Beauty Emergency! Help for Cold Sores
For any woman, a cold sore is an unwelcome visitor in the mirror. The unattractive appearance of these fluid-filled blisters which occur on or around the mouth is one strike against them. The other name for cold sores, herpes, is a second strike. The fact that kissing is out for at least a week is the final nail in the coffin. What do you do when you have a beauty emergency like a cold sore? Help for cold sores is available. The following article will provide some great tips to prevent, treat, and- most importantly- camouflage a cold sore outbreak.
Help for Cold Sores: Prevention
Taking care of oneself is the best way to prevent cold sore outbreaks. Though the virus that causes cold sores, herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), is permanent, it can remain dormant for months or years at a time. The most common causes of cold sores are sun exposure, fatigue, stress, menstruation, poor nutrition, illness, and dehydration. Many women may experience all of the afore-mentioned in just one busy day! Obviously, women can't stop their periods, and will develop common colds and fevers which may cause cold sore outbreaks. However, baking in the sun, skipping meals, not getting enough sleep, and overdoing it can be avoided or at least managed better. Herpes will not become active if the body is healthy. It enters an active state when the body is faced with physical or emotional stress.
Help for Cold Sores: Treatment
Help for cold sores involves treating them at the first sign. This may be an itching sensation, a hardened bump under the skin, redness, or excessive dryness around the mouth or nose. Topical ointments like Abreva, Carmex, Herpecin-L, and Campho Phenique can stop cold sore outbreaks in their tracks if applied before the cold sore blister emerges. For recurrent cold sore sufferers, it is a good idea to have a prescription for an antiviral medication such as Valtrex on hand with multiple refills to treat additional outbreaks. Once a cold sore, or fever blister, emerges, it will take 7-10 days to form, swell, seep, crust, peel, and finally dry up. It isn't a pretty sight. Avoiding the mirror and the urge to pick at the cold sore will benefit both the ego and the healing process.
Help for Cold Sores: Camouflage
If the cold sore emerges and life must go on, there are a few ways to camouflage or at least minimize the its appearance. Most of the topical ointments come in tinted formulas for that very reason. (Sorry guys, I guess this option is only helpful for the ladies). Applying ice to the cold sore in intervals can reduce swelling and redness. Abreva truly shortens healing time from 7-10 days to 3-4 days though a tiny tube costs about $20. Thick, talc-based make-up can be applied to cold sores to dry up weeping and provide additional coverage. Hands should be washed frequently to avoid spreading the virus.
