\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Cold sores. But a proactive approach might reduce the frequency and severity of an outbreak. Once it has attached itself to your nervous system, you are always at risk for a cold sore occurring, and since these are both unsightly and uncomfortable, you want to learn how to get rid of cold sores as quickly as possible. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 297,111 times. Method: As soon as you know it's coming, or have gotten a cold sore, spray Lysol onto a q-tip and press against the area gently. Mayo Clinic. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Dr. Pritish Tosh, an infectious diseases specialist at Mayo Clinic, says, genetics determines whether a person will develop cold sores. If, however, you are very sick and are growing worried, you should contact a health care provider immediately.2. Milk is very soothing, and it also contains L-lysine which helps to inhibit arginine, an amino acid, that may cause an outbreak. Prescription medicines have been very successful in reducing the severity of the outbreak for thousands of fellow-suffers, and many years of clinical testing have verified their effectiveness. One study also showed that witch hazel may have an antiviral effect against HSV-1. You can also use it as a mouth rinse to target any area of the cold sore inside the mouth or on the inner area of the lip. Treatment focuses on minimizing the pain and speeding recovery time. Wash your hands frequently to prevent passing the cold sore virus to other people (or spreading it on your own skin). By inhibiting this amino acid, it works to quickly heal your cold sore. Children age 2 and older can be treated with Zilactin-L Liquid, Orajel Baby, and Anbesol. Gibson LE (expert opinion). You're most at risk of complications from the virus if you have a weakened immune system from conditions and treatments such as: In some people, the virus that causes cold sores can cause problems in other areas of the body, including: Your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication for you to take on a regular basis if you develop cold sores more than nine times a year or if you're at high risk of serious complications. You can find many products in your local drugstore containing this numbing ingredient. Apply it directly to the cold sore and hold it there for at least five minutes. Kermott CA, et al., eds. Be aware, though, that these remedies may only offer minimal or short-term relief. Apply the wrapped ice pack to the area for a few minutes, then remove it, wait a few minutes, and re-apply. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Both fever blisters and canker sores can have triggers that produce flare ups. You may also try applying an over-the-counter benzocaine cream to relieve any itching or irritation. These types of medicines only help control pain or fever; they won't help the cold sore go away. You can use bandages and treat your cold sore simultaneously. (1). Now I can use a cotton bud to apply the cream inside the nose. A cold sore usually passes through several stages: Signs and symptoms vary, depending on whether this is your first outbreak or a recurrence. Fever blisters are very contagious. References Always keep your surfaces disinfected withLysol Disinfectant SprayorLysol Disinfecting Wipesto decrease the amount of flu germs in your area. Posted by anonymous; When I am feeling a cold sore coming on, I put a dab of Pepto-Bismol on. Cold sores are usually caused by a strain of the herpes virus, HSV-1. Basil leaves' tea is the best cure for cold sores. Treatment of herpes simplex virus type 1 infection in immunocompetent patients. Witch hazel is an astringent, containing tannins that have powerful antioxidant properties and that help to tighten and dry the skin. Theyre the same thing: an annoying, painful, and embarrassing sore that appears in or around your mouth, caused by the HSV-1 virus. 4 Ways to Whiten Your Pearlies! Use clean fingers to put a thin coat of this jelly directly onto the cold sore. As already stated in this thread, taking an L-Lysine supplement greatly reduces the potency of an outbreak but you can also reduce your chances of an outbreak altogether by taking L-Lysine daily. Now, a very small percentage of those people will actually develop cold sores.". Dr. Ziats is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. This means you can have reoccurrences throughout your life, because there's no cure for HSV-1. Most adults carry the virus that causes cold sores, even if they've never had symptoms. Typically, both types of sores go away on their own and treatment is not usually required. Beers says. Some of these remedies are listed below, although definitive research is still limited as to their effectiveness. Got questions about cold sores? "About 70-plus percent of the U.S. population has been infected with herpes simplex 1. 11. The alert states that these pain-relief products should only be used on adults and children over 2 years old because of the ingredient's potential to cause a life-threatening condition called methemoglobinemia. A headache. The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should also avoid drinking alcohol, smoking and eating hot or spicy foods, which can irritate any sores in your mouth. Your email address will not be published. Painful oral lesions. But, turns out, you might not have a reason to be embarrassed. Review/update the Avoid using lip balms and personal items from other people. Dont worry, it wont cost you anything. See a doctor if your cold sores persist longer than a few weeks, you develop a high fever, or you notice eye irritation. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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