benzydamine hydrochloride every 2-4 hours, particularly before eating 1.

Additional Considerations

• It's essential to stay hydrated and maintain good nutrition to support healing 1.
• Avoid triggers like sun exposure, stress, and certain foods that may exacerbate the condition 1.
• If sores persist beyond two weeks, are severely painful, recur frequently, or are accompanied by fever, seek medical attention as this could indicate a more serious condition requiring prescription treatment 1.

Medications and Home Remedies

• For common cold sores (herpes simplex), antiviral medications like acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir (Valtrex), or famciclovir (Famvir) may be effective when started at the first sign of symptoms 1.
• Over-the-counter options include docosanol (Abreva) cream applied 5 times daily until healing occurs 1.
• For angular cheilitis (cracks at mouth corners), antifungal creams like clotrimazole or ketoconazole may be needed 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

The duration of pain and new lesion formation was decreased in some patient groups In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of immunocompetent patients with localized cutaneous zoster infection, acyclovir tablets (800 mg 5 times daily for 10 days) shortened the times to lesion scabbing, healing, and complete cessation of pain, and reduced the duration of viral shedding and the duration of new lesion formation

The treatment for lip sores, which can be caused by Herpes Zoster Infections or other Herpes infections, is acyclovir tablets. The recommended dosage is 800 mg 5 times daily for 10 days for immunocompetent patients with localized cutaneous zoster infection. Treatment is most effective if started within the first 48 hours of rash onset. Key benefits of treatment include:

• Shortened time to lesion scabbing and healing
• Complete cessation of pain
• Reduced duration of viral shedding and new lesion formation 2

From the Research

Treatment for Lip Sores

The treatment for lip sores, also known as herpes labialis or cold sores, can vary depending on the severity and frequency of the outbreaks.

• Topical application of antiviral creams, such as 5% acyclovir-1% hydrocortisone cream, has been shown to reduce the healing time and incidence of classical lesions 3.
• Oral antiviral medications, such as acyclovir, valaciclovir, and famciclovir, can be effective in reducing the recurrence of herpes labialis, especially when used long-term 4.
• Sunscreen application can also help prevent recurrent herpes labialis induced by ultraviolet light 4.
• In cases of acyclovir-resistant herpes simplex virus, alternative treatment regimens, such as topical trifluridine or intravenous foscarnet, may be necessary 5.

Management of Herpes Labialis

The management of herpes labialis involves a combination of antiviral therapy, symptomatic relief, and prevention of future outbreaks.

• Antiviral therapy, such as acyclovir, can help reduce the severity and duration of outbreaks 6.
• Topical creams, such as 5% acyclovir-1% hydrocortisone cream, can provide symptomatic relief and reduce the healing time 3.
• Prevention of future outbreaks can be achieved through the use of sunscreen, avoidance of triggers, and long-term antiviral therapy 4.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The diagnosis and treatment of sore and/or swollen lips, including herpes labialis, involve a comprehensive approach.

• Diagnosis is based on clinical evaluation and laboratory tests, such as viral culture and PCR 7.
• Treatment options include antiviral therapy, topical creams, and symptomatic relief, as well as alternative regimens for acyclovir-resistant cases 3, 4, 5.