Cold Sores - Help me get rid of it!

[rene']

I have the biggest, ugliest cold sore on my lip. I have tried Novitra and Campho-Phenique cold sore treatment, but it just won't go away. It scabs over, but every morning when I take a shower, it gets wet, the scab comes off and we start all over again.:eek: Gross, I know.

What's the best treatment for a cold sore?

[APCullip22]

Besides what you've mentioned...I usually try to dab a little bit of neosporin on the "scab" at night before bed, usually helps the healing.

[Linnybubbles]

Abreva is good stuff, but if you get them often, you might want a script from your doctor of Denavir or another cream.

[junkinmytrunk]

Like PP said, Abreva works -- DH gets those and when he feels one "coming on" he dabs on the Abreva as directed and it helps considerably. FWIW, he hasn't had a "monster" since he's used the Abreva.

[karina]

Herpecin works wonders. You can find it in the cough/cold aisle at the supermarket.

[lawyergirl25]

I use Orajel Mouth Sore - I can use it on cold sores and canker sores, both of which I'm prone to in the winter. Works great!

[smartgrrl]

If you do take Abreva, which I hear is good, you may also consider taking Lysine(a vitamin) on a daily basis to prevent further outbreaks. If you research it, you will discover it is effective at helping this problem - sorry and good luck!

[adamseve]

In addition to Abreva, I put a cold pack on the cold sore once I feel the tingle. Good luck!

[keska]

Taking Lysine is also supposed to help prevent or lessen the time of an outbreak. It works to keep the virus from replicating. It can also be applied topically. Doctors also recommend cutting down on foods that are high in arginine, which, like Lysine, is an amino acid.

[Ilovemygeek]

I would agree with everyone who has recommended Abreva. If you get them often, you can get a prescription for Valtrex. Once you feel one coming, you pop one Valtrex, take another 12 hours later, and good-bye cold sore.

[Amuse Bouche]

I'll also recommend Abreva. I used to get really really awful cold sores, and now I can usually head them off at the pass with Abreva.

[tgray99]

Taking Lysine is also supposed to help prevent or lessen the time of an outbreak. It works to keep the virus from replicating. It can also be applied topically. Doctors also recommend cutting down on foods that are high in arginine, which, like Lysine, is an amino acid.
What foods contain arginine?

I get them after eating certain things and if I chew on my bottom lip and rip too much skin off.

[rene']

Thanks everyone. This is only my second cold sore. I got my first one in April and is it true once you get one, you will get them more often? Anyway, about two weeks ago, my lips started feeling really dry and since I was out in the hot sun all day, I just thought they were sunburned or chapped. Then about a week later, BAM! an ugly cold sore. I guess what I'm trying to say is I didn't recognize that was what was coming. I think I may be able to recognize it next time and hopefully head it off at the pass. It is so ugly!

Since Lysine is a vitamin, it should be o.k. to take if pg shouldn't it?

Thanks again for all of your suggestions!

[Mrs. M.]

Lysine is not a vitamin, it is an amino acid. Since it is also contained in food, I don't see how it could be bad during pregnancy.

Once you have the virus, it stays in your body forever. Some people get cold sores often, some don't, but you can't get rid of the virus. Take good care of your lips. Chapping, biting, wind, lots of sun can bring cold sores on. Never share lipsticks. I don't even try lipsticks at the cosmetics counter, I always use Q-tips.

I usually take Lysine and apply Abreva which really helps.

[tlew12778]

I was going to say Zovirax but I was reading this website (http://www.otan.us/webfarm/emailproject/coldsore.htm)and I'm just :eek: at some of the remedies these ppl use!

[Mrs. M.]

I used to use Zoviraz (can you spot the Euro residents in this thread?), but have switched to Abreva. Works better for me.

[Jen&Dan]

I get about one cold sore a year. I have tried abreva, and it did not work all that well for my cold sore. I felt that it caused it to crack more. The last cold sore I had, I used carmex. It worked gtreat. I just sat the jar on my desk and put it on every so often.

[kindermom]

My DH gets them occassionally. We swear by Abreva and keeping the lips mosturized. He will only use Burt's Bees lip balm. Since he started using the lip balm, outbreaks are farther and fewer between. The Abreva lessens the healing time when he does get them.

You can also talk to your doctor about prescription medication. It seems to be a great 3rd line of defense for my DH.

Sorry to hear that you have them.

[rene']

Thanks ladies! It sounds like my best bet is to try to catch this thing before it gets bad. I will have to try and recognize that it's coming next time.

Thanks for all of your help!

[keska]

Arginine rich foods would include things like chocolate, anything with nuts, seeks and cereal grains. You can find some charts online that show which foods are high in lysine and low in arginine.