How Can You Get Rid of Cold Sores Quickly?
It is no secret to people that cold sores can be uncomfortable. However, the discomfort usually lasts for a few days, and once it is gone, you are ready to go back to life as usual.
Cold sores are blisters on the inside of your mouth triggered by a virus called herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). It is transmitted through contact with an infected person’s saliva, skin, or broken skin.
What Are Cold Sores?
Cold sores are blisters that form on the inside of your mouth. They are usually caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which is transmitted through contact with an infected person’s saliva, skin, or broken skin.
What Are the Symptoms of Cold Sores?
Cold sores typically cause a stinging or burning sensation on the skin, and they are very red, often painfully so. They can start as small bumps on the lip and quickly spread to cover more of the area over time. Cold sores may also include blisters that rupture and leave painful-looking open sores on your skin.
Cold sore symptoms include blisters around the mouth and across the face. Cold sores can be painful, itchy and may lead to secondary bacterial infection. Cold sores typically last 7-10 days, but if they last for longer, it is advisable to consult a dentist in El Dorado, CA.
How Do You Transmit Cold Sores?
Cold sores usually enter the body when you kiss someone or share eating utensils with them during a breakout.
How Can I Get Rid of Cold Sores?
There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing a cold sore treatment in El Dorado Hills, CA, as the best way to get rid of cold sores will vary depending on your situation. You can try any of these home remedies to relieve cold sores:
- Use ointments
Ointments and creams can help minimize pain and speed up the healing process when cold sores become bothersome. Ointments are more successful if they are applied as soon as possible after the appearance of a sore. They will need to be applied a few times a day for a week.
- Medications
Oral antiviral drugs can also be used to treat cold sores. If you’re having trouble with cold sores or if they appear frequently, your doctor may recommend taking them regularly.
- Use cold therapy
Ice or washcloths drenched with cold water can help to alleviate the symptoms. Alternative cold sore treatments include lip balm made with lemon extract.
- Try Aloe Vera
The cooling gel inside the aloe plant’s leaves, known as Aloe Vera, might help with cold sores. Apply aloe vera gel or aloe vera lip balm to a cold sore three times a day for relief.
- Putting a lip balm on your lips to keep them from drying out
- Drinking plenty of fluids to help your body heal
- Taking antiviral medication prescribed by your doctor
What Is Cold Sore Prevention?
If you have recurrent cold sores more than nine times each year, or if you are at risk of serious problems, a dentist near you may prescribe antiviral medicine for you to take regularly. Sunblock should be applied to the region where the cold sore usually erupts if sunlight appears to cause your recurrences. If you anticipate being in the sunlight, you may want to consider using sunblock daily.
Cold sores are most likely to appear when your immune system is weakened—for example, during periods of illness or emotional stress or if you have an open cut in your skin.
To help avoid spreading cold sores to others or other parts of your body, consider the following techniques:
- While blisters are present, avoid kissing and skin-to-skin contact with others. When blisters leak fluid, the virus spreads rapidly.
- Don’t share personal items because utensils, towels, lip balm, and other personal items can spread the virus.
- Maintain proper hygiene when you have a cold sore
Schedule an Appointment
Visit El Dorado Hills Town Center Dental for more information about cold sores and what you can get rid of them.