Cold sores are caused by theherpes simplexvirus, which is believed to lie dormant i n certain nerve cellsof the body until it is activated bystress, anxiety, a cold, or excessive exposure to the sun. The sores lastanywhere from 7 to 14 days.Although some use the terms "cold sore" and "canker sore" interchangeably, they are different. Unlikecold sores, canker sores are bacterial infections inside the mouth that are characterized by small, round,white areas surrounded by a sharp halo of red. And, while cold sores are highly contagious, canker soresare not.Unfortunately, attempting to camouflage a cold sore with makeup often aggravates the problem. Still,while you can't do much about the way a cold sore looks, you can do a few things to help decreasediscomfort, speed healing, and keep it from coming back. You can even take steps to prevent passing onyour cold sore to others. Here's how.
1. Cover Cold Sores
Cover cold sores with a protective petroleum-based product. This will speed healing and help protect itfrom secondary infection with bacteria.
2. Over-the-counter Painkillers
Reach for aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen. Cold sores can be quite painful. Over-the- cou nter painkillers can help.
3. Avoid Salty and Acidic Foods
Avoid salty or acidic foods. Foods such as potato chips or citrus fruits can further irritate cold sores andadd to the pain.
4. Apply Anesthetic
Apply an over-the-counter anesthetic. A local anesthetic ointment containing benzocaine can help numbthe pain temporarily.
5. See a Doctor
Co n sult your health-care provider. If you have frequent or severe cold sores, see your doctor. In some cases, anantiviral medication called acyclovir can be prescribed.
6. Use Sunscreen
Protect your lips from the sun. Applying sunscreen to your lips may help prevent sun-induced recurrencesof cold sores. Look for a sunscreen designed especially for the lips that has an SPF of 15 or higher. Or,choose a lipstick that contains sunscreen.
7. Prevent Spreading
Keep it to yourself. Cold sores are extremely contagious. Avoid kissing and sharing cups, towels, or other such items. Wash your hands frequently, especially after touching cold sores. And take care not to touchyour eyes or genitals immediately after touching cold sores.
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