An open cold sore is highly infectious and can be really painful. Not surprisingly, you want to know how to get rid of a fever blister fast.
Treating an active cold sore with an OTC medication is advised. While some natural remedies can also help, such as tea tree oil, over-the-counter treatments are tried-and-tested, and they can help to reduce swelling and shorten the healing time.
We will explore the various ways that you can treat a painful cold sore while avoiding other related problems. This includes how to prevent HSV-1 spreading and nasty infections.
Let’s look into things more deeply…
Although most cold sores will typically heal on their own within 10-14 days, many people seek out a medical aid. With a plethora of drug treatments are on the market, let’s explore a few of the better options.
Selections such as Xerese[1], Valtrex, Famvir, and Denavir are a few of the most notable options. Antiviral injections can also be administered for severe cold sore outbreaks.
While the help of a physician is one route, many people opt for proven OTC treatments. Available in creams, ointments, chapsticks, and patches, the market for treating open cold sores is plentiful. Each product seems to carry its own unique healing touch.
Regarding OTC treatments, here are a few selections:
Stay away from self-treatments, such as nail polish remover and bleach. They’ll just make the situation a lot worse.
Something as simple as rubbing your lip has the potential to split a cold sore. It can also spread the virus or lead to an infection. That’s why it makes sense to cover it up with a quality medicated patch. You’re less likely to catch it, and others won’t be able to see it as easily.
Use medications as directed. Never abuse products. This goes for prescription drugs, OTC medications, and natural remedies.
Avoid random treatment methods, especially on an open sore. While some natural remedies are okay, avoid the unknown. Never use your cold sore as a “trial run” for some random experimental treatment. Never put salt on an open wound.
The objective is to quarantine the herpes simplex virus. Basic acts like washing your hands after touching your blister(s) can save you loads of grief. And, of course, you should change your bedding regularly to avoid the small risk of infecting others or spreading the virus to other areas of the face.
While hygiene is the key, being mindful of your behavior is also important. After applying your medication, wash your hands. Although it seems quite simple, it is easy to forget.
HSV-1 can be spread to other areas of your lips and mouth. The virus can also be transferred to your nose and the rest of your face.[3] This unwanted spreading can be prevented by limiting the contact with your open sore.
Another way to keep HSV-1 at bay is to take care of your facial skin. Not only the lip/mouth region where the infection lies but other areas. Always keep them free and clear of cuts and abrasions. HSV-1 thrives on even the tiniest of cracks in the skin, so shaving can cause cold sores to spread. Keeping the areas that surround the infection clean is very important.
To recap…
It is truly subjective. Different strokes for different folks certainly applies in this case. Cold sore treatments, like so many things in life, are handled on an individual basis. If a product or remedy works for you, then it works. Everyone is certainly different.
While starting with OTC selections is advised, you certainly have the right to choose as you see fit. As long as you conduct your research and follow application guidelines, you will be fine.
The main objective, above all, is to find a solution and stick with it. If you have had one cold sore outbreak, you will likely have another. It is best to find a healing treatment now rather than continue to bounce around.
The potential does exist. However, infection due to a natural remedy is typically caused by misuse or experimentation that doesn’t work out. As noted earlier, it is vital to use all medication as directed. All active cold sores must be treated with care. Active sores are naturally more susceptible to infection by default.
If you decide to use natural remedies, it is important to do your research. Some remedies, if abused, can cause burning and extreme pain. Although infection is not likely, you never want to irritate and anger your sore. Here is some advice on essential oils and cold sores.
While treating the sore is better than relying on natural healing, medications should calm and soothe the sore. This goes for both natural remedies as well as OTC selections. Irritating the sore is only asking for trouble.
Final takeaways:
Regardless of your treatment selection, it is important to realize you are dealing with a virus.
While OTC cold sore treatment methods are more extensive than ever, only documented treatments should be used. This especially applies to natural remedies. Be careful not to fall into the trap of trying out the latest fad. This is unwise, and the results can be damaging.
Our recommendation is that you begin with a known OTC treatment. You might have to try several depending on your unique situation. High-quality products such as Abreva, for example, can be helpful.
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