Page 72 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

70 COMMON CONDITIONS: MOUTH, NOSE, AND THROAT PROBLEMS

Cold sore

Cold sores begin with tingling near the mouth, followed by a cluster of
small, painful blisters. These sores burst and crust over, but normally
heal within about 10 days. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus,
which lies dormant in the body after a first infection. Triggers such as
colds and the flu, fatigue, stress, menstruation, cold, wind, or strong
sunshine can reactivate the virus, causing another cold sore. Cold sore on lip

See your doctor first
DRUG REMEDIES
Make an appointment to see your doctor
promptly if you are developing a cold sore Analgesics such as acetaminophen (see
in or near your eye. p.177) or ibuprofen (see p.185) can help to ease the
discomfort of a cold sore.
Acyclovir cream, which is available by
What you can do yourself prescription, acts against the herpes virus and can
reduce the duration and
You can’t get rid of the cold sore virus, but the severity of a cold sore.
following measures will reduce the time a cold Apply as directed by your
sore lasts and help prevent flare-ups. doctor at the first sign of
tingling or burning.
● As soon as you notice tingling, apply a small ice
pack (a packet of frozen peas or crushed ice in a
plastic bag, wrapped in a washcloth) to the area,
for about 5–10 minutes every half hour. Using acyclovir
Apply acyclovir
● Take an analgesic if your cold sore is very
cream thinly to the
uncomfortable (see DRUG REMEDIES, right).
area as soon as you
● Apply petroleum jelly to the affected area notice the signs
to help prevent cracking or bleeding. that a cold sore
is developing.
● Try using tea tree oil (see NATURAL REMEDIES,
right) to soothe the pain and help your sore heal.
● Cold sores are contagious. While you have
symptoms, avoid close contact such as kissing and NATURAL REMEDIES
don’t share towels, cups and glasses, or razors.
Tea tree oil (see p.189), which can be applied
● After touching a sore, wash your hands to avoid as a roll-on or dabbed directly onto a cold sore, may
spreading the virus. Don’t pick or squeeze sores. help the blisters dry out and heal more quickly.
● If sunlight triggers cold sores, use sunscreen or
a lip balm with sunscreen when you spend time in
the sun (see DRUG REMEDIES, p.69).
Seek further medical advice
● If stress or fatigue are triggers, get plenty of sleep,
and try deep breathing and muscle relaxation Arrange to see your doctor if:
exercises (see PRACTICAL TECHNIQUES, pp.20–21).
● The sore is getting worse, or is not getting
● If you have recurrent cold sores, your doctor may better after about 10 days despite treatment
prescribe acyclovir cream (see DRUG REMEDIES, right). ● You have frequent cold sores