Unlike genital herpes, which are caused by the HSV-2 strain, these sores are typically caused by HSV-1, although they can, in rare cases, be caused by HSV-2. Transmission occurs when the mouth or genitals come into direct contact with an infected sore.
What Are The Signs?
According to Mayo Clinic, one of the first signs of an impending cold sore eruption is a tingling sensation on the lips or mouth. A day or so later that is followed by one or several small blisters filled with fluid, which will burst and crust over as they heal. These blisters are often hard and painful. Typically, sores will last for 8 to 10 days, although they may take up to four weeks to heal completely. New outbreaks often occur in the same spot, with the first outbreak having the worst symptoms and subsequent outbreaks being less severe. In some patients, these blisters can occur on or around the nose and cheeks.
People who are experiencing their first outbreak may experience a number of other symptoms, which can range from fever and sore throat to painful gums, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes.
How Can I Cope?
Cold sores are painful eyesores, but there are several ways to deal with outbreaks. There are a number of over the counter (OTC) medications available that can help treat your cold sore – easing symptoms and reducing healing time, including Abreva, Zilactin, and Ziladent.
If these treatments aren’t effective, you can see your doctor about getting a prescription for an anti-viral medication, such as Zovirax or Denavir. You can also help ease the pain by using topical pain creams that contain lidocaine or benzocaine, or take over the counter (OTC) pain relievers, like Acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), and others.
If you have frequent outbreaks, your doctor may prescribe an oral medication, like Valtrex.
There are also several alternative options that make dealing with your cold sore more bearable, including:
Use Compresses
Regularly applying cool, damp compresses to your cold sore can reduce redness, help remove crusting from the broken sore, and speed up healing time. Some people swear by whole milk compresses, which are said to ease pain and accelerate the healing process. Because whole milk contains compounds called immunoglobins, or antibodies that help fight off the virus.
Try Vanilla
Pure vanilla extract (be sure that yours is real extract, rather than artificial vanilla flavoring!) is a natural cold sore treatment. Vanilla extract’s alcohol base helps dry out the blisters, helps kill the virus, and can also clear up the problem faster. To maximize results, soak a cotton swab in vanilla extract and apply to the sore for about a minute, repeating several times daily until your cold sore heals.
Apply Herbal Balms or Petroleum Jelly
Applying herbal lip balms, such as an herbal lemon balm – available at most health food stores - can help seal the cold sore. One recent study, according to Rodale News, showed that applying lemon balm to cold sores reduced redness and swelling in just two days. Even applying regular petroleum jelly to your cold sore can provide a barrier and help ease the discomfort of an open, painful blister.
Dab on Witch Hazel
Witch hazel, which is available in most pharmacies, can help ease skin irritation, and may dry out the sore and surrounding skin, which minimizes crusting and speeds up the healing process.
Allow For Aloe
Aloe vera has been shown to help the skin heal from cuts, burns, and other skin irritations. Likewise, snapping a leaf off an aloe plant and dabbing it on your cold sore can help minimize pain and discomfort, as well as aiding in the healing process. You can also chill the aloe prior to applying it to add to its pain-relieving qualities.
Heal With Zinc Oxide
Zinc oxide, the active ingredient in diaper rash cream, is also incredibly helpful in treating cold sores. Just like these creams help ease the pain, redness, and irritation from diaper rash, dabbing a zinc oxide cream on your cold sore can help speed recovery times and ease the irritation that comes from having these outbreaks. Some creams that contain lidocaine can also help ease pain by numbing the broken and irritated skin.
Toss The Toothbrush And Keep Your Hands Off
Once you’ve developed your cold sore blister, you’ll want to toss the toothbrush you’ve been using, and do the same once your cold sore heals. Because your brush will likely come in contact with your cold sore several times a day, it can cause the virus to spread to other areas of broken skin on the mouth or inside it. If you keep using the same toothbrush after your outbreak heals, you encourage a subsequent outbreak, because the virus can stay viable on the toothbrush long after you’ve rinsed it and put it away.
The same rule goes for your hands. While it may be tempting to pick at the scabs that form as cold sore blisters heal, doing so not only encourages scarring, but it can cause the virus to spread to other parts of the body – including the eyes and genitals.
Keep your hands away from any cold sore blisters as much as possible, and practice frequent hand washing during any outbreaks to avoid contaminating surfaces in common areas in your home or office, where you’re likely to spread the virus to others.
When it comes to cold sores, common sense prevails. Follow the basic guidelines to protect yourself and others.