Cold sores follow characteristic stages. During the first phase, called a prodrome, you may experience tingling, itching, burning or unusual sensitivity that lets you know a cold sore is on the way. The second phase begins with the formation of a floppy blister filled with a clear, yellow-tinged fluid. After several days, the blister ruptures, heralding the beginning of the ulcer stage, so-named for the open, weeping sore, or ulcer, that the blister leaves behind. You can make a cold sore pop within a few minutes during the blister stage, but this prolongs the ulcer stage without changing the overall duration of symptoms.
Prepare Work Area
Step 1
Peel open packet of sterile gauze from one corner, taking care not to touch gauze inside.
Step 2
Place gauze on a countertop. Fold back the top of the gauze package, so it lies open, like a book.
Step 3
Fold a sheet of paper towel into a length about 50 percent larger than your needle.
Step 4
Attach tape to one end to the folded toweling, leaving about 1 inch free.
Step 5
Set the paper towel near the gauze.
Prepare Skin
Step 1
Wash your hands and the affected area thoroughly with soap and water.
Step 2
Rinse the affected area by flooding or drizzling the affected area with warm water.
Step 3
Dry hands with disposable paper towels. Dry affected area by gently patting with paper towels. Use facial tissue or toilet paper if your skin is sensitive.
Pop Cold Sore
Step 1
Turn on a burner or light a candle.
Step 2
Insert the tip of needle into the flame until it glows red.
Step 3
Extinguish the flame and return to the work area, if necessary. Do not drop the needle.
Step 4
Position yourself in front of a mirror and advance the needle into the blister just until it pops.
Step 5
Blot blister fluid with the sterile gauze. If fluid continues to collect after a few minutes, apply a bandage to prevent drips. Drop used gauze into the trash.
Clean-Up
Step 1
Place soiled needle onto folded paper towel. Roll and tape to seal. Drop into the trash.
Step 2
Collect any trash you have missed from earlier steps and discard.
Step 3
Clean your work area with cleaning spray and disposable towels.
Step 4
Take out the trash, especially if you have pets or young children.
Step 5
Wash your hands with soap and water. Dry with paper towels.
Tips and Warnings
- The fluid from cold sores is highly contagious. Always wash or discard any items that come into direct contact with a cold sore. If you have cold sores, do not engage in skin-to-skin contact such as kissing or oral intercourse until the sores are completely healed. Always wash your hands before touching a cold sore to reduce the risk of acquiring a bacterial infection. Always wash your hands after touching a cold sore to reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others or new sites on your own body.
- Although some people prefer to pop cold sores for cosmetic reasons, popping a cold sore will not shorten the duration of your symptoms. To reduce the duration of your symptoms, contact your doctor or dentist at the first sign of a cold sore outbreak and ask about antiviral drugs. In the June 9, 2008 edition of "Archives of Internal Medicine," dermatologist Christina Cernik, M.D. explains that antiviral drugs are most effective during the first outbreak of cold sores, when they can reduce the duration of symptoms by up to five days. Recurrent outbreaks usually heal faster, even without antiviral drugs. Cernik says that using antiviral drugs during a recurrent outbreak can shave an additional one to two days off of the total healing. If you experience frequent recurrences, talk to your doctor about taking antiviral drugs every day to prevent new outbreaks.
Things You'll Need
- Gas stove or candle and match
- Paper towels
- Sterile gauze packet
- Bandage
- Sewing needle
- 1, 2-inch strip tape
References
- Academy of General Dentistry: What Are Cold Sores?
- "Archives of Internal Medicine"; The Treatment of Herpes Simplex Infections; Christina Cernik, M.D., et al.; June 9, 2008
- "Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine, 7th Edition"; Klaus Wolff, M.D., et al.; 2008
