Herpes simplex, also known as lip fever, cold sores or oral herpes, is a painful lesion that usually forms on the lips, chin, cheeks or nostrils. The blister that is generated usually turns into a yellowish sore and disappears within a couple of weeks. Unfortunately, people suffering from cold sores, which is caused by the herpes simplex virus (usually type 1), generally have recurrent outbreaks that are highly contagious during the active phase. Although there is no cure or vaccine against the virus to date, there are several things you can do to relieve the pain it causes, speed up healing and prevent it from spreading.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Treating Cold Sores with Lifestyle Changes
Step 1. Make sure it's really cold sores
This is similar to lip fever, but it is not the same as canker sores. Mouth ulcer is an ulcer that forms inside the mouth. Although cold sores can sometimes develop inside the mouth, it is usually smaller than the mouth ulcer and begins as a blister. Furthermore, the disease is not contagious and is not caused by a virus, therefore the treatment is different.
Step 2. Recognize the signs of an impending outbreak
Before you can actually see a lip fever, you probably feel a slight tingling or burning in some area around the mouth, at the point where herpes will break out. The sooner you can recognize the outbreak, the faster you can intervene to speed up recovery.
- Typically you feel a small bump or skin hardening in conjunction with the tingling sensation.
- Other initial symptoms include itchy lips or skin around the mouth, sore throat, swollen lymph glands and pain when you swallow, as well as fever.
Step 3. Isolate cold sores immediately at the first sign of an outbreak
This virus is highly contagious, so you must avoid kissing or indulging in any activity that involves mouth contact with the body during the active phase. You also need to avoid sharing utensils, cups or straws with other people and thoroughly wash dishes and cutlery with a disinfectant detergent. You can also gently wash the blister with soap and water to try to prevent the infection from spreading.
Wash your hands often and avoid touching the ulcer. If you touch it, you risk spreading the virus to other people or to other areas of the body, such as the eyes or genitals
Step 4. Treat the fever
As its name suggests, lip fever is sometimes accompanied by a rise in temperature, especially in younger children. If this is beyond normal, take medications to lower it, such as acetaminophen, and keep it constantly monitored carefully.
Fight fever by taking lukewarm baths, applying cold compresses to the inside of the thighs, feet, arms and neck, drinking hot tea, eating popsicles and sleeping in an adequate manner and quantity
Step 5. Relieve the pain
Topical creams, which you can find without a prescription, can help relieve the pain caused by cold sores, just as they are just as effective as painkillers such as aspirin, paracetamol and ibuprofen. However, keep in mind that, as cold sores often affect children easily, you should not give them aspirin, due to the risk of developing Reye's syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal disease for children.
Step 6. Consult a doctor if you have a compromised immune system, if you suffer from a particularly severe outbreak, if the fever does not subside, if the herpes rash lasts more than 2 weeks or if you experience eye irritation
Some outbreaks can be serious.
- People with already weakened immune systems are at greater risk of long-term complications - sometimes even fatal.
- In many countries, herpes infection of the eyes is one of the main causes of blindness, so you must be very careful not to spread the infection to this delicate part of the body; if you feel irritation in your eyes, you should see your doctor right away.
Step 7. Prevent cold sores outbreaks using different techniques
Although it is still an incurable virus, it is possible to prevent outbreaks before they occur by implementing different methods.
- Applying sunscreen to the lips and other vulnerable areas. Zinc oxide can help prevent ulcers that are activated by sun exposure.
- Washing towels, clothing and linens in general in very hot water after each use.
- Avoiding oral sex during an outbreak. This can spread herpes to the genitals, even if there are no blisters or lesions.
Step 8. Be patient
If left untreated, cold sores can last for 8 to 10 days. Until then, there isn't much you can do. Avoid squeezing or teasing the sore, otherwise it will slow down healing even more.
Step 9. Reduce Stress
Research has found that there may be a correlation between stress and an increased likelihood of lip fever outbreaks. To prevent future outbreaks and shorten their duration, take time to lower your anxiety and stress levels.
Method 2 of 3: Oral Treatments
Step 1. Get licorice
A fundamental substance contained in licorice has been shown to accelerate the healing time of cold sores. Eat licorice regularly (pure and unsweetened) or take supplements. You can also make a paste with the powder of a licorice tablet and water and then dab it directly on the lesion several times a day.
Step 2. Get more lysine
A primary hepatitis virus protein that causes lip rashes can be fought with a protein found in dairy products: lysine. Eat cheese, yogurt, and milk every day or get lysine supplements at a health food store.
Step 3. Avoid arginine
Some research has correlated herpes outbreaks with the amino acid arginine, which is found in foods such as chocolate, cola, peas, cereals, peanuts, jelly, cashews, and beer. To date, the results are not conclusive, but if you suffer from frequent breakouts, you should try to limit the consumption of these foods, as well as avoid consuming them completely when herpes is in its full active phase.
Step 4. Take oral antiviral medications
Some prescription antiviral drugs, such as Penciclovir, Aciclovir, and Famciclovir, have been approved for the treatment of herpes outbreaks. They are unable to cure the infection and have not been shown to be effective in preventing breakouts, but they can accelerate healing and reduce the severity of lip fever. They usually offer better results if you start taking them as soon as you notice the first signs of an impending outbreak.
- If you suffer from very frequent outbreaks, your doctor may prescribe these medications to take every day, even in the absence of symptoms, to suppress future outbreaks. Suppressive therapy may be effective for some people, although clinical trials have not found great success.
- The action of antiviral drugs is to interfere with the replication rate of the virus. The more disturbed the DNA replication of the virus, the more time the immune system has to fight cold sores.
Method 3 of 3: Topical Treatments
Step 1. Apply ice to the ulcer
Ice performs a dual function because it creates an inhospitable environment for the virus that causes the sore and at the same time reduces the pain caused by herpes. Use a compress instead of placing the ice directly on the wound and keep moving it over the affected area. But make sure you don't hold it for more than 10-15 minutes at a time.
Step 2. Use tea tree oil
This oil, also known as tea tree oil, is very effective as a topical antiviral treatment. Dissolve one part in 2-3 parts of water and apply it intermittently for several hours on the area before the blister appears. This way you can try to prevent the lesion from forming or worsening once it occurs.
Step 3. Blot with milk
The proteins contained in milk help heal the sore, while the low temperature of the liquid soothes the pain caused by herpes. Dab the milk using a cotton ball and apply it liberally to the affected area several times a day. This can also be done when you realize the outbreak is about to break out.
Step 4. Cover the cold sores with Vaseline
Keeping the affected area covered with petroleum jelly prevents other bacteria and viruses from contaminating it, aggravating the infection. Apply a large amount to make sure you constantly cover and moisten the sore. Make sure you put it on with a clean cotton swab or freshly washed hands to prevent further spread of bacteria from the fingers to the ulcer.
Step 5. Try apple cider vinegar
This substance works by drying the lesion, killing bacteria and also evens the pH of the bladder. Know that applying it to an open wound you could feel a little burning. Use a cotton ball to dab the vinegar several times a day on the painful area.
Step 6. Use hydrogen peroxide
This classic antibacterial is effective in killing microbes that can infect the bladder and at the same time dries the skin in the area. Pour some on the sore or use a cotton ball to dab it several times a day.
Step 7. Apply a tea bag
The nutrients and antioxidants contained in green tea perform a wonderful soothing action on cold sores, accelerating healing times. Make yourself a cup of green tea and, once it has cooled, use the sachet by placing it directly on the lesion. If you want to get a little more relief, put the sachet in the fridge or freezer before placing it on the bladder.
Step 8. Chop the garlic
This spice is among the best home remedies and appears to be able to cure many minor ailments. Make a slurry of crushed or chopped garlic and apply it to the bubble for 15 minutes. Its antibacterial properties help disinfect the area and reduce healing times. Be careful, though, as garlic is quite strong and can burn a little when applied.
Step 9. Dab some salt
Even if it causes a little burning, the salt applied directly to the cold sores helps speed up the healing process. Leave it on the area for a few minutes so that it has time to act, then rinse; then apply a small amount of pure aloe vera to soothe the irritation and relieve the pain caused by the salt.
Step 10. Wet a cotton swab with pure vanilla extract
Repeat 4 times a day until the herpes is gone. Alcohol is used in the process of creating pure vanilla extract, which is why this substance helps to cure this problem.
Step 11. Take topical antiviral medication
Topical medications, such as docosanol and tromantadine, are indicated to stem the outbreak. Although doctors don't know exactly how docosanol fights herpes simplex, they do know that it enters the cytoplasm of cells. Tromantadine works by changing the composition of the skin cell surface.
Advice
- Some women experience cold sores during or just before menstruation.
- Stress is also believed to cause outbreaks in some people, so regularly practicing relaxation techniques to reduce levels can ward off outbreaks in those who are particularly prone.
- A weakened immune system probably facilitates the formation of rashes in general, so it is wise to try to stay as healthy as possible by eating appropriately, exercising, and avoiding allergens, drugs, and excessive alcohol consumption.
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To temporarily hide a cold sore, you can apply a layer of liquid patch to cover the entire painful area and let it dry completely. Then apply another layer and let it dry again. The purpose of this remedy is to cover the wound and leave a smooth surface so that you can then apply a lip balm or lipstick, it also protects the blister from further infection. When it is completely dry, use a lip brush (you can sterilize it by soaking it in boiling water and bleach) and apply a dark enough shade of lipstick to cover the lip fever; be sure to re-sterilize the brush after use.
- The important thing is that the ulcer is completely covered with the liquid patch before applying the color to the lips, otherwise the balm and / or lipstick could irritate and worsen the sore.
- Make sure the lipstick is dark enough to hide the wound.
- To remove it, wash your lips thoroughly and make sure you dry the herpes - as much as possible - with alcohol.
- Do not implement this or any other method that "seals" herpes too often, as it interferes with the healing and drying process.
- You can find some effective topical creams, such as Zovirax and Vectavir. Both treat a topical viral infection and facilitate rapid healing. Both drugs are non-prescription and you can find them freely at the pharmacy.
- Hormonal changes can sometimes cause an outbreak. Don't be surprised if some birth control pills (like the morning after pill) cause it.
Warnings
- Know that an outbreak can be contagious even when all blisters have healed. Herpes can be transmitted even after a week without any signs of an outbreak present.
- This article is a general guide only and is in no way intended to replace professional medical advice. Herpes simplex 1 can be a very serious problem and it is important to consult your doctor to find suitable treatments.
- Most cases of lip fever derive from herpes simplex type 1, although also type 2 (genital herpes) can occasionally cause them.
- By doing an internet search for cold sores you can find an infinity of home remedies, from vitamin supplements to poison ivy! As with any other ailment, naturopathic remedies can be effective for some people, but they can also be dangerous at times. Use common sense and consult your doctor when in doubt.
- Using alcohol or acetone (which comes highly recommended on home remedies sites) on a blister that has already ruptured on the surface, or even one that is still intact, can cause scars (sometimes really unsightly) on or around. to the mouth, as these are very aggressive substances.
