Tips for Preventing Cold Sores
Cold sores or fever blisters are common viral infections. A cold sore on the lip is a tiny blister that fills up with fluid. They can also grow in pairs or groups, so be warned. When the said blister begins to peak, a scab is left behind. They usually heal in approximately two to three weeks. Still, they can definitely become an embarrassing and painful nuisance if they begin to develop frequently.
Luckily, there are several manageable ways to prevent and manage cold sores:
1. Apply lip balm
Applying lip balm to the skin will bring moisture to the lips. The glycerin and hyaluronic acid in the lip balm formula will attract hydrogen items from the air towards the lips to introduce moisture to the lips. This will hydrate the lips and prevent cold sore on the lip from dry skin.
2. Use sunscreen
Applying sunscreen to the lips will prevent the cold sore on the lip from further developing. It will also protect the lips the entire time the cold sore heals. It can also reduce future infections if sunscreen is daily applied to the lips. You must apply at least SPF 30 or whenever you expect to walk inside into the sun.
3. Avoid Stress
In case you suffer from frequent cold sores, the antiviral therapy medication will help. You can feel the cold sore due to the irritating, itching, and burning sensation. The blisters have not formed yet; however, you must stay calm and follow proper remedies. You must stay patient in case you have been negligent in the initial stages of the cold sore.
4. OTC viral medications
Valtrex, Abreva, and Emuaid are above-the-counter antiviral medications that will heal cold sores and offer antiviral cold sore medicine for kids. Valtrex can treat infections, whereas Abreva is readily available at the closest pharmacies. It is the most common remedy for healing colds. The ointments will reduce the healing time and minimize the feeling of burning and pain.
5. Don’t share toothbrushes or personal items
Imagine you borrow sanitary items from a close friend or even a family member. It might make sense for convenience at the moment, but what if the bristle had a fever blister growing on it. There could be one growing on yours right now. You could either transfer the blister on your lip from the brush. A blister residue could transfer onto someone who borrowed your personal items. You must replace toothbrushes every 3 months, according to the latest study. This will prevent cold sores, flu, and further infections.
6. Pain relievers
The cold sores are contagious, yes, but the fluid or the pus inside them is the virus. You must take extreme caution when the virus is growing inside the lip sore. It will be annoying, painful, and displeasing to the eye. You can take Tylenol or Motrin to take away the pain. You must consult the doctor before providing adult medicine when it comes to kids. Just like any medicine, it will have different dosages and timing for the kids. Follow the prescription that is provided by the doctor as not all medicine is safe for kids of particular ages.
Medications such as Emuaid and OTC viral medications such as Zovirax, Famvir, Valtrex, and Denavir will battle these cold sores.