Cold sores is a painful ulcer similar to a blister that usually occurs around the mouth and is caused by the herpes simplex 1 virus (HSV-1). You may experience pain around the mouth area, fever, sore throat, swollen lymph glands and the formation of ulcers / blisters on the lip (also known as lip fever). Herpes typically goes away on its own after a week or two, but there are methods you can use to get rid of it much faster. Read on to learn more.
Steps
Method 1 of 6: Over-the-counter treatments
Step 1. Apply a non-prescription ointment
You can cover herpes to protect it from the sun and other irritants to speed up the healing process. You can find benzocaine-based ointments at the pharmacy that are specifically designed to protect the ulcer and help it heal.
For best results, you should apply the ointment often (about 5 times a day), so that the herpes and the skin around it do not have time to dry out
Step 2. Use pure petroleum jelly
This ointment, when applied to herpes, provides a protective barrier so that the ulcer is not exposed to atmospheric agents. For best results, apply it often so your blister and the skin around it don't have time to dehydrate.
Step 3. Apply desiccant cream
Even the use of a product that dries herpes, such as alcohol (70%) or Blistex, can facilitate the healing process. Put the alcohol by pouring a small amount on a cotton swab and dabbing it on the ulcer.
Step 4. Put on sunscreen
Sun exposure is generally harmful to the skin, but it is particularly harmful to those who suffer from cold sores. Protect your skin by spreading sunscreen at any time of the year, not just during the summer. Use a lip balm or lipstick that contains sun protection factor to protect your lips as well.
Use a skin protective product that contains zinc oxide as if it were a lip balm, so as to cover herpes
Step 5. Try a hemostat
The hemostat contains astringent minerals that can stop bleeding from cuts and scrapes (such as shaving). They can also reduce redness and the obvious appearance of cold sores. Moisten the tip of the hemostat and press gently on the affected area. Repeat several times a day, when the ulcer is visible.
Step 6. Try eye drops
Generally, eye drops (such as Visine) are intended to reduce redness of the eyes, but they can also be applied to reduce the redness of herpes. Put 1-2 drops on lip fever.
Method 2 of 6: Medical Treatments
Step 1. Know your herpes history
See your doctor for more powerful treatments. If you suffer from cold sores repeatedly, visit your doctor for better treatments. Your doctor can ask you a number of questions to diagnose the severity of the case, such as:
- When did you first notice herpes?
- How painful is it?
- When does it show up?
- How often?
Step 2. Tell him about any medications you are taking
In fact, some can facilitate herpes outbreaks. Ask your doctor if these can affect your current sore ulcer. The drugs in question are:
- The hormonal contraceptive Depo-Provera.
- Steroid drugs.
- Nasal sprays such as Fluticasone and Nasonex.
- Influenza vaccines or vaccinations in general (rarely).
- Drugs that weaken the immune system.
Step 3. Get a prescription for antiviral cream
Creams that contain penciclovir and aciclovir are very effective treatments for cold sores. They are applied directly to the ulcer.
- Put it on as soon as you feel that herpes is forming. If you can stop it early enough, the cream may also prevent blistering.
- Know that it can also be spread on open ulcers, which should disappear within a day or two of application.
Step 4. Get a prescription for oral medication
Aciclovir (Zovirax) or valaciclovir (Valtrex) are both antiviral drugs that you find in tablet form. They can help reduce cold sores more quickly and can also prevent future outbreaks. They are able to significantly reduce symptoms if taken within the first or second day of the first sensation of herpes formation or the accompanying symptoms.
Step 5. Undergo a cortisone injection
It is a steroid injection into the ulcer site. In this way the area swells at first, but then the herpes should disappear within a few hours. Go to the doctor for an injection of diluted cortisone, if you want to get rid of this annoying unsightly disorder quickly.
You may experience pain when cortisone is injected into the wound. It could also be a rather expensive remedy. Check if it is a treatment that falls within health care or if you have to bear the entire cost
Method 3 of 6: Natural Remedies
Step 1. Apply ice
Take an ice cube and hold it for a few minutes at a time on the painful area two or three times a day. Ice relieves wound pain and helps reduce inflammation.
Step 2. Use tea tree oil
A drop or two of this powerful natural oil can help reduce the ulcer within a day or two. Follow the same method as with any ointment or ointment, applying it a couple of times a day. You can also combine it with petroleum jelly to make the application more lasting.
Step 3. Try a small amount of vanilla extract
It seems that putting a few drops of real (not artificial) vanilla extract every day can help eliminate herpes. Pour a small amount onto a cotton ball and gently press on the wound for about a minute. Repeat 4 times a day.
Step 4. Put a tea bag on the affected area
Green tea contains nutrients and antioxidants that can soothe ulcers and help speed up the rate of healing. Soak a green tea bag in hot water for a few minutes and let it cool. Then apply it directly on the herpes. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes.
Step 5. Take the lysine tablets
It is an amino acid that is often used to shorten the duration of a herpes outbreak. You can buy it in packs of 100 tablets in drugstores and grocery stores for a modest fee. Take 1-3 grams per day.
- Alternatively, you can increase your lysine intake through certain foods, such as fish, chicken, eggs, and potatoes.
- Check with your doctor first if you have high cholesterol or heart disease. The intake of lysine can increase cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Step 6. Try other natural remedies
There are many other remedies derived from naturally occurring ingredients that you can try. Search online for "natural remedies for cold sores" and you will find other solutions, such as echinacea, aloe, licorice, peppermint and others.
Method 4 of 6: Relieve the Discomfort
Step 1. Apply a hot or cold pack
Sometimes herpes can become extremely painful, even cause headaches and other related pains. Place a hot water bottle or ice pack wrapped in a towel over your lip for 20 minutes. Hot or cold temperatures will help relieve pain.
Step 2. Use a topical anesthetic
Creams and ointments containing benzocaine or lidocaine provide temporary pain relief. They are usually sold as itch creams and are available in drugstores.
Step 3. Take a pain reliever
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen can reduce pain around the mouth and associated headaches. Follow the instructions on the leaflet for the correct dosage.
Method 5 of 6: Stopping the spread of cold sores
Step 1. Wash your hands often
If you touch herpes without washing them you can cause a bacterial infection and you could also spread ulcers to other areas of the body. Use warm soapy water and wash your hands often throughout the day.
Step 2. Avoid direct contact with other people
When herpes is in the active phase it is very contagious and the virus can easily spread among individuals. Avoid kissing another person and make sure that herpes does not come into contact with anyone.
For the same reason, do not engage in oral sexual activity during an outbreak. You could risk passing on the virus and infecting the other person with genital herpes
Step 3. Don't share some items
Do not use glasses, straws, toothbrushes, razors, towels, or other items that have come into contact with someone infected. Likewise, do not share your items with other people if you have an ulcer.
Throw away your toothbrush when you have a herpes outbreak. You can risk keeping the virus active if you get exposed to it through your toothbrush
Method 6 of 6: Making Lifestyle Changes
Step 1. Avoid foods that cause outbreaks
Many people are sensitive to certain foods that cause cold sores when consumed in excess. If you suffer from herpes often, reduce or stop eating the following foods:
- Acidic foods, such as tomatoes and citrus fruits. Avoid both raw tomatoes and foods containing tomato-based sauces, do not drink tomato, orange and grapefruit juices.
- Salty foods, such as canned soups, fried foods, and snacks. Taking too much salt can trigger a herpes outbreak.
Step 2. Eat nutrient-rich foods
Make sure you get plenty of vitamins and nutrients by eating fruits and vegetables. Eat balanced meals, eat lots of green leafy vegetables and other nutrient-rich foods. Take a multivitamin supplement if you are concerned about not getting enough.
Step 3. Reduce Stress
Lip fevers are more common during particularly stressful times. You may notice an outbreak around the holidays or during a particularly busy time at work. You can reduce the chances of suffering from herpes by taking care of yourself during the most intense periods.
Step 4. Get enough sleep
Get enough sleep every night to allow your body to rest properly. Get at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night. If you have difficulty falling asleep, try listening to relaxing music or do 10 minutes of meditation before going to bed, to prepare the body for rest.
Step 5. Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water every day to provide the body with the right hydration. This not only keeps the body healthy but can also ward off diseases which in turn trigger a herpes outbreak.
Step 6. Keep your immune system strong
Cold sores outbreaks tend to occur when the immune system is compromised. They could occur during a colds illness or if you've been exposed to adverse weather conditions for other reasons. Make sure you maintain a healthy immune system by getting adequate sleep, drinking plenty of water, and eating foods rich in vitamins and other nutrients.
