I'm a woman in Texas. I'm married and have a school-aged child. I have a medical background. I'm quite liberal, socially. I love helping people with medical, parenting, and social questions. Don't ask me about tech stuff or finances, because I need advice on those things myself!
Gender: Female
Location: Texas
Age: 34
Member Since: December 17, 2006
Answers: 795
Last Update: September 2, 2007
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Xenolan
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how can i get rid of it? without buying any products please? like is there a way to get rid of it at home (link)
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I don't mean to insult the first advicenator who replied, but I feel a need to clarify and expand upon the information in the link s/he gave.
That article on "Seven ways to get rid of cold sores" had no practical suggestions on getting rid of cold sores. It contained pain-relief methods, such as don't eat acidic or salty foods, use anesthetic, take pain killers, and keep the sore moist. It contained general knowledge tips, such as the fact that cold sores are very contageous and you should use sunscreen. But you shouldn't put any petroleum jelly (vaseline) on those blisters, contrary to the article's assertions. Petroleum jelly is a breeding ground for germs and rubbing it on your lips can spread the virus blisters from one area to another. To keep the affected area moist, you should drink lots of water and use a gylcerine or soft wax (beeswax) based product and you should dab it on with a qtip or something, making sure that the qtip never touches the tube or applicator. If you have some Blistex or Carmex around your house, that would be good.
Another thing the article does not mention is that you should throw away any lipsticks or glosses you have used while you have had the cold sore. Otherwise you run the risk of reinfecting yourself. These sores are caused by the herpes virus, which lives in nerves on your face (specifically the trigeminal nerve). It can lie dormant for years, but it reactivates itself at times when your immune system is down, such as when you are ill, tired, or stressed. Keep your immune system up with exercise, good food, and daily sunshine to keep the virus from becoming active.
Don't pick at the sore and it will heal on its own within about 7-10 days. You usually don't need to see a doctor unless there are lots of sores and they are keeping you from eating, they cause nerve pain, or they spread to another area, such as your eyeball (happened to me).
I'm sorry there's no home remedy to make these go away. There are prescription pills and creams that can help shorten the span. There are over-the-counter remedies, such as Abbreva, which claim to (I haven't tried them). But mainly, cold sores are an annoyance, but not a real health issue. Sorry.
Sabine
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Rating: 5
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wow you give amazing advice! thanks!
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