While cold sores are a pretty common complaint, knowing this isn’t going to make too many people feel better about having this unattractive, uncomfortable condition. Even if you happen to suffer from cold sores, you can cut down on the length of time it sticks around; and you may even be able to prevent one form happening in the first place.
A cold sore will usually heal in seven to ten days all by itself. However, this is a lot longer than most of us would like to have a cold sore. This is particularly true given the kind of timing that cold sores seem to have - they seem to know when you have a social obligation coming up and choose that time to appear. To cut down on the healing time, here are a few tips which can help. The first step is to know how cold sores work.
Cold sores are not curable - they’re a viral infection (herpes simplex). You can’t treat the infection with antibiotics. However, you can treat the symptoms, which cut down on the length of an outbreak.
While you can’t cure the viral infection, you can help to prevent outbreaks by taking some simple steps. You can also heal outbreaks in as little as 24 hours in many cases. This is why we started this website in the first place ? we know how inconvenient cold sores can be and want to help everyone fight off these annoyances.
Every year, about forty million people are affected by cold sores appearing on or around the mouth. There are a lot of things that can cause a break out, but at its simplest, a cold sore is caused by a strained immune system. That means that if you have anything that’s causing your immune system to be more compromised than usual - a cold, stress, fatigue, sleeplessness, a change in hormones or even eating badly lately - you have an increased likelihood of a breakout.
Cold sores start with feelings of itching or tingling. Then the area will redden and swell, resulting in the eruption of the sore itself. The sore usually goes through an oozing stage, then dries up and forms a thin scab. Of course, if you bite the sore, break through it, or are prone to scratching, you could do more damage and cause it to take longer to heal.
Most people would rather not have to use prescription medications for their cold sores. They’re costly and in many cases are no more effective than are non-prescription remedies; and of course, they require a trip to your physician. There are some home remedies which can make a cold sore’s stay a much shorter one.
A cold sore can be kept at bay with vitamin C, which is very helpful in strengthening your immune response. Aloe vera gel and lip balm can help keep your cold sore from splitting and L-Lysine can be used to promote rapid healing.
Generally speaking, you can help prevent cold sores by staying in good health, eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of sleep. If you have been ill or overworked, a cold sore could be on its way. Treat yourself well and you can keep these sores from coming up in the first place.