Cold sores are also known as fever blisters, and they are quite common. They appear as fluid-filled ulcers around your mouth and lips. It gives you a painful feeling as long as it lasts. Typically a cold sore is known to last for several weeks. Cold sores can cause a great deal of discomfort and embarrassment.
For many years, you had to let cold sores run their course. But today, you have effective ways to get rid of cold sores in a very short period of time. If you are suffering from colds sores, then you should go to Dental Care clinic center.
How to prevent or treat cold sores?
If you are prone to cold sores, then you may consider having appropriate medications with you all the time. This way you will be able to start using the medications at the earliest. In case you don’t know the medications used for treating cold sores then you should consult the Dentist in New Britain.
- Medications that are proved to be useful in treating cold sores are mainly antivirals. These medications prevent the virus from replicating. As a result, it reduces the size of the cold sore. You can get antiviral medications only with a prescription. In that case, you can consult a family dentist in New Britain. You can get cold sores antivirals in two forms, including oral medications and topical medications.
- You can even use over-the-counter drugs for the treatment of cold sores. There are many products out there which are very effective in treating cold sores. These products contain menthol, tea tree oil, and anti-bacterial agents. They are very helpful in reducing the discomfort and pain caused by the sores. You can easily purchase these products online.
- You can even choose to rub hydrogen peroxide and alcohol, which may help dry out the sore. By applying any of the two products you can speed up the healing process. However, you should stop using it immediately if it causes more irritation or pain.
- You can even use ice or cold packs to get some relief from the pain. By applying cold, you can soothe the affected area. Not just that but it may also help with the healing process.
- Numbing creams are also very effective in reducing the discomfort caused by cold sores. These creams are also quite safe to use.
If you are suffering from cold sores, you should once consult your dentist before you take any kind of medication. This is for your own good.
FAQs
There are antiviral drugs that can help cold sores heal faster, including acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir and penciclovir. If you're having frequent outbreaks or experiencing some of the serious side effects of having a cold sore, your doctor may consider prescribing antiviral medication.
How to make cold sores go away fast? ›
Because cold sores are caused by a virus, doctors may suggest an antiviral medication to help you heal more quickly. The antiviral drugs used to treat cold sores include acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir (Valtrex), famciclovir (Famvir), and penciclovir (Denavir).
Can I stop a cold sore from fully forming? ›
Cold sores respond to medications called antivirals, which work by stopping the herpes virus from replicating. Using the medication as soon as symptoms develop can stop the cold sore from developing or reduce its size and healing time. Antiviral medications are only available via prescription.
Can a cold sore heal in a day? ›
Cold sores take about 1 to 3 weeks to heal. The first time they appear, they can take up to 3 weeks to heal. But, when cold sores return, they usually take a week to heal if no medicines are used. Antiviral medications may help, but they need to be started before day 3 or 4 of the blister formation.
Can toothpaste remove cold sores? ›
According to the Wound Care Society, toothpaste may not get rid of cold sores overnight but can help reduce pain, prevent blisters from forming, and promote faster healing. Most toothpastes contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which can numb the area and help dry out blisters or halt their progression.
How to dry out a blister overnight? ›
Cover your blister with a loosely wrapped bandage. You can use a regular adhesive bandage or some gauze secured with tape. Your blister needs air to help it dry out, so keep the middle of the bandage slightly raised for airflow.
Does hydrogen peroxide help cold sores? ›
You can even choose to rub hydrogen peroxide and alcohol, which may help dry out the sore. By applying any of the two products you can speed up the healing process. However, you should stop using it immediately if it causes more irritation or pain. You can even use ice or cold packs to get some relief from the pain.
Is it better to keep a cold sore moist or dry? ›
You're best to let it dry out to the point where it is no longer painful, and then begin applying cream or lip balm to minimize splitting. As the cold sore resolves itself, keep your lips moist to prevent bleeding, which also aids in the healing at this stage.
How to hide a cold sore? ›
TIPS ON HOW TO HIDE COLD SORES
- Use a highly concentrated concealer. These have a thick, creamy consistency and provide better coverage. ...
- Choose a color to neutralize the redness. ...
- Finish up with a dusting of finishing powder. ...
- Use a lip lacquer to provide protection.
Salt water affects the environment around the virus so it can't thrive, which might help dry up the cold sore, but it can also be painful on your skin. Petroleum Jelly may help to soften the skin and provide a protective layer against infection, but it will not shorten the healing time of the cold sore.
Cold sores should start to heal within 10 days, but are contagious and may be irritating or painful while they heal.
What foods trigger cold sores? ›
Some foods to avoid are: citrus fruits, tomatoes, fruit juices, wine, soda, pickles, and vinegar-based salad dressings. Hot and spicy foods can also have a tendency to break cold sores. We recommend eating warm foods, and reducing salt and spice consumption.
How long is a cold sore contagious? ›
How long are cold sores contagious for? Cold sores, caused by a type of virus called herpes simplex type 1, are contagious until they completely go away, which usually takes about two weeks. Cold sores are the most contagious when fluid seeps out of the sores.
What clears cold sores fast? ›
There are antiviral drugs that can help cold sores heal faster, including acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir and penciclovir. If you're having frequent outbreaks or experiencing some of the serious side effects of having a cold sore, your doctor may consider prescribing antiviral medication.
How to dry out a cold sore overnight? ›
You cannot get rid of cold sores overnight.
There is no cure for cold sores. However, to speed up the healing time of a cold sore, you can consult with your doctor and take prescription medications such as antiviral tablets and creams.
Can anything stop cold sores? ›
To prevent cold sores, valacyclovir or another antiviral drug, acyclovir (Zovirax), can be taken daily. This reduces the chance of a cold sore coming back by about one-third. It could also help if you avoid triggers, such as exposure to sun or wind, that can activate the cold sore virus.
Should you keep a cold sore moist or dry? ›
You're best to let it dry out to the point where it is no longer painful, and then begin applying cream or lip balm to minimize splitting. As the cold sore resolves itself, keep your lips moist to prevent bleeding, which also aids in the healing at this stage.
Should I throw away my toothbrush after a cold sore? ›
If you use items that touched your cold sore while it was healing, you can get a new cold sore. To prevent reinfection, throw away your toothbrush, lip balm, cosmetics, and other products that may have touched the cold sore.
Does vaseline help cold sores? ›
A petroleum jelly such as Vaseline won't necessarily heal a cold sore, but it may ease discomfort. The jelly helps prevent cracking. It also serves as a protective barrier against outside irritants. Witch hazel is a natural astringent that may help dry out and heal cold sores, but it can sting with application.
How long are cold sores contagious? ›
Cold sores are contagious until they go away completely, which usually takes about two weeks. This means the common belief that cold sores aren't contagious once they've scabbed over isn't true. Keep reading to learn more about how cold sores spread and how you can protect those around you when you have one.
