So I wanted to talk about cold sores, why? Well because I have one right now actually. I call it an embarrassing topic because I want to cover it up and people say you have herpes. While it is a form of herpes , it is not of the sexual nature. Anyway I don't want to get into the background of it because whatever form you have, it's annoying and embarassing. I get it around my mouth and for my most recent one, I got it on my actual lip.
I usually get them when I am stressed or when I get my period. Guess what? I am both right now and whammo, I was eating and I felt it. I haven't gotten one in a really long time and was surprised when it appeared.
Possible Solutions:
Now you can try lots of things, going to the doctor and getting a prescription or Abreva, a very expensive drugstore product. I have actually gone to the doctor for a cold sore a long time ago when it was really bad and wouldn't go away. You have to determine whether or not your situation warrants a doctor's visit. As for Abreva, I tried it and I don't think it warrants the expensive price tag especially being a drug store product. If it was a overnight cure I would say go for it but I have found my solution works just as well if not better and doesn't cost a lot.
My solution:
What do I do? Right away, I use anything with a petroleum nature to it (Vaseline, Carmex, Aquaphor- nothing with scents in it). Right now I am using Elizabeth 8 Hr Cream. Any of these products I listed works for me. The problem is keeping the cold sore covered with the product at all times as soon as you realize you have one. The cold sore needs air to breathe and if exposed to air will keep living. I got my cold sore Thursday and cold sore is almost gone as I write this on Sunday. If I could do it, I wouldn't eat solid foods because every time I eat, the cold sore is disrupted whether it's on my lip or around my mouth. If you can handle it, a liquid diet would be ideal but not recommended.
Because the cold sore is on my lip, I put the product all over my lips like a lip balm so you really couldn't tell I had a problem. This is obviously much harder to do if it's around your mouth.
Dont do's:
Do not wear makeup or put lotion on the cold sore. I have done the whole put on foundation to cover it up, this is a bad idea and will only delay the healing process. And you are not fooling anyone, they know.
Do not pick at the cold sore even if you think it's time and crusting over. Crusting in my opinion is a good sign, it means the cold sore is dying. DONT PICK!
The end:
I have had cold sores come and go for a long time and have done everything and anything to get rid of them. These are my experiences and felt since I had some opinions on it, I would share them with you since I know I am not alone. I hope I could help one or some of you.
-Sam
