Diluted cortisone (Corticosteroids) can provide fast-acting relief from localized pain, redness, and inflammation. You will ease levels of discomfort because you are reducing the inflammation. Remember that corticosteroids cannot be used alone, but in combination with antiviral remedy.[1]
A medical professional will administer a cortisone injection into a cold sore. This will reduce the amount of swelling. It will also shorten the time that it takes for the area to heal.
Cortisone is a proven treatment. It can produce minor side effects, such as initial discomfort due to getting an injection in a tender area. But, it is beneficial to those who are experiencing intolerable levels of pain. This is common during a primary cold sore infection.
It shouldn’t be your go-to-treatment. Corticosteroids should only be administered during the most severe outbreaks. Explore proven over-the-counter cold sore medicines as they’re cheaper and will make life more tolerable.
Let’s explore the topic of cortisone and learn how it can make life easier for you.
Cortisone can serve as the ideal cold sore healer for those who are in search of fast relief. By injecting diluted cortisone directly into the cold sore, inflammation can be reduced quite rapidly.
While many alternative treatments are problematic, to say the least, cortisone is a known quantity. It has been available on the commercial market as a pain reliever and inflammation reducer for almost 70 years. Classified as a steroid hormone, cortisone being injected into various joints of the body has become common practice.[2] It is commonly used in primary joints such as the elbows, knees, and shoulders.
The general concept is the same as it related to cortisone as a cold sore treatment. Because swelling and inflammation is the hallmark of a fever blister, cortisone can treat the area.
Additionally, cortisone can also reduce the lifespan of a fever blister. Complete healing in less than 72 hours is certainly not out of the question. For best results, you are encouraged to visit your physician as soon as you begin to notice the symptoms.
Although quite a more aggressive approach compared to an OTC cold sore cream, injections of diluted cortisone is a quality treatment.
To summarize:
Although side effects from cortisone injections can occur, they are typically minor. Most complaints are often associated with discomfort, slight pain, and moderate swelling.
Cortisone injections are not recommended for those who dislike or have a phobia of needles. If you have a general fear of any injection, this treatment is not for you. While this is not necessarily a side effect, it is an advanced warning.
Noted below are some additional cortisone complications:
Shots can be a bit pricey, and those prices can obviously vary. So much of the overall cost of cortisone injections, or lack thereof, depends on insurance coverage. Prices can range from $50 to $300 depending on your situation.
If cortisone treatment is your chosen path, it is important to talk to your doctor as well as your insurance provider. Knowing if this type of procedure is covered by your insurance can be critical. It is also important to know how many injections you can have under your coverage plan.
While the majority of cold sore treatments, traditional and alternative, are straight-forward, cortisone is different. This is the rare case where medical and insurance professionals have to enter the conversation.
Do your research and have a consultation with your physician beforehand. This will not only prepare you for the physical aspect but financial as well. Consultations and a few phone calls can enable you to tie up any loose ends as it relates to insurance matters.
It truly comes down to personal preference. While OTC medications are easier regarding application and outside hurdles (doctor, insurance, etc.), cortisone can provide fast relief. The answer to this question depends on what you feel is best for you. Remember that cortisone is not used as an antiviral agent, so if you want to weaken the virus, OTC options are better for you.
Both cortisone and OTC medications will work. Although OTC creams and light devices for cold sores can fail some HSV-1 sufferers, this is quite rare. If the instructions are followed carefully, then relief should come within a matter of days. Perhaps mere hours in some cases.
Cortisone injections must be administered by a medical professional, typically your physician. This is a positive, simply because someone with considerable knowledge will be dealing with you first-hand. However, OTC methods, many FDA approved, are very dependable as well. They are also quicker and require less hassle.
We encourage you to weigh your options and understand that you will likely not go wrong with either choice.
To summarize:
Although cortisone cream, more notably hydrocortisone cream, will have no positive impact on cold sores, acyclovir-hydrocortisone cream will.
Let’s take a close look at each medication, starting with hydrocortisone.
Acyclovir-hydrocortisone cream is the answer. Serving to combine the potency of each medication, this cream can heal cold sores fast.[3] Acting to eliminate inflammation while also stopping the growth of the virus, the cream is beneficial in many ways.
To recap:
While many alternative cold sore methods are often problematic and blatantly ill-advised, cortisone will help in many ways.
Available in injection form as well as cream, cortisone can provide fast cold sore healing that every HSV-1 sufferer craves.
If you decide to proceed with this treatment, either injection or cream, it is important to know if you can tolerate cortisone. Make sure that you are up to date when it comes to your physical health. This is critical if you have an existing infection or health condition.
While cortisone is certainly not meant for everyone, it is a proven healer. It could be a good option for people who are experiencing a primary cold sore infection or severe recurrent infections.
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