Cold sores are common and usually clear up on their own within 10 days. But there are things you can do to help ease the pain. A cold sore usually starts with a tingling, itching or burning feeling. Over the next 48 hours: Cold sores should start to heal within 10 days, but are contagious
and may be irritating or painful while they heal. Some people find that certain things trigger a cold sore, such as another illness, sunshine or menstrual periods.
Other possible causes of your symptoms How long cold sores are contagiousCold sores are contagious from the moment you first feel tingling or other signs of a cold sore coming on to when the cold sore has completely healed. A pharmacist can help with cold soresA pharmacist can recommend:
You can buy electronic devices from pharmacies that treat cold sores with light or lasers. Some people find these helpful, but there have not been many studies to confirm if they work. Information: If you regularly get cold sores, use antiviral creams as soon as you recognise the early tingling feeling. They do not always work after blisters appear. Find a pharmacy Things you can do yourselfCold sores take time to heal and they're very contagious, especially when the blisters burst. Important: ImportantKissing a baby if you have a cold sore can lead to neonatal herpes, which is very dangerous to newborn babies. Do
Don’t
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
Treatment from a GPA GP may prescribe antiviral tablets if your cold sores are very large, painful or keep coming back. Newborn babies, pregnant women and people with a weakened immune system may be referred to hospital for advice or treatment. Why cold sores come backCold sores are caused by a virus called herpes simplex. Once you have the virus, it stays in your skin for the rest of your life. Sometimes it causes a cold sore. Most people are exposed to the virus when they're young after close skin to skin contact, such as kissing, with someone who has a cold sore. It does not usually cause any symptoms until you're older. You will not know if it's in your skin unless you get a cold sore. Page last reviewed: 20 July 2020 How do you get rid of cold sores on your lip 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.. Which is the best lip cream to help heal cold sores?6 of the best cold sore creams. Best cold sore patch: Compeed Cold Sore Patches. ... . Best cold sore cream: Abreva Cold Sore Cream. ... . Best for early relief: Zilactin Cold Sore Gel. ... . Best for kids: Cold Sores BeGone Stick. ... . Best menthol treatment: Quantum Health Lip Clear Lysine+ Ointment.. How do you get rid of a cold sore in 24 hours?Use a cotton swab to apply apple cider vinegar on the cold sore with the cotton swab and leave it one until it dries. Repeat this several times throughout the day. Apple cider vinegar is an antimicrobial agent, which can kills the virus that's causing infection and provide you with quick relief.
|