E-pics and a coldsore

That totally sucks. I had the same thing happen! Abreva is expensive, but it does honestly work. Also your doctor should be able to give you some acyclovir cream or pills to take when you feel one coming so it doesn't get as bad.

Abreva!!!!

Dab some milk on it! Works like a charm!

Essential Oils keep the cold sore moist so it still thrives.

How often do you get them? If it's only occasionally, have you considered asking your doctor for a standing script for acyclovir for outbreaks of cold sores? It's very possible that if OTC remedies don't help, it's HSV-2 (referred to as the "genital type") rather than HSV-1, which is more receptive to treatment via products like Abreva.

For clarity, it is possible to contract HSV-1 and HSV-2 ANYWHERE on the body, and it can be spread from one area to others, so just because one is commonly called the "oral" type or the "genital" type doesn't mean it can't be found in other areas.

ETA: If you get them frequently, you can also ask for a prophylactic acyclovir script to help prevent them from occurring.

Zinc oxide or lemon balm

Tea tree oil & make a baking soda paste. it will dry it out. u don't want oil on it it takes longer to heal.

Thanks for the feedback everyone! I really appreciate it. I think I am going to get Abreva on lunch and see what happens. MNA, I don't get them that often...but usually when I'm very stressed and extreme weather changes (both of which happened this past week). I do have a prescription for Acyclovir and took it when I woke up with it yesterday but apparently I took it too late. I'm an idiot...I had no idea about the oils exacerbating it. Thank you everyone who mentioned that!

Thank you, Hol! I am screen-shotting that so I can use it for my wedding next year...that is my biggest fear that I'll have one the day of, too. I appreciate it! I'm glad you didn't get one!

Lysine is amazing

I typically use Abreva on my coldsores, but the last one I got did not respond to Abreva. I used Thieves Essential Oil and it was completely dried out in 2 applications. Dried my lip out a TON though so had to moisturize often after the coldsore was no longer growing/contagious.

I haven't used the name brand, but I have used the off brand. It made my cold sore go away in 1 day. Now it did burned and smelled like rubbing alcohol, but this is all I use now when get cold sores. A few moments of pain but 100% worth it! Also is kinda pricey $20.00 but again worth it.

Abreva. That always works quickly for me.

@SeptMrsV: Cold sores (or any HSV lesion) are contagious until they are COMPLETELY healed and gone. Your body also starts shedding the virus (meaning that area is contagious to others) 24-48 hours before you show a lesion.

Additionally, the body also randomly silently sheds virus, meaning you are contagious without ever being aware of it.

I would reschedule. I am a dental hygienist, plus I get them too. There is a stage where they are contagious. You don't need to kiss your FH when you have one. You can give him the virus or spread it to a different area on your lips.

And the worst news, once it surfaced, it has to go through its stages to heal. Abreva is supposed to heal it sooner but usually if you don't catch it at the "tingling" stage before it surfaces, it will pop up and have to run its course. And I'm sure you are like me and will be stressing about it even more than you normally do considering your situation and stress will only make it worse.

Your dentist or doctor can prescribe something for you to have on hand. When you first feel that itch or tingle, take it. And that can keep them from actually forming. If you wait and call to get the meds afterwards, it will have to run its course.

I don't get them often either (maybe one time a year) but that medicine helps for sure if you catch it in time.

Hope that makes sense and I'm not rambling! Lol