I have a huge cold sore growing on my upper lip, left side. It felt it tingling yesterday morning when I woke up (that was the first I felt of it), and I immediately ran to Walmart to get some Abreva, and have been applying it religiously since then. But man this sucker is HUGE! And seeping, and sore, and uncomfortable, etc.
Anyone have any good remedies for cold sores?
I've had these for years and tried everything, Abreva does not work for me, what works is Lysine (get it from rite aid or cvs) the key is you have to put this on the minute you feel the tingling and it will only last 2 or 3 days and will never get to its monstrous proportion.
There are a number of things that seem to work for my husband and me. First of all, start eating or drinking yogurt every day OR take a handful of acidophilus pills every day (can't hurt you -good bacteria). This has really helped my husband. Also, if you are getting them frequently, check how many legumes you're consuming. Beans are very healthy, but something in them can make you have more cold sores! Also -your stress level really affects it because it deeply affects your immunity. I used to get them constantly and my life is much less stressful now, so I don't. I also credit taking Valtrex (a prescription herpes medication) every day for a year. My MIL did the same thing. I did that about 12 years ago, and I've had maybe 4 since then.
Right now call your doctor for a prescription for Zovirax/Acyclovir cream to put on it. I do think it helps to shorten them. Abreva never did anything for us!
These are so frustrating! Cold sores are caused by a virus, so there's no real way to cure it. The virus is in your body forever but usually lies dormant. You can get over the counter medications to deal with some of the uncomfortable symptoms, but that's about it. Novitra is good, Abreva I found is a hit or miss. To stop them from forming, monitor your stress levels and try to keep your immune system up. The usually occur when the immune system is down or even around that time of the month due to hormone changes.
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I get them a lot. The absolute only thing that works for me is Abreva. It's really affective if you get it on early, but doesn't seem to have much effect if you miss the tingling phase. Keep applying it and make sure you wash your hands before and after. I'm dreaming of a day when there's a cure for cold sores. They're so icky :(
I get these when I get really sick or run down. I truly feel for you! My doctor prescribes an antiviral pill plus a cream to put on the sore. I carry the cream with me wherever I go to try to catch it quick.
I also read that eating yogurt helps to prevent and heal them but you want the stuff with the live cultures in them. I think you can get it at the grocery store - just check the label.
And, remember, these sores are contagious so please make sure you don't let anyone come in contact with it or drink after you. Sending you hugs for a quick recovery!!!
I swear by the Abreva. I've had ones that seemed like they were going to be monster, then applied the Abreva and they weren't as bad. I also use Carmex on the area thay isn't effected.
Good luck and SORRY!
In addition to your Abreva/Carmex/Campho products, try taking motrin or advil to reduce the swelling and pain for a few days.
My sister puts straight bleach/clorox, or rubbing alcohol directly on hers with a pin or soaked toothpick. Painful as heck, but it knocks the virus dead in it's track and the lesions dry and clear up faster.
Knock on wood, but I had a cold sore once back in highschool (30 yrs. ago) and I started using Carmex or Camphor products every day. I might miss a night or two, but I apply that lip medication pretty much nightly, and I swear it wards the virus off before it gets going. So after this break out, make sure to apply something daily for the rest of your life and see if you don't see improvement. I forget that I even had that sore until I read this and now I remember why I use carmex all the time.
The second I feel one coming on I start downing L-Lysine (it's in the vitamin aisle) at least a few times a day. Sometimes it stops it, but, if not, it does help to heal quicker.
Hi, L.:
Write and ask LUCEY at
____@____.com
Aromatherapy mentor may be able to help.
Good luck
D.
I actually just looked this info up for someone else as well! As mentioned- Increase Lysine (an amino acid- not produced by the body) as well as increase Vitamin C, Zinc, and Bioflavanoids. Usually when you feel one coming on. But will also help now!
Besides Abreva with Camphophenique inbetween Abreva applications and the L-Lysine mentioned below, all I can say is get a squeeze tube of Carmex (not the jar because of contamination risks) and apply often to keep it from cracking and bleeding.
Go to http://earthclinic.com/ They have great home remedies for everything. This is a strange but put nail polish remover on a cotton ball and dab the cold sore. It will burn like crazy but it will go away and fast!
Good luck and God Bless
D.
