WHAT IS COLD SORES?
Cold sores – also called fever blisters – are a common viral infection. They are tiny, fluid-filled blisters on and around your lips.
They’re usually caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), and less commonly herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Both of these viruses can affect your mouth or genitals and can be spread by oral sex.
HOW CAN I GET RID OF COLDSORES QUICKLY?
One of the most important things to remember about treating a cold sore: Don’t wait. Start treating it right away, and you may be able reduce the time you have it. When you notice that telltale tingle, go ahead and start applying a topical antiviral medicine to the spot on your skin.
WHAT I SHOULD DO AT HOMEWHEN I GET COLD SORE?
There are things that you can do at home to soothe the pain and make cold sores look nicer as they heal
1. Use lip balms and cream
Protect your lips from the sun with a zinc oxide cream or lip balm with sunblock. If your lips become dry, apply a moisturizing cream.
2. Apply a compress
A cold, damp cloth may reduce redness, help remove crusting and promote healing. Or try a warm compress to the blisters to ease pain.
3. Rest and try pain relievers
Take over-the-counter pain relievers if you have a fever or the cold sore is painful. Creams with lidocaine or benzocaine may offer some pain relief.
WHAT NOT TO DO WITH COLD SORES
Certain habits or behaviors could trigger a cold-sore outbreak or make new cold sores appear elsewhere on your body.
Don’t touch
Keep your hands away from your mouth, and wash your hands often, especially when
you touch your face.
Don’t pop sores
The virus is most likely to spread after a cold sore appears and before it heals.
Popping the sores may spread the virus to other parts of your body.
Don’t give or receive oral sex
When you have a cold sore, you can spread it to other parts of the body, including the genitals.
NOTE TO REMEMBER
Once you’ve had an episode of herpes infection, the virus lies dormant in nerve cells in your skin and may emerge as another cold sore at the same place as before. Recurrence may be triggered by:
1. Viral infection or fever
2. Hormonal changes such as those related to menstruation
3. Stress
4. Fatigue
5. Exposure to sunlight and wind
6. Changes in the immune system
7. Injury to the skin
Taking steps to keep yourself healthy can also minimize the risk for future outbreaks. Things you can do include:
– Get plenty of sleep.It helps keeping your immune system strong.
– Eat healthy foods. Good nutrition leads to good immune system.
– Keep stress low. Constant stress can weaken your immune system.
– Protect yourself. Use sunscreen, especially on your lips. On windy, cold, or hot days, stay indoors or take steps to guard against the weather.
References :
1.https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/herpes-simplex-overview
2.https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/herpes-simplex-treatment
3.https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/herpes-simplex-self-care
4.Whitley RJ, Gnann JW. Herpes simplex virus infections. In: Goldman L,
Schafer Al, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA:
Elsevier; 2020:chap 350.