How To Treat a Cold Sore

There are numerous ways to treat cold sores or fever blisters. Better known as Herpes, cold sore is caused by herpes simplex virus or HSV around the lips at first and the symptoms include pain, itching or burning feel at the affected area.

It slowly develops into fluid blisters and then forms a crust on them. There are medications available for the treatment of cold sore. When you have a cold sore, you should never touch or scratch the area as it can make it spread. Only touch it while applying prescribed medicines or treatments. The itching and pain can be considerably relieved by applying ice to the sore.

You should follow some important steps when affected by a cold sore. Some of them are discussed here. Since cold sore is the disease that are contagious, you should never share items or come in contact with another person when affected by the diseases as it can spread the infection caused by herpes simplex virus.

When you have an outbreak, immediately consult a doctor. After your doctor diagnoses the disease as cold sore after examination, he will prescribe you creams for local application to promote healing. It is advised to maintain good hygiene by cleaning and drying your cold sore.

Never squeeze it open as it can spread the virus to other parts of the face. Remember not to remove any scabs formed on the blister. When you have no prescription medication with you, you can purchase application medicines over the counter to treat your cold sore. You can avail of useful instructions on the use of products available in treating cold sore. You should also follow the packaging instructions provided watchfully.

There are so many pain killers available like aspirin, Advil, Tylenol etc to help relieve pain. Hot and cold compresses can also help, whatever feels best for you. Another thing you should keep in mind after the recovery of your cold sore is to change your tooth brush since the virus that cause the disease can survive on the brush.

By staying healthy by eating healthy diet like vitamin rich food and practicing regular exercise, you can reduce the chance of another breakout in future. You should also avoid long term direct exposure of sun.