Treating Cold Sores
If you’ve ever had a cold sore, you know just how painful, persistent, and unsightly these little blisters can be. Caused by the virus herpes simplex, cold sores are likely to recurring dozens of times within an affected person’s life.
Scientists are still looking at what exactly triggers a cold sore outbreak, but some common environmental factors that can cause them to appear include:
- Extreme heat, cold, or drastic changes in temperature
- Stress
- Pregnancy
- Exposure to sunlight
- Certain foods
- Lowered immune system functioning
- Fatigue
- Medications such as steroids
Although the two are often confused, cold sores are not the same thing as canker sores, which are ulcerations on the inside of the mouth and not contagious. Cold sores, unfortunately, are contagious at any stage of development, and especially if the blister breaks open.
Treatment and Prevention
A range of homeopathic and medicinal remedies have been developed over the years to address cold sore issues. On the side of more “natural” remedies, gently dabbing the area with rubbing alcohol is often effective in drying out smaller sores. However, this approach also involves the risk of chaffing and even aggravating the site. Applying ice can offer cooling relief from painful blisters and help to slow viral reproduction.
In spite of these basic treatments, once a cold sore develops, it sometimes has to simply run its course. Picking at the site or trying to drain any fluids can easily lead to infection. Applying petroleum jelly or similar substances can sooth and moisturize the lips, keeping the sores from cracking and drying out.
The best defense, however, is still a good offense. The earlier you catch a cold sore, the better, as most topical medications work exclusively within the first few hours of formation to head off development. As soon as you feel a “tingling” sensation that often precedes infection, begin treating the site with Abreva or similar ointments.
Contact Us
For more information on what you can do to treat a cold sore, and for all your dermatological needs, contact the Houston medical spa Dermagenix today by calling 713-622-3376.
