Cold sores are pure torture since they always come at the worst possible moment. Not only are they painful, but worse still, they make you wish to remain hidden. The good news? You don’t have to rush to the pharmacy for respite. Then the important question arises: How to treat cold sores at home? We are here to help you out.
Many patients look for home remedies to relieve the itching discomfort of cold sores. With simple remedies and some care, you can minimize the pain and have the sore heal faster. The secret lies in learning what works best on your skin and within your lifestyle. Read on to learn how to treat a cold sore right in the comfort of your own home.
Table of Contents
What Actually Cold Sores?
A cold sore is an egg-shaped blister that has fluid-filled content and appears mostly at the lip, inside the mouth, or even at the nose. The causes of this disease are the herpes simplex viruses which cause this infection and are very contagious. The individuals contract the infection once, and the virus remains within the body causing outbreaks.
Cold sores typically begin as a tingling or burning before the blister emerges. They can be triggered by stress, illness, or sunburn. They are not particularly dangerous, but very painful and easily transmitted through contact including kissing or sharing utensils in eating. The blister will heal faster with appropriate treatment, but cold sores often recur with the reactivation of the virus.
How to Treat Cold Sore at Home
Cold sores are quite troubling to manage, but fortunately, the outbreak can be managed, and the sores treated, from the comfort of home. In this regard, the following paper focuses on how and when to act effectively to reduce discomfort and enhance recovery. Here are five ways to treat cold sores at home:
Apply Over-the-Counter Creams
Over-the-counter creams and products such as docosanol or acyclovir can decrease the severity and the time taken to heal cold sores. That means treating it with them whenever there is a sensation of pins and needles can halt the escalation of the virus. Stem cell support creams are easy to obtain and are most effective when applied repeatedly, several times a day.
Use Ice or Cold Compress
Applying an ice pack wrapped in a cloth, right on the cold sore, will help to minimize the soreness and inflammation. It also assists in preventing the sore from becoming swollen. As a general rule, a cold compress should not be kept on the skin for long periods and should be applied for approximately 15 minutes.
Take Antiviral Medication
Simple antiviral drugs such as acyclovir, valacyclovir or famciclovir if given at the first sign of the outbreak can lessen and/or shorten the outbreak period. These are more effective when taken in the earlier stages of an outbreak and will help to prevent reoccurrence. Some medications require a prescription to purchase which means you should consult with your doctor to know if a prescription is necessary for you.
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Keep the Area Clean and Dry
The client should maintain hygiene to avoid the cold sore from getting worse. Do as follows: Wash the area around the sore with soap and water and do not pop the sore. Frequent washing and avoiding moisture accumulation reduces inflammation in the area and accelerates healing without complications.
How to Treat Cold Sore at Home
Sunlight can cause the flare-up of the cold sore and lip balm with SPF can guard the lip area against the sun. The product that is best in treating inflammation is the Aloe Vera gel which is known for its healing effects on the skin. These if applied from time to time are good for moisturizing and quick recovery.
When To Seek A Doctor
Seek medical attention if you are experiencing a non-improving cold sore. Sometimes, it makes all the difference between averting complications and putting matters right when you visit a doctor.
Here are some red flags to be on the lookout for:
- The cold sore has been around for more than two weeks or is worsening
- You are showing symptoms of an infection such as swelling and redness or pus
- If it spreads to your eyes or affects the vision
- If you have a weak immune system or are pregnant
- When home remedies from a drugstore fail, or when it recurs frequently
Going to see a doctor will ensure proper care and treatment for your cold sore.
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Conclusion
The suffering brought about by a cold sore does not necessarily have to continue in perpetual periods. By taking easy measures at home, you could control symptoms and bring them to heal faster. Everyone’s skin is a little different, so you just have to experiment to find what works. Good care can reduce and sometimes prevent painful outbreaks from ever occurring again in the future. If things don’t improve or you think you need a little bit more support, don’t hesitate to contact a healthcare professional. They can point you in the right direction to find the best solution for your needs.