Flourish Health & Wellbeing eMag - Jan 26 - Flipbook - Page 12
Treating cold sores
Cold sores usually heal on their own,
but early treatment can make a
big di昀昀erence.
• An琀椀viral tablets such as aciclovir,
famciclovir, or valaciclovir work best
when taken as soon as you feel that
昀椀rst 琀椀ngle. They can help shorten
healing 琀椀me and ease symptoms.
• An琀椀viral creams (like topical
aciclovir) or over-the-counter
cold sore creams can also help if
applied early.
• Cold sore patches work by crea琀椀ng
a moist, op琀椀mal healing environment,
protec琀椀ng the sire, reducing the risk
of spreading the virus and o昀昀ering
pain relief.
• Keep it clean and comfortable.
Use a co琀琀on bud to apply cream,
wash your hands o昀琀en, and try
a dab of petroleum jelly to stop
the sore from cracking.
• Pain relief like paracetamol or
ibuprofen can help if the area feels
sore or tender.
If cold sores are frequent, severe, or
spreading, it’s worth seeing your doctor.
When to see your doctor
Most cold sores clear up without
complica琀椀ons. However, see a doctor if:
• You have frequent or severe
outbreaks
• The sores spread or don’t heal a昀琀er
two weeks
• You have eye pain or blurred vision
(it could be herpes kera琀椀琀椀s)
• You have eczema or a weakened
immune system
This ar琀椀cle provides general informa琀椀on only and is
not a subs琀椀tute for medical advice. If you’re unsure
about your symptoms or treatment op琀椀ons, always
check with your healthcare professional.
Common myths and facts
Myth 1: You only get cold sores
from kissing
While kissing is a common way to spread
the virus, it’s not the only one. Sharing
drink bo琀琀les, razors, or even lip balm can
pass it on too.
Myth 2: You’re only contagious when you
can see a sore
The virus can s琀椀ll spread even when the
skin looks clear, though it’s much more
likely during an outbreak.
Myth 3: HSV-1 only a昀昀ects the mouth
HSV-1 usually causes cold sores, but it
can also appear elsewhere, including the
genitals, through oral contact.
Myth 4: Cold sores mean poor hygiene
Not at all. HSV-1 is one of the most
common viruses worldwide, and infec琀椀on
o昀琀en happens in early childhood.
