How to Get Rid of a Cold Sore

What is a cold sore? How does a cold sore develop? How is a cold sore treated? In this article, you'll learn what a cold sore is, how you get cold sores, and how to avoid and treat cold sores.

What is a cold sore?

Cold sores, often called fever blisters, are caused by the herpes simplex virus I. The small blister like ulcers can appear on or near the lips or nostrils. They can also form on the cheek, chin, or fingertips. It is estimated that 85-90% of Americans have this virus.

What causes cold sores?

After an outbreak, the Herpes Simplex Virus I remains in the body forever and can be triggered by certain factors. These factors include:

A fever or cold

Sun exposure

Stress

Severe Fatigue

Menstruation

Trauma to the Skin

Suppressed Immune System

How can cold sores be avoided?

There are steps you can take to help prevent cold sores. These steps include:

Apply sun block to your lips and face before prolonged exposure to sun

Getting enough sleep

Stay hydrated by drinking water

Avoid stress

Don't share towels, napkins, utensils, drinks, toothbrushes, or razors with an infected person

Avoid kissing someone with a cold sore

Wash your hands after contact with an infected person

What are the symptoms of a cold sore?

You may feel tingling, burning, itchiness, and pain a day or two before the cold sore develops. The blisters usually break and ooze a clear fluid, form a crust, and then disappear a few days later. Other symptoms include:

Fever

Sore Throat

Pain from eating certain foods, especially acidic or salty

Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

What is the treatment?

The area should be washed twice a day with a mild soap, like Dove. Other treatments for cold sore relief include:

Use over the counter medications like Carmex or Campho-Phenique.

Prescription medications approved by the FDA are Denavir cream 1%, and Zovirax cream 5%. If applied during the itchy, tingly stage, these creams can limit the severity and duration of symptoms. Patients should still be considered contagious, and use precautions when coming in contact with others. These creams can be expensive.

Various home remedies exist such as applying ice in a Ziploc bag to the sore for 15 minutes at a time. Other home remedies include:

Lysine supplements- Lysine supplements of 1000 mg. three times a day, may shorten duration.

Nail polish remover- First rub with an ice cube until the cube melts. Put nail polish on a Q-Tip and dab on to sores. It stings, but it does work.

Toothpaste with whitener- Rub the gel on your sores three times a day until they disappear.

Peppermint Tea- Soak a peppermint tea bag in water and hold on sore twice a day for as long as possible.

Corn Starch- If sores are already blistering, corn starch will dry them up.

Lemon Balm- Lemon balm cream promotes faster healing and may decrease occurrences.

Foods that contain high levels of the amino acid, arginine, should be avoided if you have a cold sore. These foods include nuts, tomatoes, beer, seeds, mushrooms, eggplant, chocolates, oatmeal, and seeds. Avoid eating salty food with an open cold sore to prevent stinging and burning.