Many of us have suffered a cold sore at some time (or recurrently) . It starts with an itch on the lip, continues with an itch and the famous 'pupa' appears. If you already know it, you probably have an antiviral cream on hand. But it is not the only way to cure it. Although a cold sore usually goes away on its own, there are other very effective remedies that will make it heal faster and not spread to the rest of the body.
Before telling you what you should do to attack it as soon as it is activated, from the hand of Dr. Antonio Lalueza Blanco, member of the board of directors of the working group on infectious diseases, of the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine (SEMI) , we explain what it is cold sores, what causes it and if there are signs that tell you that you should see a doctor.
How do I know what a cold sore is?
Cold sores appear as painful blisters that usually form on the lips and appear from an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus . Most of these 'pupae' that we can suffer are due to reactivations of the virus, which is not completely eliminated from the body after the first time you get infected by contact, due to having the lowest defenses, etc. That is, if you catch it, it will live with you for life.
Anyone can get a cold sore. However, when one is immunosuppressed, that is, in those patients in whom their defenses do not always function properly, there is a greater risk of having more relapses and that these are more serious. This happens in patients with advanced HIV infection or in patients with an organ transplant.
Is it serious to have it?
In general, no. Also, although it reactivates episodically, the symptoms tend to become milder over time. Of course, once you have it, take some measures to prevent it from going to more or passing it on to others.
- Try not to spread. As it is a very prevalent and easily transmitted infection, when the virus is activated and we have cold sores, we must avoid kissing other people, sharing kitchen or personal hygiene supplies such as glasses, towels, etc. as well as practicing oral sex .
- Make an appointment if … Normally, it's kind of benign. However, on some occasions it may be accompanied by a fever or difficulty swallowing liquid. If it happens, it is necessary to consult it with the doctor. Likewise, immunosuppressed patients should also make an appointment as soon as possible so that the doctor can assess whether it is necessary to administer a specific treatment, which is usually antiviral.
Remedies that do not fail to cure cold sores
The first time it appears, an oral antiviral treatment is usually given so that the symptoms are milder and the duration of the infection shorter. In relapses, if they are not very bulky, it is not necessary, but you do have to act quickly as soon as you notice the first symptoms (sensitivity, itching and burning).
In addition, you have to keep the area very clean by washing it with an antiseptic soap and not touching it to prevent it from spreading.
- Antiviral cream . The best known active substance is acyclovir. As soon as you notice the symptoms (sensitivity in the area, itching and burning) apply it. If you do not have it from other episodes or it is the first time that it happens to you, you can ask for it at the pharmacy since it is an over-the-counter topical medicine.
- Synthetic beeswax (propolis) . In the form of an ointment and applied early and frequently can reduce the duration of the outbreak.
- Garlic. It is rich in allicin, a substance that could hinder the growth of some microorganisms. An effective home remedy is to apply crushed raw garlic on the lesions caused by cold sores.
- Lysine . It is an amino acid that, both in oral supplement and in cream, helps to relieve pain and itching.
- Alcohol . Just when the blister appears, apply with a cotton ball a little alcohol. This will help it dry and heal faster.
- Patches . They are special plasters that act against infection and that you can apply to the blister to relieve pain.
- Ice or cold compresses . It can also help reduce the pain that occurs with sores. You can apply ice or place a cold, wet compress on the wound, as it helps to reduce redness, remove scabs and promote healing.
- Analgesics . If it bothers or hurts you a lot, you can use a pain reliever, such as paracetamol, to relieve the symptoms.
Cold sores: how to prevent it
Just as it is important to attack it as soon as you notice the first symptoms, it is also essential to try to prevent their appearance. This will help you reduce the risk of relapse.
- A good sunscreen. In some cases it has been seen that sun exposure can trigger a reactivation of the virus, therefore it may be useful to apply a sunscreen as a prophylactic (to prevent it before it occurs).
- Good defenses . Having the immune system well prepared to deal with any microorganism also helps to avoid infection and reduce relapses. As you know, a good diet is essential to have your defenses 'top', but also to exercise and, above all, to avoid chronic stress.
