How to Treat Your Cold Sores

Cold sores are a painful and contagious condition caused by the Herpes virus. Cold sores are usually found around the mouth area. Cold sores can make eating and drinking difficult and often painful.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
    

   Apply a wet tea bag at the first sign of a cold sore. The tannic acid in tea has anti viral properties which will help lessen the severity of a forming cold sore.

2. 
    

   Apply ice as soon as you feel the tell tale tingle of a cold sore coming. The ice will decrease blood flow to the area and will help to lessen the size and severity of a cold sore. Do not apply ice directly to the skin. Use a thin towel between the ice and your skin. Leave on for 7 to 10 minutes, remove for 15 to 20 minutes. Apply as often as possible.

3. 
    

   Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids especially sports drinks. Eat well and get plenty of rest.

4. 
    

   Wash your hands often to stop the spread of cold sores. Do not touch a cold sore.

5. 
    

   Use ibuprofen such as Advil or acetaminophen such as Tylenol for any pain. There are very effective over the counter cold sore medications available at a pharmacy.

6. 
    

   Call your doctor if there are many sores on the outside or inside of you mouth. If a baby under 2 years old has a cold sore, call the pediatrician.

[lighthouse1958]

on 8/25/2009 I use to have cold sores alot but not anymore. The best thing I have found and works good is caled (cure a sore). Sometimes this is hard to find and you have to get it from the pharmacy, its behind the counter. 5*

[cajunc]

on 8/9/2009 Thanks for the information! Linda cajunC

[konakai]

on 8/7/2009 Terrific tips and ideas to help treat your Cold Sores. Thanks! 5*

[godfather25]

on 8/5/2009 Excellent article on treating cold sores.

[goodselfme]

on 8/5/2009 cold sores are so painful. Your tips are helpful in treating them so they don't last long. TX