A cold sore has to run its coarse, which is 7-10 days give or take. Warm Salt H2O rinses help and so does zicam. Dont keep messing with it and do not put your dirty fingers on it, always use a Q-tip to place medicine.
2007-02-17 09:34:01
·
answer #1
·
answered by sweet4saucy 2
·
0⤊
1⤋
A cold sore is a fluid-filled blister which usually appears at the edge of the lips. Cold sores are caused by a herpes simplex virus infection.
While anyone can be infected by herpes virus, not everyone will show symptoms.
The primary infection can cause symptoms like other viral infections including tiredness, headache, fever, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
Because oral herpes is so common, it is diagnosed primarily by symptoms. It can be diagnosed and treated by the family doctor, dermatologists (doctors who specialize in skin diseases) and infectious disease specialists. Laboratory tests may be performed to look for the virus.
Treatment
There is no cure for herpes virus infections. There are antiviral drugs available that have some effect on lessening the symptoms and decreasing the length of herpes outbreaks.
Acyclovir (Zovirax) is the drug of choice for herpes infection and can be given intravenously or taken by mouth. It can be applied directly to sores as an ointment, but is not very useful in this form. A liquid form for children is also available. Acyclovir is effective in treating both the primary infection and recurrent outbreaks. When taken by mouth to prevent an outbreak, acyclovir reduces the frequency of herpes outbreaks.
During an outbreak of cold sores, salty foods, citrus foods (oranges etc.), and other foods that irritate the sores should be avoided. Wash the sores once or twice a day with warm, soapy water and pat gently to dry. Over-the-counter lip products that contain the chemical phenol (such as Blistex Medicated Lip Ointment) and numbing ointments (Anbesol) help to relieve cold sores. A bandage may be placed over the sores to protect them and prevent spreading the virus to other sites on the lips or face. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) may be taken if necessary to reduce pain and fever.
Alternative treatment
Vitamin and mineral supplements and diet may have an effect on the recurrence and duration of cold sores. In general, cold sore sufferers should eat a healthy diet of unprocessed foods such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Alcohol, caffeine, and sugar should be avoided.
Foods rich in arginine that should be avoided are chocolate, peanuts, almonds, and other nuts and seeds.
Vitamin C and bioflavonoids (a substance in fruits that helps the body to absorb and use vitamin C) have been shown to reduce the duration of a cold sore outbreak and reduce the number of sores. The vitamin B complex includes important vitamins that support the nervous system where viruses can hide out.
2007-02-17 08:51:19
·
answer #2
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
2⤋
I had a cold sore brought on by medicine and I tried Abreva. It will seem a little expensive because it is a tiny tube, but it works GREAT. The sore will begin to heal the minute you put it on and within a few days will probably be completely gone.
2007-02-17 08:59:30
·
answer #3
·
answered by jigsawinc 4
·
0⤊
1⤋
Go to the health food store or supermarket and get L-Lysine...it's an amino acid and works better then anything out there, including prescription creams. Take about 6 a day and within 2 days it will be gone!
2007-02-17 10:19:41
·
answer #4
·
answered by Daffy D 1
·
0⤊
1⤋
I had one not that long ago and I used aftershave. The aftershave dries it up and cures it faster and everybody will have some sort of aftershave around the house so it saves money. When it is nearly gone I used vaseliene to help re-moisturise my lips as they became a bit dry but after two days my coldsore had gone.
2007-02-17 08:56:54
·
answer #5
·
answered by E 3
·
0⤊
1⤋
go to your pharmacy and there will be a load of different things on offer for you to use. Such as compped, they are the new patches that go over the cold sour and you cant even see then and they actually work!!!
good luck :) xx
2007-02-17 08:51:15
·
answer #6
·
answered by emily19xx 2
·
0⤊
1⤋
Carmex and time.I think you might be able to use Alum on them but check with a pharmacist or doctor on old fashion home remedies about the Alum. you can buy it at grocery store in spice aisle. I know that its good for those painful sores you get on the tongue.
2007-02-17 08:58:21
·
answer #7
·
answered by country girl1 1
·
0⤊
1⤋
First, you learn how to spell cold sore........then you go to the store and buy Abreva OTC or talk to your doctor because it is a form of Herpes and there are prescription anti-virals that you can take.
2007-02-17 08:57:23
·
answer #8
·
answered by Britt 3
·
0⤊
1⤋
Try a little bit of peroxide and water.
or use a cue tip and apply peroxide directly to it 3 times a day and it should be gone by tomorrow
2007-02-17 08:51:25
·
answer #9
·
answered by nina_aka_babydoll 3
·
0⤊
1⤋
There are lots of cheap products at your local drug store.
"I got a cold sore so I put Carmex on it... I don't know if it works, but it does make it shiny and more noticeable." - Mitch Hedberg, comedian.
2007-02-17 08:52:15
·
answer #10
·
answered by dmlk2 4
·
0⤊
1⤋