How To Treat Cold Sore Infection And Scarring
If you encounter infection or scarring, either from nail polish remover or simply a severe cold sore outbreak, treatments are available.
While many of the same OTC methods used to treat fever blisters will also apply in extreme cases, some treatments can vary. In fact, there are a few OTC selections that are specifically designed to heal damaged skin caused by cold sores.
Although infection and scarring can be discouraging, patience can win the day. Unless major complications arise, which are quite rare, your blister should heal in a matter of weeks.
Listed below are just a few OTC options:
We encourage you to research each selection and read the reviews. The more you know about each OTC cold sore healer, the easier it will be to choose the right remedy for you.
The cold sore treatment product market is extensive. This growth in production makes it that much easier to fight both infection and scarring. This is true if your setback has come at the hands of a questionable treatment practice.
How To Get Rid Of Cold Sores
Cold Sore Scab Stage – Image taken by PhilWall
Natural Remedies for Cold Sores
The best natural remedy that works for me is Tea Tree oil. It dramatically reduces both the duration and discomfort of the cold sore. Tea Tree oil is antiviral and antibacterial. I use it by applying it with a cotton swab to the outbreak several times during day. It dries out the area and a scab forms quickly. Keep applying tea tree oil until the scab disappears. A cheaper option is nail polish remover. It might sound extreme but it contains acetone so it will dry out the cold sore quickly. Warning! Acetone is toxic so do not use it inside your mouth.
What Works For Me
Last month I had the first two outbreaks in a few months, one after another. It was caused by stress at work. Each one lasted only one week and I treated first one with tea tree oil and the second one with nail polish remover with the same effect. I thought that was the end of it for a while but I thought wrong. I had an outbreak a few days later. Luckily I purchased a Cold sore machine the day before after much research and a lot of desperation! I was skeptical at first but this machine really works!
Is It Safe To Use Nail Polish Remover To Treat Cold Sores
In fact, just like the internet is full of everyday hacks, there are also warnings and caveats, with regard to the use of nail polish remover to treat cold sores. Some scholars mention that the strong chemical composition of the nail polish remover can make the blisters look smaller, however, they actually lengthen the healing process.
Instead of a couple of weeks, a cold sore might end up taking a month to completely disappear. Also, there is the risk of scarring around the mouth.
It seems to be true that using nail polish remover cold sore can be eradicated, but it is safe so long as the outbreak is nominal. For severe cases, you might want to resort to more traditional, medical methods, in the form of ointments and creams.
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How To Get Rid Of A Cold Sore Overnight
Have a tingling feeling in your lip? A new bunch of blisters may be set to erupt.
Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are painful outbreaks that usually appear around the lips, nose, and chin.
The condition is caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 and is highly contagious, especially if the blisters are oozing fluid. However, the virus does not always cause sores and may sometimes stay dormant permanently. The virus spreads through skin-to-skin contact, and oral sex can spread genital herpes to the mouth area.
Factors like hormonal changes in the body , fever, fatigue, emotional stress, skin trauma and excess sun exposure may also reactivate the virus, thus contributing to an outbreak of sores.
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Ways To Treat Cold Sore Naturally
Cold sores usually go away on their own within a week or so. They may burst, ooze out fluid and crust over in a span of time. However, they may be extremely annoying and terrifying to look at. And there is definitely no one-day cure to get rid of them.
Nevertheless, you can use some simple home cures to ease the discomfort, make them disappear more quickly and reduce the duration of an outbreak.
Here are 10 simple home remedies that can heal cold sores overnight.
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Can You Get Rid Of Cold Sore With Nail Polish Remover
Cold sores are inconvenient in every sense. They are painful, just above the mouth and are nasty to look at. Some victims may even suffer secondary symptoms like distended glands and a sore throat. Did you know that nail polish remover can help you get rid of the cold sore?
Naturally, victims of this ailment are anxious to find a quick fix. But like any anomaly that blossoms on the facial region acne, boils, or blisters, it takes time to finally get rid of them. There are several home remedies to take care of cold sores, one of which is to use nail polish remover. Lets check out the myth and the facts behind this suggestion.
Cold Sore Removed With Nail Polish Remover
The fastest, most effective way to get rid of a cold sore that I have found is constant application of acetone based nail polish remover. Apply hourly with a Q-tip and then cover with Abbreva.
Take care not to get the cold sore wet and immediately upon exiting the shower dry it with the nail polish remover and the Abbreva. This should dry it out within 24 hours.
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Natural Cold Sore Cures
Opened my eyes on New Year’s Day 2011 to find a large cold sore forming under my nose. AHHH, the horror. It was already bubbling up and the size of a dime. Over the years I have found when there is a serious temperature shift, from 15 degrees to 55 degrees in a day, that’s when I get a break out. So yes, it was a balmy New Year’s Eve and I get rewarded with a break out. For years I would get a sore and immediately apply ammonia to the tingling spot. Sometime it would deactivate a break out, sometimes not. Given the bubbles had already erupted I knew I needed an alternative solution because ammonia at this point would still allow for a 1 week heal time.
I read on Earth Clinic about acetone therapy. WOW!! It’s working. I applied acetone to the sore via Q-tip several times that day and allowed it to evaporate. When I awoke this morning, the sore had dried up considerably and is hardly red. It appears the acetone has shorted the 2 week herpes life cycle to 1-2 days. I am so thankful this remedy works. I plan to apply acetone several times today for good measure. Acetone works far better than ammonia on killing this virus. Give it a try, you will be shocked.
To help avoid them take lysine & Vitamin C. Go to Herpe Nutrution website to find out what things are good to eat and have Lysine in them. I hadn’t had one in 4 years until I ate Pumkin Seeds… Stay away from these… I hope this helps…
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Can Nail Polish Remover Really Heal Cold Sores
Google “nail-polish remover” and “cold sores.” Then come right back and forget everything you just saw. Despite plenty of claims to the contrary, “nail-polish remover does not heal cold soresthat’s a terrible idea,” says Joshua Zeichner, a dermatologist in New York City. By drying them out, acetone makes sores look smaller, but they also take longer to clear up completely. “Plus, you risk infection and scarring,” says Zeichner.
The best treatment is prevention. Your doctor can prescribe Valtrex, an oral medication that prevents a cold sore from forming. “Take one whenever you’re exposed to the triggers that cause herpes. For most people, it’s being in high-stress situations and spending the day in the sun,” says New York City dermatologist Amy Wechsler, who adds that you can also take Valtrex at the first tingle to nip the sore in the bud.
There are treatment-treatments, too.“Keep a cold sore moist and it’ll heal faster,” says New York City dermatologist Doris Day, who recommends using an ointment, like Aquaphor or Carmex Cold Sore Treatment, under lipstick and concealer so your makeup won’t dry out the sore. There is also a new topical prescription drug option. “Sitavig is a patch that sticks to your gum and delivers medication right to the cold sore,” says Day. “It works a day or two faster than other topical medications.”
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Popular Alternative Cold Sore Treatments
Even though some alternative cold sore treatment methods can potentially introduce serious risks, seeking safe alternatives is not bad. In fact, healing your cold sores through natural means is encouraged. Especially if those means involve a change in diet and increased vitamin intake.
Lets explore and briefly dissect each remedy:
Rubbing Alcohol Or Nail Polish Remover
Here is one not to be tested on the kids but many sufferers of cold sores swear on this method. The reason rubbing alcohol and acetone or nail polish remover works is because it kills the virus and dries out the cold sore. You can expect the cold sore to be gone in 24 hours to four days. Soak a cotton ball into the mixture and dab it onto the cold sore. Then apply Chap Stick to the area.
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Why You Should Never Use Nail Polish Remover On Cold Sores
Some cold sore sufferers swear by nail polish remover as a remedy for cold sores. The theory is that the chemicals in nail polish remover kills the virus and dries up the sore. While it does work, and there are some positive effect from doing this, the remedy can cause far more harm than good.
The first thing to be aware of is that putting nail polish remover on a cold sore is incredibly painful. If youve ever accidentally gotten it into a hangnail or papercut, then you have an idea of how painful it can be. Now just imagine this pain on your lip. If youve never had this experience and imagine getting vinegar, salt or lemon juice into a paper cut and translate that to your lip. Yikes!
Nail polish remover contains chemicals that can cause damage to tissue, which can result in a sore taking longer to heal. Your cold sore could go from taking a couple of weeks to heal, to lasting a couple of months. Not exactly what most people are looking for.
Bottom line, while nail polish remover can help a little, its made from harsh chemicals that can cause a great deal of pain and can cause significant damage to your skin. Never use nail polish remover on ANY skin condition, especially not on your face or around your mouth.
Nail Polish Remover For Cold Sores On Lips
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How To Prevent Cold Sores
How to Prevent Cold Sores
I have been suffering with frequent bouts of cold sores for the last few years. Having cold sores changes and controls your life so I wanted do find out what causes cold sores and how to cure my cold sores. I spent months on Google searching for some cold sore cure or remedy. I found a lot of information on causes and treatments of cold sores and I have tried almost all of them and will share with you what works for me.
What is a cold sore?
Cold sores also known as fever blisters are caused by the herpes simplex virus . The virus usually enters the body through a break in the skin around or inside the mouth. You get a cold sore when a person touches a cold sore or touches the infected fluid – from sharing eating utensils or razors, kissing an infected person, or touching that person’s saliva. Cold sores can also be spread to other areas of the body.
Cold sores are groups of small sores or blister-like lesions on the lip, around the mouth and sometimes in the nose. The skin around cold sore blister often breaks open, leaks a clear fluid and then scabs over after a few days. They usually heal in several days to two weeks.
A GP will usually be able to make a diagnosis just by looking at cold sore. Sometimes a blood test may be ordered.
The first symptoms of cold sore in my case include dry lips, pain around mouth and lips, a fever, extreme tiredness and swollen glands. As the cold sore grows in size so does pain and irritation.
How Can I Get Rid Of A Cold Sore Fast
Cold sores usually disappear on their own in 515 days. Antiviral medication may speed up the healing process by about 1 day .
Healthcare professionals, including dermatologists, can prescribe oral or topical antiviral medications. If a persons cold sores do not respond, the doctor may recommend IV treatment.
It is best to administer or receive treatment of the first symptom, which may be a tingling or burning sensation.
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What Gets Rid Of Cold Sores Overnight
Despite plenty of claims to the contrary, nail-polish remover does not heal cold soresthats a terrible idea, says Joshua Zeichner, a dermatologist in New York City. By drying them out, acetone makes sores look smaller, but they also take longer to clear up completely.
Unfortunately, you cant get rid of a cold sore in 24 hours, but you can shorten cold sore healing time and cut down the duration of painful cold sore symptoms. Just because there isnt a cure for cold sores, doesnt mean you have to suffer patiently until it clears up on its own.
Generally How do you get rid of a cold sore in 24 hours? Dab a bit of tea tree oil on a cotton swab and apply it to the sore directly. Be sure to repeat this several times during the day and before you go to bed. Tea tree oil is a great option because it contains anti-viral properties that kill infection that spread bacteria and expedite the healing process.
Nail Polish Remover For Cold Sores
Before you attempt to apply nail polish remover to an active blister, you must first understand the possible pitfalls.
In the same fashion that nail polish remover dries out nails, it will do the same to your blister. This can introduce chapping, cracking, skin breakage, and peeling. This is not good for your cold sore and not good for the surrounding skin.
Although drying out your fever blister will decrease its size, the negatives are more prevalent than the positives. If you are looking for cold sore healing, you will not find it in a bottle of nail polish remover. However, what you might get an infection and significant scarring.
While experimenting with alternative methods is okay, the vast majority of those methods are safe. Quite often the only negative result is the remedy failing to provide results. No harm is done. However, the concept of applying nail polish remover on your skin is simply dangerous. This is especially critical if you plan on using a polish remover that contains acetone.
Even though it would be foolish to assume that nail polish remover has not worked for some, this method is simply not wise.
To summarize:
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What To Do If Nail Polish Remover Doesnt Work
Most cold sores will resolve on their own without treatment. If nail polish remover doesnât work, the person experiencing symptoms can wait it out. Other treatments will help reduce the lesion and discomfort if waiting seems too uncomfortable.
If a cold sore is very bothersome, ice can help reduce swelling and pain in the short term. Pain relievers are also a quick option for easing symptoms.
A professional should treat a cold sore that shows signs of infection. Below are some signs that infection has set in.
- Excessive swelling
A doctor should examine if a cold sore lasts longer than a few weeks without improvement. There is always the chance that it is not a cold sore or that the patient suffers from an underlying condition that weakens the immune system.
