You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. But by starting treatment early, you may be able to shorten its duration and severity. Unfortunately, you can’t stop a cold sore. How do you stop a cold sore when you feel it coming on? Does ice help cold sores?īefore a cold sore outbreak, applying ice for 5 to 10 minutes on the area that’s tingling or burning will decrease blood flow, which could reduce the pain and swelling once the sore erupts. It is, however, possible to transmit cold sores to the genital area through oral sex. On the other hand, HSV-1 causes cold sores and transmits through touch. Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) causes genital herpes and transmits through sexual contact. No, cold sores are not the same as genital herpes, even though they’re caused by similar viruses. Are cold sores and genital herpes the same thing? However, prescription oral antivirals can shorten the duration and severity of a cold sore, as well as prevent future outbreaks. Most cold sores go away on their own after about 10 days and don’t require medication. If you have frequent outbreaks, ask your doctor about a daily antiviral. Is there a medication to keep cold sores from occurring? They suggest allowing a cold sore to dry out, and then applying moisture to prevent cracking or splitting. Since cold sores can thrive in moist environments, some medical experts recommend avoiding creams or gels once a lesion appears. Opinions vary regarding whether to keep a cold sore moist or dry. Should you keep a cold sore moist or dry? Keeping a food or activity diary can help pinpoint your exact triggers. You can’t always prevent a cold sore, but knowing what triggers them might reduce the frequency of outbreaks. If sunlight triggers cold sores, apply sunscreen daily to the area where cold sores develop.įrequently asked questions about cold sores How do you stop a cold sore from forming?.Don’t pick at a cold sore, and wash your hands each time you apply ointment or touch the sore.Replace your toothbrush when you get a cold sore to prevent reinfection, and replace it again after the sore has healed.Don’t share cosmetics such as lipstick, lip gloss, or foundation.Don’t share personal care items such as utensils, towels, or toothbrushes.Avoid intimate contact including kissing and other skin-to-skin contact until the lesion is healed.To avoid transmitting the cold sore virus: They can also be passed to others even when there are no symptoms. When are cold sores contagious?Ī cold sore is contagious as soon as symptoms begin, even if blisters haven’t appeared. If you’re experiencing a lot of stress, try stress-relief techniques such as yoga, meditation, or journaling. You can help avoid cold sore outbreaks by living a healthy lifestyle, which includes eating nutrient-dense foods and exercising regularly. When your immune system is compromised, it’s less likely to fight off viruses. Stress and illness are two main triggers of cold sores. In this article, we review eight products for treating cold sores in the early stages, and explain how you can use them to potentially shorten the duration of an outbreak. This stage can last for a few days before the blister becomes visible, and it’s the best time for treatment. The herpes simplex virus is passed through contact, like kissing, using contaminated cosmetics, or sharing food.īefore a cold sore erupts, you may notice a tingling or burning sensation on your mouth or face. The blisters stemming from both forms of the virus tend to look similar in appearance.Ĭold sores are contagious once they’re visible, but they can spread when they’re not visible too. Herpes simplex type 1 usually causes cold sores, while herpes simplex type 2 usually causes genital herpes. Causes of cold soresĬold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. These red lesions often appear in clumps and can linger for up to 2 weeks. A cold sore is a fluid-filled blister that appears near or in the mouth and sometimes on the fingers or nose.
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