Self Treatments for Cold Sores

Overview

Cold sores are painful blisters that can be triggered by such things as stress, sun and wind, minor illnesses and menstrual periods. The herpes simplex virus causes cold sores, which are also called fever blisters. These blisters are very common and can be spread by kissing and other skin-to-skin contact. While most cold sores heal by themselves, you can take action to treat them at home.

Hygiene

Careful hygiene is important when caring for an outbreak of herpes. Keep the cold sore as clean as possible by gentle washing and drying. You can use a hair dryer to blow dry cold sores---it eliminates the need to put pressure on the blister and you may find the warmth from the dryer soothing. Avoid touching the blister because cold sores are spread through skin-to-skin contact. For example, you could touch a cold sore on your lip and then touch your eye and find a new sore develops there. Wash your hands frequently while suffering from a cold sore. Avoid kissing while you have a blister and do not share eating utensils or drinking glasses.

Ointments

A variety of ointments are available to treat cold sores. Among these is a product containing Docosanol. This medication was once prescription but a 10 percent ointment is now available over the counter. Docosanol is an antiviral agent that works to stop replication of the herpes virus. Other ointments on the market cannot stop virus replication but are helpful in disinfecting and soothing the pain and stinging of cold sores. Many of these medications contain a numbing agent, such as lidocaine or benzocaine. Patients should follow packaging directives when using medicinal ointments.

Pain Relief

Fever blisters cause discomfort in the form of stinging and a throbbing ache. Part of self treatment of cold sores is controlling the pain involved. Many sufferers take acetaminophen, ibuprofen or sodium naproxen products to help ease the hurting. Others find relief in over-the-counter gels and ointments formulated to numb the affected area. Ice compresses applied directly to the sore can bring relief as well. Some prefer warmth to stop the pain and choose to use a hot water bottle to warm the area. Make sure any compress applied directly to the cold sore is clean to avoid further infection.

Natural Treatment

People who prefer to treat maladies naturally can treat their cold sores with several folk remedies. Among these is drinking acidophilus milk and eating a diet high in the chemical lysine. Lysine-rich foods include spinach and many kinds of beans. You can also take lysine supplements. According to the University of Michigan Health System (UMICH), the herb chaparral is effective in treating cold sores. This herb, available in a spray form, can be applied directly to the sore. Lemon balm, licorice, and myrrh also aid in healing blisters according to UMICH. You can also use a soothing cornstarch and water paste mixed to a thick consistency on fever blisters. This paste helps guard against further infection and trauma to the area.

Lifestyle

People suffering from the herpes virus should strive to take excellent care of their health, especially when suffering from an outbreak. Reducing stress is a key in promoting healing. Avoid stress triggers as much as possible, take at least 15 minutes a day to sit calmly by yourself, and say "no" to extra unnecessary tasks that come your way. Concentrate on your body as well. Engage in exercise while you have an outbreak but protect the cold sore area from wind, cold and sun by using a lip balm with sunscreen and covering the area with a protective garment, such as a scarf or face mask. Stick to an early bedtime routine to make sure you get enough sleep. Eat a healthful diet full of fresh foods including vegetables and fruits and drink plenty of water.