Cold Sore Treatments
Cold Sores on the lips or around the mouth can be embarrassing at times and it is tough to hide. It is a common viral infection mainly caused by Herpes Virus. Approximately 3.8 billion people below 50 years of age have cold sores. In this article, you are going to find all Cold Sore Treatments.
Cold Sore Causes
Cold Sores also called by medical professionals as “Herpes Lebialis“, many called it “Fever Blister“.It is a chronic cluster of tiny fluid-filled blisters that developed on the lips or around the mouth. After the blister breaks, it dries to form a crust resulting in a painful sore. This infection is mainly caused by Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and sometimes by Herpes Simplex Virus 2. It is found that HSV1 is responsible for the majority of facial cold (about 80%). Most people don’t even know they have been exposed to the herpes virus, it can live in your system and not cause any symptoms. However, for some people, stress, illness can cause it to flare up resulting in cold sores.
Cold Sore Life Cycle
Cold sores usually heal within three weeks without leaving a scar. There are three distinct phases in the cold sores life cycle
- Phase One (Pre Cold Sores): Before you even see the cold sore you may feel it, you might notice tingling and irritation around your mouth and lips or you may have a fever or sore throat or swollen glands these are the warning signs.
- Phase Two (Blister Period): The cold sore blister will become noticeable from around the second day onwards, the skin will turn red and sore.
- Phase Three(The aftermath): By the third day the virus levels begin to fall although the sore may stick around for a week. During this phase, you will notice ulcers or scabs which is part of the healing process. Studies show that by keeping the cold sores moist the entire time it heals faster.
Difference between Pimple and Cold Sore
Cold sores and pimples, both are skin-related problems that can start of looking very similar, however, there are clear differences between their causes;
Pimple
A pimple is generally a small firmed inflamed spot on the skin. Some pimples can become large. It is the inflamed area of the skin with pus formation in the center resulting from a bacterial infection of the oil gland that produces sebum.
Cold Sores
Cold sore is also termed as a Fever blister caused by infection with Herpes Simplex Virus 1 or 2.
Risk Factors of Cold Sore
- Direct skin contact, contamination by touching
- Sharing eating utensils of other people
- Even kissing can transmit the Herpes Simplex Virus through saliva.
Symptoms of Cold sores
- Fluid-filled blisters begin to appear
- Ulcers in the tongue or mouth
- Painful sores lips or around the mouth
- Fever
- Swallowing difficulties
- Tongue or lip swelling
Cold Sore Treatments
Cold Sore Treatments may include:
Over-the-counter medications like Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen can relieve the discomfort and pain related to the cold sore.
Prescribed Cold Sore medications may include:
- Acyclovir (Zovirax)
- Valacyclovir (Valtrex)
- Famciclovir (Famvir)
- Penciclovir ( Denavir)
Natural Remedies for Cold Sore
Here are some natural Cold Sore Treatments. Natural remedies for cold sores does not cure the disease, but it may speed up the healing process
Ice
Chillness from the ice can reduce the swelling and ease the pain by numbing that area. Apply cold pack directly on the sores for tempory relief.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is known for its healing abilities, it can treat any small cuts, abrasions, inflammations, ulcers and is known to boost our immune system.
Aspirin
Aspirin can cut down Herpes infection by nearly 50 percent
Lemon
Lemons work like an antiseptic and fight viruses. It helps to dry up the cold sore faster to provide quick relief.
Petroleum Jelly
It forms a thin protective layer over the sore, inhibiting the spreading of the virus and also keeps the sore moist all the time to heal faster.
Salt
Salt reduces the swelling and dries up the cold sore, although this can be a bit painful but ensures quick healing.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is another effective remedy for cold sores, the alkaline properties of baking soda help to clean and dry up the sore, thereby providing relief from discomfort.
Zinc
Consuming the right quantities of zinc will boost the immune system and keep the virus in check.
Cold Sores Prevention
When sore are present in an individual;
- Avoid skin contact such as kissing with other people.
- Avoid touching the cold sores
- Avoid sharing foods, utensils, towels, lipstick, lip balm
- Wash your hands immediately after touching the sores
Takeaway: Cold Sores are common and usually heals within three weeks, and by following the above points and applying the remedies would help to treat your sore faster.