A cold sore is an unsightly assemblage of small red blisters that form around the mouth and on the lip, leaving the skin swollen, red and itchy. Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV-1) is the culprit that causes this highly contagious virus, but if you are of the twenty percent of the population that suffers with these sores, there are some simple ways to find relief.
Home Remedies
After you have cozied on the couch with your favorite blend of black tea, enjoy your cup and keep the tea bag. You can apply it to the area for several minutes at a time each hour. Tea contains an ingredient called "tannic acid" that is also found in over the counter medicine and used to relieve your cold sore symptoms.
Chill Out
Another at-home fix is applying ice to the area for a few minutes each hour. This will numb the area and reduce pain and itching.
At the Pharmacy
The store may be stocked with many options to ease the discomfort of your cold sore, but be on the lookout for these ingredients: tetracaine, benzocaine, lidocaine, benzyl alcohol, camphor and phenol. These are found in the over-the-counter numbing agents that may sooth these sores.
Moisturizers
Lip balms are likely to console the crusty scabs by softening them and keeping them from cracking and bleeding. Vaseline or petroleum jelly are good for this.
In The Medicine Chest
If you're tired of waiting out the week or so with these bothersome blisters, hunt for some help in your medicine chest. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen are options.
Considerations
If all these remedies fail and you feel feverish, it may be appropriate to call a doctor. You want to see your physician if you have frequent outbreaks, or are battling the blisters for more than two weeks.
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