How to treat cold sores
If you have from the herpes simplex virus, the bad news is there is no permanent cure for cold sores.
Even so have you noticed how some people recover swifter than others? The secret to treating your cold sore is to focus on prevention as well as remedies.
In addition to the methods listed below, a major key to avoiding cold sores is recognizing your triggers - cutting these out will save you from plenty of nasty breakouts.
Prevent outbreaks by using prescription medicines
Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to suggest certain anti-viral medicines that can help treat cold sores at the early stages of a flare-up.
Zovirax, Famvir and Valtrex are widely used options. They come in a cream form and are extensively available, althoug in some countries you may need a doctor's prescription.
Begin your treatment early
Act as quickly as possible when you feel the tingle of a new cold sore trying to appear. The first couple of hours after you feel this sensation is the best time to start acting. Most times you should be able to stop an outbreak, or at least make it less severe than if you did little or nothing.
Vaseline and moisturizer
These are a bit of an old wives tale and there is a little bit of disagreement about whether these really are real treatments. It's a good idea to try this method for yourself to see if it works.
Applying moisturizer or vaseline (petroleum jelly) to your cold sore slows the recovery process but it does stop the sore from cracking further and the infection from spreading.
Get a new toothbrush
It sounds crazy but your toothbrush is obviously in close contact with your mouth so it can be an ideal way for the virus to spread if you have infectious cold sores near your lips. Replacing your toothbrush when you have a flare up and as soon as it has settled will stop the cycle of reinfection.
More treatments and information about managing the herpes simplex virus can be found at this useful website - Cures and Treatments for Cold Sores
Even so have you noticed how some people recover swifter than others? The secret to treating your cold sore is to focus on prevention as well as remedies.
In addition to the methods listed below, a major key to avoiding cold sores is recognizing your triggers - cutting these out will save you from plenty of nasty breakouts.
Prevent outbreaks by using prescription medicines
Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to suggest certain anti-viral medicines that can help treat cold sores at the early stages of a flare-up.
Zovirax, Famvir and Valtrex are widely used options. They come in a cream form and are extensively available, althoug in some countries you may need a doctor's prescription.
Begin your treatment early
Act as quickly as possible when you feel the tingle of a new cold sore trying to appear. The first couple of hours after you feel this sensation is the best time to start acting. Most times you should be able to stop an outbreak, or at least make it less severe than if you did little or nothing.
Vaseline and moisturizer
These are a bit of an old wives tale and there is a little bit of disagreement about whether these really are real treatments. It's a good idea to try this method for yourself to see if it works.
Applying moisturizer or vaseline (petroleum jelly) to your cold sore slows the recovery process but it does stop the sore from cracking further and the infection from spreading.
Get a new toothbrush
It sounds crazy but your toothbrush is obviously in close contact with your mouth so it can be an ideal way for the virus to spread if you have infectious cold sores near your lips. Replacing your toothbrush when you have a flare up and as soon as it has settled will stop the cycle of reinfection.
More treatments and information about managing the herpes simplex virus can be found at this useful website - Cures and Treatments for Cold Sores