A cold sore is an extremely painful virus that typically erupts on the lip and around the mouth. However, there are some cases where a cold sore may erupt anywhere along the skin. The most common places for a cold sore to erupt are the lip, the nose, and the throat. The discomfort from a cold sores can be severe, sometimes even leaving the patient with an aching head and neck. Here are some useful tips to help treat a cold sore.
Taking ibuprofen or other acetaminophen drugs can ease the pain and swelling associated with a cold sore. In the first sign of a cold sore, apply topical hydrocortisone cream to the affected area. When applied initially, it is highly effective to treat a cold sores at the very first sign of development. If you must use this medication to avoid spreading the infection, remember to complete the application each time before leaving the house. This will also help reduce irritation and inflammation. first sign of cold sore
After application, allow the cream to stay on the area for two to four hours. This allows the medication to work properly, and help with the healing process. Make sure that you keep the area clean, however, to prevent the blister from getting infected and spreading. Clean your hands with soap and water after touching the blister to avoid spreading the bacteria to other parts of your body.
Some OTC pain relief products contain docosanol. Docosanol is a natural antiseptic that can help to reduce pain and inflammation. For best results, apply the cream directly to the painful area. Do not allow the cream to dry onto the skin. Let it sit on the area for about twenty minutes before wiping it off with a moist towel or face cloth. It may take a few days before your cold sores clear up, so be patient.
Another OTC pain reliever that is available over the counter is calamine cream. This cream is similar to lip balm, in that it reduces irritation while moisturizing the affected area. Like docosanol, calamine has a drying effect, so it may be necessary to apply the cream more than once during the healing time for severe cases. Once the scabs have formed, using calamine will make them smaller and less noticeable. However, this cream should only be used if the blisters are visible and are starting to crack. If you apply it to area that is not painful or is healing correctly, the cream may not help with the cracking process.
Cold sores usually do not lead to any complications, but they can be painful and are very contagious. If you experience any of these signs, do not hesitate to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Treating the symptoms and preventing the virus from further spreading could save your health and relationship. So, be aware that a sore caused by another infection could be just as contagious and take care of it quickly before it gets worse.