Appearing as blisters and painfully embarrassing, cold sores are fluid filled pockets near the mouth or lips beneath the skin’s surface. Caused by the herpes simplex virus, cold sores can flare up at any time and last up to 10 days. While they cannot be cured, cold sores can be treated with a number of remedies to alleviate the pain.
Home Treatment
- To reduce redness and swelling, place a cool, wet towel for 20 minute intervals
- Avoid citrus fruits and tomatoes, or other foods that contain acidic ingredients
- Avoid spicy foods
- Use OTC topical numbing creams to reduce cracking and scabs
- Keep the cold sore clean by washing gently with water and soap to prevent a bacterial infection
- Ice the sore to alleviate pain and inflammation for temporary relief
- Apply aloe vera to your cold sore to alleviate discomfort and speed the healing process
Prevention
- Throw out your toothbrush.
- Don’t kiss someone who has a cold sore.
- Don’t share utensils, towels, razors, straws, etc. with someone who has a cold sore.
- Replace your lipstick or lip balm.
- Replace any makeup or makeup tools that touched the cold sore.
- Wash your hands after touching your cold sore every time. Don’t rub your eyes after touching a cold sore, or you could develop ocular herpes infection. Don’t touch your genitals after touching your cold sore, or you could develop genital herpes.
- Apply sunscreen when exposed to sun.
- Make sure your hormones are in balance. Hormone fluctuations can trigger cold sores.
- Maintain a healthy diet. Diets rich in fresh fruits and vegetables can boost your immune system and fight cold sore flare ups.
When to See a Doctor
If your cold sore pain worsens or is unusually irritating, your doctor can prescribe an anesthetic numbing gel or an antiviral oral medication to prevent recurrence.
If you are suspicious of a cold sore or a potential cold sore, call our office. Our doctors can take a culture of the affected area to determine if it is in fact a cold sore, or provide you with the care you may need. Call our office.