{"id":35528,"date":"2024-04-10T22:27:59","date_gmt":"2024-04-10T16:57:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/farratanews.online\/ask-a-doc-how-can-i-get-rid-of-a-cold-sore-as-quickly-as-possible\/"},"modified":"2024-04-10T22:27:59","modified_gmt":"2024-04-10T16:57:59","slug":"ask-a-doc-how-can-i-get-rid-of-a-cold-sore-as-quickly-as-possible","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/farratanews.online\/ask-a-doc-how-can-i-get-rid-of-a-cold-sore-as-quickly-as-possible\/","title":{"rendered":"Ask a doc: \u2018How can I get rid of a cold sore as quickly as possible?\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

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You woke up with an unsightly cold sore \u2014 but hiding out at home isn\u2019t an option.<\/p>\n

What can you do?<\/p>\n

First, you\u2019re not alone. Up to 80% of American adults have the herpes simplex virus<\/u> (HSV-1), which can cause cold sores (also known as fever blisters), according to Johns Hopkins.<\/p>\n

The viral infection<\/u> can cause small, fluid-filled lesions, or blisters, to form on and around the lips or inside the mouth.\u00a0<\/p>\n

AS NEW JERSEY INVESTIGATES MUMPS OUTBREAK, EXPERTS SHARE WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT SYMPTOMS, PROTECTION<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

They can sometimes show up around the nose or cheeks.<\/p>\n

“While there is no cure, cold sores typically resolve on their own within one to two weeks,” said Dr. Robert Biernbaum, chief medical officer at WellNow Urgent Care in Chicago.<\/p>\n

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Up to 80% of American adults have the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), which can cause cold sores (also known as fever blisters).<\/span> (iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Fox News Digital consulted with experts to determine the best course of action for dealing with an unsightly flare-up.<\/p>\n

Here are five smart tips.\u00a0<\/p>\n

1. Treat it right away<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Taking quick action is important when dealing with a cold sore, they agreed.<\/p>\n

“This will help it go away the fastest and heal quicker,” said Dr. Laura Purdy, a board-certified family medicine physician in Brentwood, Tennessee.<\/p>\n

BIRD FLU PANDEMIC IN FUTURE? EU WARNS OF POTENTIAL SPREAD TO HUMANS DUE TO ‘LACK OF IMMUNE DEFENSE\u2019<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Purdy suggested purchasing an over-the-counter antiviral ointment or cream, such as Abreva.<\/p>\n

Biernbaum also suggested trying OTC pain reliever creams like lidocaine and benzocaine to help numb the burning sensation that can come with cold sores.<\/p>\n

2. Consider home remedies<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Apple cider vinegar may be effective for some, Purdy suggested, as long as the skin doesn’t get too irritated.\u00a0<\/p>\n

“This is a great option because it’s known to combat germs, viruses and other bacteria,” she told Fox News Digital.<\/p>\n

Aloe vera can also have antiviral effects, she added.<\/p>\n

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Doctors suggest purchasing an over-the-counter antiviral ointment or cream to treat a cold sore right away.<\/span> (iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

“Honey is another great option that may work for you, since it is known to help with skin wounds and injuries,” Purdy said.<\/p>\n

“Of course, this is all personal preference and takes a little trial and error.”\u00a0<\/p>\n

MEASLES VACCINATIONS GIVEN IN ’70S AND ’80S MAY HAVE WORN OFF BY NOW, DOCTOR WARNS<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

When trying a new home remedy for a cold sore, Purdy said to start out with a small amount to make sure you don’t have any adverse skin reactions.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Using cool compresses \u2014 such as ice or cold, wet rags \u2014 can help reduce pain and redness, Biernbaum added.<\/p>\n

3. Build up your immune system<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The key to clearing a cold sore is building the immune system back up, according to Dr. Heather Hinshelwood, chief medical officer at The Fraum Center for Restorative Health on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.<\/p>\n

“That\u2019s why they show up \u2014 your immune system loses control of a dormant virus,” she told Fox News Digital.<\/p>\n

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The key to clearing a cold sore is building the immune system back up, a doctor told Fox News Digital.<\/span> (iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

To clear up cold sores, Hinshelwood recommended a multi-pronged attack: vitamin C, L-Lysine and Abreva, which are all available over the counter.<\/p>\n

“Use these as quickly as possible, even before the actual abruption,” she suggested.\u00a0<\/p>\n

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

“If you can get a prescription for Valacyclovir (a prescription antiviral medication), that can help as well. Bottom line \u2014 building your immune system back up is key to clearing a cold sore.”<\/p>\n

4. See a doctor<\/strong><\/h2>\n

For persistent or painful cold sores, you may want to see a doctor to get a prescription antiviral medication.<\/p>\n

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For persistent or painful cold sores, you may want to see a doctor to get a prescription antiviral medication, experts suggested.<\/span> (iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

“If you are experiencing swelling or discomfort, visit your local urgent care or primary care provider,” Biernbaum recommended.\u00a0<\/p>\n

“A provider can provide prescription topical creams and, if appropriate, antiviral medications at the onset of an outbreak to help speed the healing process.”<\/p>\n

5. Follow best practices<\/strong><\/h2>\n

While waiting for a blister to clear up, the experts recommend resisting the urge to touch or pick at an open cold sore, as this can cause infection or prolong the healing process<\/u>.<\/p>\n

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Biernbaum also suggests keeping your lips moisturized.<\/p>\n

“Also avoid acidic foods and sun exposure, as these can be triggers,” he added.<\/p>\n

For more Health articles, visit <\/u><\/strong><\/i>www.foxnews.com\/health<\/u><\/strong><\/i>.<\/strong><\/i><\/p>\n

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Melissa Rudy is health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to melissa.rudy@fox.com.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n[ad_2]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

[ad_1] You woke up with an unsightly cold sore \u2014 but hiding out at home isn\u2019t an option. What can you do? First, you\u2019re not alone. Up to 80% of American adults have the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), which can cause cold sores (also known as fever blisters), according to Johns Hopkins. The viral infection …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":35530,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/farratanews.online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35528"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/farratanews.online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/farratanews.online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/farratanews.online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/farratanews.online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=35528"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/farratanews.online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35528\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/farratanews.online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/35530"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/farratanews.online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35528"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/farratanews.online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=35528"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/farratanews.online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=35528"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}