Cold Sore | When Cold Sores Strike

When Cold Sores Strike


As we all know, cold sores can be ugly and unattractive to say the least, and unfortunately that is the reality of these very painful blisters. Even though there is not a lot you can do much about how a cold sore appears, there are a few things you can do to help lessen the discomfort felt, speed up the healing process, and help keep it from reappearing.There are even steps you can take that help prevent passing on the cold sore to other people. Below are a few things that can help with the relief of cold sore infection:

Reach for the painkillers: People who suffer from cold sores are aware how painful they can be. Painkillers that are available over the counter can help.

Try to avoid salty or acidic foods: For example, things like potato chips (or crisps, depending where in the world you are from) or citrus fruits can irritate further the cold sore outbreak and add to the pain already suffered.

Cover it with a protective petroleum-based product: Covering the cold sore with a petroleum jelly will help speed up the healing and will also help protect it from secondary types of infection by bacteria.

Don’t cover it with make-up: Trying to cover up a cold sore with make-up will often have the effect of aggravating the problem, as certain chemicals that are contained in the make-up can actually make the sores worse. Also remember not to share your make-up or lipstick while infected for risk of infecting the other person.

Change your toothbrush: Getting a brand new toothbrush as soon as the blister has been formed and then again once the infection has cleared. Toothbrushes have a nasty habit of harbouring the virus.

Keep it to yourself: Cold sores are very contagious. You should avoid kissing and sharing things like cups and towels. Be sure to wash your hands frequently, and most especially after touching the infected area. Importantly, take extra care not to touch your genitals or eyes straight after touching the cold sore.

Don’t get stress: Stress triggers a cold sore outbreak. Try stress-reducing techniques such as exercising, meditation, yoga or even reading.

Don’t touch it: Do not pinch, pick or squeeze your cold sore. Doing this can cause a bacterial infection.

Carry a hand sanitiser: It’s may be a good idea to keep a hand sanitizer with you, just in case you scratch your cold by accident sore and there happens to be no wash basin nearby.

Apply an over-the-counter anaesthetic: Applying local anaesthetic cream or ointment which contains benzocaine onto the cold sore blisters can help ease the pain temporarily by numbing it.

Consult your physician or health-care provider: If you suffer from frequent or severe outbreaks of cold sores, be sure to visit your local physician or doctor. In a few cases, an antiviral type of medication called acyclovir could be prescribed.

Protect your lips from the sun: The application of sunscreen to your lips could help in the prevention of sun-induced outbreaks of cold sores. Make sure you choose a sunscreen specifically designed for the lips and that it has an SPF of at least 15, preferably higher. Or you could even choose a lipstick that contains a sunscreen.