(maybe) helpful tip for cold sores

If you go to a doctor they can prescribe an anti-viral like acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), and valacyclovir (Valtrex). I had laser hair removal done and my doctor prescribed it for me to prevent me from getting cold sores before and after treatment. Hope this helps!

My family is known for using ice if we feel one coming on! It's supposed to stop it in its tracks, but only works if you catch it early!

Oh wow, I totally get cold sores when I'm stressed! Thanks for these tips.

View Quoted Comment I thought about getting something prescribed, but I loathe taking medication lol

View Quoted Comment Definitely ice too! As soon as I feel a tingle I’m on it

View Quoted Comment You’re welcome! Like I said, I dab the extract on and if I feel a tingle or burn I pay attention to my lips more!

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Well, cold sores (herpes simplex) are a virus so anti-virals are the only truly effective way to prevent them. Abreva only helps shorten the term of the actual sore on your face. Ice helps reduce the appearance but you'd need to consistently ice it throughout the day.

If you have weeks or months to work to prevent the cold sores, you can try taking L-Lysine consistently. It is a supplement that has had some success in basic, early trials. Unfortunately, there aren't any RCTs or significant blinded tests done on its efficacy so it's a real gamble (as are most supplements). If you are really really really against medications it could be your best bet.

I read somewhere to make a paste with an aspirin and water and apply that to cold sores. It seems to really help for mine.

It hurts like all get out but the best thing to do if you get them is dry them out. I’ve used rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide and then salt. Let me tell you, the pain makes me want to rip my hair out but they go away in two days if you end up getting one unexpected

Carmex works for me