Cold sores is a highly contagious infection caused by the herpes simplex virus that is transmitted through direct contact. About 90% of adults test positive for the infection, even if they have never experienced symptoms. Herpes looks like a small blister that often forms on or around the lips; it usually heals within 2-4 weeks. There is no cure or vaccine against the infection, but if you intervene promptly and practice proper hygiene you can limit its growth and spread.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Treating Cold Sores
Step 1. Recognize the signs
If you've had herpes in the past, you are probably able to recognize the signs when a bladder is developing. You may experience itching, burning, or tingling around your lips about a day before the rash sets in. If you are concerned that herpes is forming, you can start treatment right away, which can potentially shorten its duration. You also need to be careful not to accidentally spread the virus to others by avoiding contact.
Rashes usually occur when you find yourself dealing with particularly stressful situations, when you are very tired and fatigued or when you have a viral infection or fever (cold sores is also commonly called "lip fever")
Step 2. Apply an over-the-counter topical treatment
There are numerous antiviral creams that you can find for free without a prescription to relieve herpes. They are specifically formulated to speed up the healing process, but they do not prevent it from forming, nor can they prevent it and keep you from future breakouts. They are usually only effective if you start applying them promptly, as soon as herpes forms.
- You can look for creams based on aciclovir, penciclovir, or docosanol.
- One study found penciclovir to be the most effective antiviral active substance.
- You need to apply these creams for 4-5 days, up to 5 times a day.
- Use a cotton swab to spread them or wear disposable gloves so you don't contaminate your hands.
Step 3. Take oral antivirals
Many of these topical medications are also available in tablet form to be taken by mouth; you can decide to take these formulations which are often more effective, if you do not want to use creams. Oral medications do not require you to touch herpes in any way, thus reducing the risk of spreading the virus. If in doubt, ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice.
Step 4. Relieve the pain
In addition to antiviral treatments, you can consider taking pain relievers to soothe the pain and reduce the irritation caused by herpes. If you need to manage itching or the urge to scratch the blister, you can use creams that are not antiviral to limit the irritation. Keep in mind, however, that these do not cure the infection and do not speed up the healing process. Ask the pharmacist to recommend some products.
You can take regular pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen to relieve the discomfort caused by herpes
Step 5. Apply something cold
Place a cold element on the painful area to soothe pain and irritation. Gently place an ice cube on your blister or a cold, wet washcloth on your face. Cold compress can reduce redness and promote healing; apply it 3 times a day for 20 minutes at a time.
Step 6. Consider natural remedies
While they are not as reliable as medications, there are a number of products that have been shown to help manage herpes. One of these is L-lysine, an amino acid that you can purchase as a supplement or cream; applying a small amount to the bladder can help. Alternatively, try propolis, which can speed up the healing process of herpes, as long as it is applied promptly and often.
- Some people have reported that a homemade rhubarb and sage cream is a viable substitute for topical acyclovir.
- Stress was also found to be a factor responsible for outbreaks; by reducing the level of emotional tension you can control the risk of herpetic blisters.
Method 2 of 3: Maintain Good Hygiene
Step 1. Keep your hands clean
If you want to stop herpes from growing or spreading, you need to maintain good hygiene practices. Keep your hands clean by washing them regularly with soap and water to limit the possibility of spreading the infection. You must try never to touch herpes, but if it does happen, it is extremely important to wash your hands.
If you touch your bladder, wash it immediately afterwards; otherwise you could spread the virus to other parts of the body
Step 2. Don't risk passing the virus to other people
Remember that an important aspect of good hygiene practice is to avoid the risk of spreading the virus to others. You can take steps to do this by doing simple things, such as not sharing objects that come into contact with the area around the cold sore. For example, avoid sharing towels, mugs, lip glosses, razors, or toothbrushes.
- You also need to be careful not to kiss anyone and not to have oral sex, otherwise you could pass the virus on to your partner.
- In fact, during oral sex, you could spread the virus to your partner and even cause genital herpes if you have an active rash on your lips.
Step 3. Wash your face gently
It is difficult and inconvenient to wash your face when you have herpetic lesions on the lips. The important thing you need to remember is not to irritate the bladder. Wash your face twice a day and use only a mild soap. If this is irritating to herpes, just use water. Remember to sanitize your hands thoroughly before washing your face.
Method 3 of 3: Make sure you don't irritate the cold sore
Step 1. Don't touch it
If you have developed cold sores and want to prevent it from growing or spreading, it is extremely important to resist the urge to touch, pinch, scratch or rub it. If you touch it you can be sure to aggravate the situation and spread it to other parts of the body. Touching it increases the risk of spreading the virus on the fingers, developing a disease known as herpetic patereccio.
- There is also the risk of infecting the eyes resulting in possible scars, injuries and vision problems.
- Cold sores can also spread to other parts of the body. If you have eczema, this can be a significant risk and could develop into a serious problem.
Step 2. Cover and protect cold sores
To prevent it from overgrowing it is a good idea to cover it up to protect it from external irritants and hinder further infections. There are specific patches that contain a hydrocolloid gel that you can apply for this purpose. They are an effective tool for treating skin wounds, allowing them to heal while under the protective patch.
Alternatively, you can gently apply some petroleum jelly to the bladder to give it some protection. If you choose this method, be sure to wash your hands before spreading the product
Step 3. Avoid irritants
In addition to not touching it, you also need to prevent other irritants from coming into contact with the bladder area. For some people, the sun triggers a herpes outbreak. If this is the case, be sure to spread a cream that completely blocks the sun's rays to protect the skin, particularly on the lips and mouth or in other areas where rashes usually form.
When you have cold sores around your lips and mouth, you should avoid eating spicy, salty, and acidic foods, as they can further irritate the already aching area
Warnings
- Look for signs of secondary infections, such as a rise in body temperature, greenish-yellow pus, or swelling. See your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
- See your doctor even if the pain is severe enough to prevent you from eating or drinking, if you have herpes in the genital area, near the eyes or nose, or if you have redness, pain or swelling of the eye.
- If the cold sore does not heal after 2 weeks or new blisters form, you should call your doctor.
