Cold sores: To know them is to loathe them. Show
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy More than half of people in the U.S. have been infected with the virus that causes cold sores. Between 20 and 40% of them will experience the joy that is a cold sore. If you’re one of them, odds are you know this pattern: A tingling or burning sensation on your lip. A day later, an oozy, fluid-filled blister on your mouth, always at the most inopportune time. Family medicine physician Sarah Pickering Beers, MD, shares her advice for dealing with this sore spot. Cold sores: common and contagiousCold sores are common and mostly harmless. They’re caused by the herpes simplex virus, which spreads easily from person to person. In some lucky people, the virus might cause a cold sore once or twice and never rear its head again. But for other people, they come back again and again, sometimes several times a year. And that gets old real fast. “They tend to go away on their own in 10 to 14 days,” says Dr. Beers. “But that doesn’t make them any less annoying.” Cold sore remediesTwo weeks might as well be an eternity when you have an oozy, scabby sore smack dab in the middle of your face. Here’s what you can do to ease the discomfort and send that cold on its way.
How to treat cold sore painDIY remedies aren’t likely to make a cold sore disappear any faster. But there are things you can do to ease the pain while you’re waiting impatiently for it to heal.
Meanwhile, you don’t want to inflict these sores on others. Skip the make-out sessions until you’ve healed and wash your hands often. While cold sores are annoying in adults, the virus can be life-threatening in a baby, so take care to steer clear, Dr. Beers advises: “As much as you might want to see your niece or nephew or grandbaby, please don’t shower them with kisses if you have an active cold sore.” Cold sores are small, fluid-filled blisters that appear on the face, and they result from infection with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). There is no way to get rid of them quickly, but they tend to heal on their own in 5–15 days. This information comes from the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD). Cold sores are very common, affecting around 50–80% of adults in the United States. Other names for cold sores are fever blisters. If a person has cold sores, the health condition is called oral herpes. This article examines the symptoms, treatments, and home remedies associated with cold sores. It also describes what to avoid and when to contact a doctor. Cold sores stem from infection with HSV-1, a contagious virus. There is no cure for this infection, but it does not cause serious health issues. Cold sores look like small blisters. They may appear anywhere on the face but typically occur around the lips. They can also develop inside the mouth. In the area where a blister appears, the person may experience:
Within 48 hours of the blister developing, it bursts and seeps fluid, which contains the virus. The broken blister then forms a scab and begins to heal. A person with the infection may only develop cold sores once. In other people, the sores reappear over time. Around one-third of people with HSV-1 experience recurring sores. There is currently no way to get rid of cold sores quickly, but these treatments can reduce the symptoms:
Learn more about purchasing prescription herpes medication online. Using a warm compress may help ease any pain from a cold sore, and once the sore has formed a scab, applying petroleum jelly may help prevent dryness and cracking. Some laboratory and animal studies suggest that certain plant extracts and propolis, a compound that bees produce, can combat HSV-1. These include:
Again, these studies were not conducted in human participants. Determining the effects in humans will require further research. It is important to speak with a doctor before using natural remedies, including essential oils. These can cause skin reactions and other negative effects, and they can interact with medications. Before using any essential oil on the face, dilute it in a carrier oil at a concentration of 0.2% to 1.5% and be careful not to ingest it. Although research suggests that essential oils may have some health benefits, it is important to remember that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not monitor or regulate the purity or quality of these. A person should talk with a healthcare professional before using essential oils, and they should be sure to research the quality of a brand’s products. A person should always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil. Learn more about home remedies for herpes. Oral herpes is contagious, so anyone who has the infection should take steps to keep the virus from passing to others. Here are some examples of what to avoid:
As the United Kingdom’s Herpes Viruses Association (HVA) observes, these factors can cause cold sores to flare up again:
However, people can take steps to reduce the likelihood of the sores returning. One way is to take medication. In the short term, antiviral drugs may be effective if people take them for 1 weekwhen they know that they are dealing with any of the above triggers, which can weaken the immune system. A doctor may also recommend taking antiviral medication for several months to help reduce the number of flare-ups. The HVA also reports that a salve or cream containing lemon balm mint (Melissa officinalis) may help prevent flare-ups if a person applies it as soon as they feel the first symptom, which may be a tingling sensation. The AAD recommends using a lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher to protect healing cold sores from the sun’s UV rays. It adds that using this type of lip balm regularly may help keep new sores from forming. Overall, administering or receiving treatment at the first symptom of a sore’s appearance may prevent the sore from fully developing. This symptom may be a tingling or burning sensation. Cold sores generally heal in 5–15 days without treatment. If a sore lasts for 2 weeks or longer, contact a healthcare professional. Also, notify a medical professional if a sore is:
In these cases, they may prescribe antiviral medication. People with weaker immune systems may also receive this treatment. In addition, if a person develops a high fever or chills, they should contact a medical professional. Here are answers to some common questions about cold sores: How can I get rid of a cold sore fast?Cold sores usually disappear on their own in 5–15 days. Antiviral medication may speed up the healing process by about 1 day. Healthcare professionals, including dermatologists, can prescribe oral or topical antiviral medications. If a person’s cold sores do not respond, the doctor may recommend IV treatment. It is best to administer or receive treatment within 24 hours of the first symptom, which may be a tingling or burning sensation. Does Vaseline help cold sores?There is no clinical evidence that Vaseline can help ease cold sore symptoms. It may help limit discomfort by preventing the skin from cracking as the sore heals. Does toothpaste help cold sores?There is no medical evidence that toothpaste helps relieve cold sore symptoms. This question may stem from anecdotal reports. Overall, it is best to discuss any potential treatment with a healthcare professional before trying it. Does salt help cold sores?The U.K.’s National Health Service notes that salty foods can worsen cold sore symptoms. The AAD also reports this and recommends avoiding spicy and acidic foods, as well, while cold sores are present. It is not possible to get rid of a cold sore quickly, as there is currently no cure for HSV-1. In most cases, cold sores heal in 5–15 days without treatment. Antiviral medication may speed the healing process by about 1 day. Over-the-counter pain medications, topical treatments, and warm compresses can help ease the symptoms. How can I get rid of a fever blister fast?There are antiviral drugs that can help cold sores heal faster, including acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir and penciclovir.. Cold, damp washcloth.. Ice or cold compress.. Petroleum jelly.. Pain relievers, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen.. What can trigger a fever blister?Causes. Fever Blisters are caused by an infection with the herpes simplex virus, usually type 1, or HSV-1. It is estimated that nearly 90 percent of U.S. adults have been infected with the virus, although many people with the infection do not ever show symptoms.
How do I get rid of a cold sore in 24 hours?Use Ibuprofen to Reduce Pain and Swelling
Most of the pain and discomfort caused by cold sores originations from underlying inflammation. NSAID medications like ibuprofen temporarily reduce inflammation so that you can feel better in less than 24 hours, even if that stubborn cold sore hasn't disappeared quite yet.
What is the difference between a cold sore and a fever blister?Fever blisters, commonly known as cold sores, present as tiny, fluid-filled blisters on lips, under the nose, or around the chin. There is no difference between cold sores and fever blisters, simply different terms for the same virus.
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How can you get rid of a fever blister
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