The Best Remedies for Cold Sores
- Brenna
- Mar 22, 2023
- 2 min read
Let's face it, if you have the unfortunate issue of having to deal with them, cold sores are the worst. As a sufferer of them myself, I figured it may be good to make a post to help explain to people what is happening to their bodies, and how to best take care of themselves. I hope if you decide to try out one of these products, that it helps you find relief.
Learn about cold sores and help dispel misinformation via this post.
The unfortunate and honest answer is that no matter what anyone says,
there is NO treatment or cure, that will immediately heal a cold sore or stop it from forming. I'm sorry, it doesn't exist. Believe me, I wish it did. Don't let that make you panic though. There are lots of things you can do to help get yourself through a flare.
At Home Remedies
I took a quick google look and nearly yelled at the computer from the advice that websites were giving. PLEASE do not put random things on your body because a website tells you to and you are desperate for a 'home' remedy. This is a medical virus, it needs to be treated as such.
Try to regulate stress
You may be like me and just laugh as this option. Sometimes we just don't have a choice. But it is well known that stress (either good or bad) is a major trigger for a lot of people in activating the virus. Trying to keep your stress levels down, can usually help a bit.
At First Itch: Ice cube
One of the most useful things I've found, is usually something you have in your home. Basic science, viruses do not like cold. If you have ice in your home and get that 'first symptom itch or tingling' grab an ice cube. Try to put a barrier like gauze or a plastic bag between the ice and your skin. For as long as you can stand it, don't burn yourself, place the ice to the tingly area. This can be done multiple times with breaks, listen to your body, if it hurts, stop.
Aspirin
Aspirin does have some medical journal studies showing that taking aspirin can help with cold sore treatment. The thing you need to remember, is that the aspirin is not treating the sore/virus itself, its treating the discomfort. Don't expect aspirin to fix the sore.
The Best Way To Be Prepared, Go To The Doctor.
As explained on the info page, HSV-1 is a virus. It needs medical treatment. If you suffer from cold sores, the best thing you can do for yourself is to visit your doctor and talk to them. The doctor can help you understand more about what you are going through, why, and offer the best options for your personal care.
Prescription Antibiotics are commonly given. Talk to your doctor to find out what works best for you and your individual treatment.
Typically these will be
Acyclovir/Zovirax
Valacyclovir/Valtrex
Famciclovir/Denavir
You can have varying treatments, from daily medication to help keep flares at bay, or medication to have and take when a flare happens.
Products
Liquid
This is my personal hands down, first go to. Second being a cover patch, third my medication. I also take a piece of toilet paper, fold it, and put it between my lips if the sore is on my lips, to avoid having anything go into my mouth. The liquid dispenses medication and numbs the area.
Lip Balm (Helps comfort, is not a treatment)
Cover Patches
Patches are important to protect yourself and others, I put one on at the first symptom of a cold sore. You can remove them to treat the wound with topicals, et. Let them dry, wipe off any excess, and put a new patch on. I've found it also helps a lot with the pain. Be advised though, during the weeping and healing stages, the patches can and will pull off tissue. While this can hurt, they will heal over again.
They keep the wound moist, helping it to heal. At some point in the crusting/healing stage, you will want to stop wearing them to let the skin dry out a bit. I consider these lifesavers. They also provide a firm barrier between the wound and anything else, your fingers, other people et. Keep washing your hands if you touch your face, and I still do not kiss babies or elderly with these on.
I also don't know HOW, as I can easily see them on my skin, but the majority of people I've talked to, apparently don't even notice these on my face.
Avarelle Pimple Patches (40 Count)
Mighty Patch Original 36ct and Surface 10ct Bundle
Mederma Cold Sore Discreet Healing Patch
Red Light Therapy
This is honestly something very new, and the first I've seen while doing a bit of research for this post. I haven't had time to look for in depth studies, but it does appear from a basic search of studies, that these do have some positive benefits in healing cold sores.
Medical Grade Honey
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