Getting cold sores is common. In fact, adults and children as young as five years of age can get these. In rare, albeit dangerous, instances, cold sores can occur on infants and babies too. The sores are small blisters that are a bit painful. These are usually found inside the mouth or on the outer edges of the lips.
The herpes virus causes cold sores. These tiny blisters can appear one at a time or in bunches. They seem to form a hump containing some fluid and become scabs before finally disappearing. Although they’re not that dangerous and would heal in one to two weeks, it’s vital to know how to treat them.
The following are some helpful ways to treat and manage cold sores so that they don’t lead to complicated ailments like genital herpes on which you can check out here for more information:
In This Article
1. Be Educated
One of the best ways to control cold sores is to know enough information about them. Do your research and educate yourself about the symptoms, causes, and treatments. Cold sores are often felt before they appear on the skin. Hence, people who suffer from them need to be aware of the signs of developing cold sores. This way, you’ll be mindful of how to deal with these at the early stage.
Several hours or a day before a cold sore appears, you may feel burning, tingling, or itching in the lip area. When you experience any of these sensations, it’s best to start your cold sore treatment.
The appropriate medications should be on hand for those who get cold sores. You don’t have to wait until humps and blisters start forming before you run to the nearest pharmacy. Having medicines inside your home will make the matter easier to contain.
Cold sores can be treated with medicines called antivirals that aim to stop viruses from reproducing. As a result, they may heal quickly or don’t altogether develop.
It’s appropriate for you to visit a physician and ask for some medications. Prescriptions are necessary as your doctor will typically prescribe either a topical medication which you need to apply directly on the blister or an oral medication to take after meals. Antivirals are not suitable for everyone though. Only those who suffer from recurring cold sores can be prescribed antiviral medications. This is why it’s crucial that you consult your family doctor first.
3. Know The Triggers
Cold sores can impact the way you look, which can be agitating. By avoiding triggers, people can prevent cold sores from developing in the first place.
It’s essential to understand what triggers cold sores, though, not all of them can be prevented. Here are some factors that may aggravate or trigger cold sores:
- Diet
- Hormonal changes
- Stress
- Lack of rest or sleep
- Surgery or other illness
- Skin injury
- Weakened immune system
Knowing these helps you be more proactive in preventing cold sores. In addition to preventing cold sores from spreading on your skin, you can also control the spread of the virus to others. Ensure proper nutrition of your kids, and keep their immune system strong to fight off cold sores.
4. Use Some Home Remedies
If you have just begun experiencing cold sores, or you don’t frequently experience an outbreak, some home remedies can do the trick. For instance, you can utilize cold packs to soothe the infected area. This is relatively an effortless way to fight inflammation.
5. Consider Over-The-Counter Treatments
Cold sores can be treated with creams or ointments. Pharmacies dispense topical creams and ointments that alleviate itching or tingling. These are effective in preventing full-blast cold sores. Here are some over-the-counter drugs that are worth trying to treat cold sores early:
Docosanol (Abreva)
When taken early, it works as best as prescription medicines.
Tea Tree Oil
Known for its anti-bacterial properties and uses, tea tree oil can help manage pain and infection. You can choose to apply organic tea tree oil or some over-the-counter products that contain it.
Alcohol Or Hydrogen Peroxide
These antiseptic agents can dry out the cold sores and speed up the healing process. However, you must consult your doctor as they can irritate the skin.
Conclusion
You don’t have to worry if you’re suffering from cold sores. With the tips mentioned above, you can treat them early on or manage to heal quickly. With adequate treatment, you can keep cold sores at bay. Visit your physician and ask for medications early on. It’s better to treat them as early as possible.
