Cold Sore Medicine
What is a Cold Sore?
Cold Sore Treatment
Cold sores on lips can result in pain and discomfort. They are caused by a contagious virus and can be spread to others, so treating cold sores is crucial. There are a variety of remedies for cold sores that are available over the counter. Cold sore ointment and cream catalyze healing and reduce pain using antiseptic and anesthetic ingredients. Some treatments, like Orajel for cold sores y Abreva, can work in just a few days. You can also try a product formulated with the amino acid lysine for cold sores.
There are a number of factors that can trigger cold sores, including cold weather and bitter wind. Keeping your lips hydrated may help. Moisturizing lip balms that contain cold sore medication can soothe your skin and promote healing. If you are worried about people noticing the blemish, cold sore patches and bandages are made from semi-transparent hydrocolloid that gently adheres to the skin, hiding the cold sore and protecting it from bacteria and other contaminants. These bandages also allow for the application of lip makeup to further conceal the cold sore. Makeup should never be applied.
What Causes Cold Sores?
Canker Sore vs. Cold Sore?
The term canker sore and cold sore is often confused for the same thing, but they're actually different conditions. Canker sores only occur on the inside of your mouth and can be found on the gums, the inside of your cheeks or lips, on or below the tongue, or in the soft palate near the back and roof of your mouth. Canker sores present a burning, tingling feeling before they appear, similar to cold sores. However, cold sores are usually on the outside of your mouth near the lips and under the nose. Cold sores fill with fluid and can be painful. Eventually, cold sores can turn into scabs that can last for a week or longer until the sore is fully healed. The location of the sore is the easiest way to tell whether you have a cold sore or a canker sore. However, each one is caused by different things. Canker sores can be a result of a mouth injury, deficiency in nutrients like B12 or iron, or fluctuations in hormones. Some people get canker sores from a reaction to spicy foods, nuts, or chocolate. Cold sores are caused by infection from certain strains of HSV (herpes simplex virus). This virus is quite contagious, and cold sores can transmit from person to person if oozing sores are present. Do not share utensils, cups, or toothbrushes if you have cold sores since this can cause it to spread to others. If you are unsure if you have a cold sore or canker sore, always consult your doctor or health care provider.
What Do Cold Sores Look Like?
Are Cold Sores Contagious?
Cold Sore Stages
Cold sores present themselves in different stages. Here's what to expect if you have a cold sore:
If you feel a cold sore start to form, it's best to treat it as soon as possible with an over the counter treatment to shorten the symptoms and get relief.
How to Get Rid of a Cold Sore
Cold Sore Home Remedies
There are also some home remedies you can try to help clear up or at least ease the discomfort of your cold sore a more natural way.
- Ice: Ice can help numb the area of the cold sore to help reduce pain and inflammation. Wrap the ice in in gauze, paper towel, or something to avoid direct contact with your skin. Then gently press the ice against the cold sore for a few seconds. This should help reduce pain and inflammation caused by the sore.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Many people use apple cider vinegar as a treatment to help fight off bacteria, viruses, and other germs, which makes it a great option for helping treat a cold sore and fight off the herpes simplex virus. Be sure to dilute the apple cider vinegar with water prior to use as the vinegar alone is too strong. Dab the diluted apple cider vinegar with a cotton ball or cotton round directly on to the cold sore one to two times a day.
- Áloe vera: Applying aloe vera to your cold sore or fever blister may help soothe and cool down the area.
- Kanuka Honey: Honey in general has been found to help heal wounds and other skin injuries, and it is no different when it comes to cold sores. Kanuka honey, from the manuka family, can be applied directly to the sore to help fight off bacteria.
- Lemon Balm: Applying lemon balm, an herb from the mint family, to a cold sore could help speed up the healing process.
- Peppermint Oil: Peppermint oil can be used to help treat cold sores as it may be effective in fighting off both the herpes simplex virus types 1 & 2 (HSV-1 &HSV-2). Try applying a diluted bit of peppermint oil to the spot as soon as you feel a cold sore coming on.
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