Cold Sores 101
Have you ever noticed small and painful blisters around your mouth, usually starting off with a tingling and burning sensation at nighttime or when waking up?? These are most likely cold sores. Let’s talk more about what they are and how we can help! 🙂
What Are Cold Sores?? 🤔
Those tiny painful blisters around your mouth are cold sores. This is caused by a VERY common virus called Herpes Simplex Virus type 1.
The blister/s may look red and swollen → then it may break → then a scab forms on top as it begins to heal. Normally, cold sores will heal on their own within 7 days, but be sure to keep it clean and avoid picking at it to prevent infection and spread of the blisters.
If you have experienced this before you will likely experience it again – BUT this time around, we can help you make it much more manageable!!
How Do You Get Cold Sores?
Cold sores are transmissible, so you can catch it from someone who has a cold sore. This can be through physical contact or from sharing items like straws, towels, or lip balms when the virus is active.
Have You Had a Cold Sore Before?
If you have had it before, then it’s important to know and avoid any risk factors that may prompt their appearance, this includes:
- Fever (which is why they are sometimes called “fever blisters”)
- Physical and emotional stress
- Menstruation
- Injury around the affected area
- Sun exposure
- Extreme cold weather
- Viral infections
- Feeling sick
- Fatigue
- Low iron
Treatments Prescribed By Your Pharmacist 👩⚕️
If you are prone to having cold sores, or have had a cold sore before, then your pharmacist is here for the rescue! . Once you feel that tingling feeling, you know what’s coming next.
Your pharmacist can prescribe antiviral medication, such as valacyclovir, or antiviral ointment, such as Zovirax. 💊
Antiviral medications will help prevent that cold sore from coming out. Best part is, you only need to take the oral medication for one day (4 tablets, then 12 hours later, another 4 tablets)! Oh wait, did I also mention that service is completely covered by your MCP! ✅
You may be wondering what the catch is – well for the medication to have an effect, you need to take it within 72 hours of that tingly feeling, but ideally right away to have the best outcomes. ⏱️ This is why your pharmacist can also prescribe for FUTURE use, so if you have a wedding or event coming up or if you are just prone to cold sores, then you can have the medication right on hand!
Feel and Look Your BEST Again. 📸
Make an appointment with Dr. Stephanie at Complete Care Pharmasave on our 🔗 booking page, or you can call us directly if you prefer at 1-709-458-3366, ext 1.
Some TIPS and TRICKS for AVOIDING Cold Sores:
Reduce stress and stay healthy! You can try some relaxation techniques, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising.
Protect yourself from sun exposure using sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher to your lips and face. Apply it 30 minutes before being exposed to the sun.
Avoid the risk factors that may prompt the arrival of cold sores.
NON-DRUG Measures to Help Manage Your Cold Sores:
- Avoid touching sores frequently! ❌ This can increase the risk for infection and spread to other areas. It will also prolong the recovery time.
- Keep the blisters clean by gently washing using mild soap and water. This will help prevent complications like infection and spread. 🧼
- Stay hydrated and aim at drinking 8 glasses of water daily💧
- Use a cool tap-water compress or ice packaged wash cloth to the affected areas. Apply for one minute, then take it off for one minute, for a total of 20 minutes.🚰
- Wear your SPF 30 sunscreen or higher to prevent the blisters from worsening ☀️
Don’t Forget ❗️
- Wash your hands frequently and avoid skin to skin contact until the blister has dried to protect yourself and to protect those around you!!