These are called fever blisters or cold sores. Whichever term you prefer, these lesions usually appear around the mouth or on the lips. They are caused by type 1 of the herpes simplex virus. The virus, or HSV-1, forms these painful blisters and ulcers. Don’t feel self-conscious if you find it near your mouth. Many people suffer from cold sores. Perhaps you know someone who has gone through it before, or you have experienced it yourself.
“What kills cold sores instantly?” This is a common question among people seeking quick relief from these unpleasant lesions. On average, a person with a strong immune system and no underlying health conditions such as eczema will recover from a cold sore within 10 days. Unfortunately, cold sores don’t go away quickly, but certain medications and therapies can shorten the duration of symptoms and improve your overall health.
What treatments are available for cold sores?
One of the most important things to remember when treating cold sores is to act quickly. Starting treatment right away can shorten the duration of symptoms. Once you feel that distinct sensation, apply topical antiviral treatment to the area.
1 tea tree oil
Apply a small amount of tea tree oil to the wound directly on a cotton swab. Repeat this many times during the day and right before bed. Tea tree oil is a great alternative as it has antiviral properties that eliminate infections that spread bacteria and speed up the healing process.
2 Ice Cult
Place an ice cube on the cold sore to reduce inflammation and swelling. Repeat this several times a day to avoid damaging the wound. Ice cubes can help your cold sore heal faster because it can reduce swelling.
3 Aloe vera lotion
Aloe vera is a popular natural remedy for cold sores, also known as fever blisters, due to its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Tanning gel can also help heal cold sores. According to laboratory researchthe gel helps fight viruses such as herpes simplex.
4 Lysine
There are situations in which cold sores can be treated with this supplement. It comes as a cream or capsule.Some people take lysine supplements to support immune health and manage cold sore outbreaks
5 Propolis
Bees produce this resin-like substance from the buds of poplars and cone-bearing trees. It can be applied topically to treat cold sores. Propolis has been used in traditional medicine because of its potential health benefits, including antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
6 Lemon Balm-
According to certain studies, lemon balm extract can also help heal cold sores. To use lemon balm on a cold sore, first gently wash the affected area. Next, apply a small amount of lemon balm ointment or cream using your fingertips or a clean cotton swab. Repeat this process two to four times a day until the cold sore heals. Always wash your hands before and after applying the balm to prevent further infection.
7 Peppermint oil
Research shows that peppermint oil can effectively treat cold sores. Using peppermint oil to treat cold sores can provide a cooling sensation and may help reduce discomfort, but it will not instantly “kill” the cold sore. The herpes simplex virus is the cause of cold sores, and while treatments such as peppermint oil can relieve the pain, they usually cannot get rid of the virus right away.
Tips to reduce cold sore pain-
DIY treatments won’t speed up herpes healing. However, there are things you can do to reduce discomfort while you nervously wait for your injury to heal.
-
Relieve pain: Over-the-counter lidocaine and benzocaine lotions can dull the burning sensation and reduce pain. Look for it in the dental area of your pharmacy, as it is frequently advertised to treat dental discomfort.
-
Moisturizing: Moisturizes lips and mouth, prevents dryness and peeling of wounds. However, if you apply lip balm to an open wound, consider that the lip balm is contaminated. After using it on a cold sore, discard it once it has healed.
-
Cool: Applying a simple cold compress, such as ice or a cold, damp towel, may reduce discomfort and redness.
-
Let go: It may take strength of will to refrain from playing when you have a cold sore, but try to overcome the urge. Although it is natural to pick or scratch the peeled area, you should wait for it to heal on its own.
What options are available for prescription drugs?
There is no need to use over-the-counter topical creams. Prescription antiviral medications are also an option. If you think any of these are good choices for you, talk to your doctor.
-
Acyclovir (Zovirax) is a drug that can be taken orally and used topically.
-
famciclovir This is a drug that can be taken orally.
-
Denavir (penciclovir) is sold as a cream.
-
Valaciclovir (Valtrex) is also available in tablet form.
-
To speed up the healing process, medical professionals recommend using or taking these medications as soon as possible. If a cold sore crust forms, you can also use a moisturizing cream.
It is important to remember that although treatment may speed up healing time, it may only make it a little faster. A 2018 review found that participants’ pain duration was reduced by less than 24 hours, but acyclovir, penciclovir, or docosanol were only “slightly” more effective than a placebo at curing herpes.
What not to do about cold sores?
-
A cold sore outbreak or cold sores elsewhere on your body can be caused by certain habits or activities.
-
Prevents triggers. This means that if you know that a hot sunny day at the beach or a lot of stress can cause cold sores, you should avoid certain situations as much as possible. You can prevent or at least stop it from progressing further.
-
Never touch it. If you pick at a cold sore, you risk spreading the virus to other parts of your body. Doing so will only make the infection worse. Keep your hands away from your lips, especially after touching your face, and wash frequently.
-
Don’t crush the wound. The virus is most likely to spread when a cold sore first appears and before it has healed. By popping a blister, you run the risk of spreading the virus to other parts of your body.
-
Don’t do oral sex either. You can get a cold sore on your genitals that can spread to other areas.
What causes cold sores?
-
Herpes simplex is a very common virus that causes cold sores. Most people are first exposed to the virus when they are infants or young children. It cannot be cured. It doesn’t often cause cold sores or other symptoms, but it’s always present in your body when you’re exposed to something.
-
Herpes simplex is transmitted by direct contact. You can spread the virus if you kiss someone with a cold sore or touch their face before touching your own. Sharing lip balm, forks, mugs, and razors with someone who has herpes simplex can spread the infection. You are more likely to get the virus from someone who has active cold sores, but it can also be spread from people who don’t have visible sores or blisters.
-
This virus can infect the eyes and genitals. For example, if you wipe your eyes after touching your hands with an infected person’s saliva or if you have oral sex with someone who has a cold sore.
The following factors increase the likelihood of an outbreak:
-
colds and other illnesses
-
high heat stress
-
excessive sun
The first time you are exposed to the virus, it can be painful. It will disappear on its own after 1-2 weeks. The virus then remains dormant in the body. Many people get cold sores again, but you may not.
Can toothpaste help get rid of cold sores?
Surprisingly, using toothpaste on cold sores may reduce symptoms. Ingredients found in many types of toothpaste are: Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), the blisters will dry out. Additionally, they may contain ingredients that can have a cooling or numbing effect on the skin. This may reduce symptoms such as pain, itching, burning, and swelling while reducing inflammation. However, toothpaste cannot prevent or instantly cure cold sores.
Wash your hands before and after applying toothpaste to a cold sore to reduce the chance of infection. Never give this toothpaste to anyone else. People with sensitive skin should be careful when applying toothpaste to their skin, especially the face, as it can cause irritation. Avoid rubbing toothpaste into your skin as this can cause further irritation.
Conclusion-
Viruses that cause cold sores, fever blisters There is no known cure. You want to get rid of it as soon as you discover it. If you’ve ever had a cold sore, you’re probably familiar with the symptoms. The burning sensation starts as a tingle and spreads to the corners of the mouth and lips. Then an outbreak occurs. Scary red sores appear.
However, in most cases a doctor is not needed. You can grab painkillers from your medicine cabinet or use ice or aloe vera at home to relieve discomfort and improve appearance as your cold sore heals.