Prior to discussing ways to deal with cold sores, we should take a quick glance at this malady. Orolabial herpes or herpes labialis is an infection of the lip commonly known as a cold sore. The virus known as herpes simplex is what causes the infection. You will find little sores or blisters on your mouth or around it. Blisters of this variety are referred to as fever blisters or cold sores, and they typically heal up in two or three weeks’ time.
There are more symptoms that are available for two weeks. The inside of you mouth will swell when you get a cold sore. Other symptoms of the cold sore include fever, sore throat, headache, nausea, dizziness, and painful ulcers.
Outbreaks of cold sore can be triggered by stress, menstruation, sunburn, sunlight, fever, and skin trauma. Other triggers can include lip tattooing, dermabrasion, and dental or neural surgery. The virus that triggered the cold sores can also be transferred to other areas of the body.
There are many cold sore remedies that a person can use to treat herpes labialis, but there is no cure for cold sores and the herpes simplex virus. One of the most common remedies for cold sore is docosanol which is a saturated fatty alcohol. Adults can use Docosanol because it is safe for them and works effectively.
During the first outbreak, one of the cold sore remedies that doctors usually give is oral antiviral medication. That will ease the pain and lessen the time it takes the cold sore to heal. If it keeps on coming back, the doctor might recommend stronger dosages of cold sore remedies.
There are topical ointments and creams that you can get over the counter without a prescription from your doctor. Although, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication which you will need a prescription for. The oral anti-viral meds are only given at the first signs of cold sores. If a person has a weak immune system, stronger dosages of medication will be given.
In order to reduce the pain associated with having cold sores other remedies are usually given. Drinking plenty of water is usually recommended to prevent dehydration. Sometimes, prescription-strength mouth rinses are prescribed to reduce the pain in the first episode of cold sores.
A relief to the symptoms of cold sores are complementary treatments such as lysine supplements, lemon balm and vitamin C. People use a variety of methods to treat and prevent cold sores.
Putting a cool and wet towel on the sores three times a day for about 20 minutes to help ease the redness and swelling. Ibuprofen or acetaminophens can be used as painkillers. Apply sunscreen and lip balm containing SPF whenever you leave the house, and avoid excessive prolonged sun exposure if possible.
Don’t touch anyone that has a cold sore or share any personal items with them. Wash your hands a lot, or put on gloves when you apply the cold sore medicine.
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