subject: Remedies For Cold Sores [print this page] The search for remedies for a cold sore can be a long and arduous one, and most people will end up trying several different products without getting any closer to one that really works the way that they expect. The fact of the matter is that there is no real cure for cold sores, and the best that you can hope for is a solution for the pain and discomfort that you will likely go through.
One of the best remedies for cold sores is petroleum jelly. This will provide a protective coating to the affected area, thereby hastening the healing process and reducing the risk of further reinfection. You may also use an anesthetic ointment-the ones that contain benzocaine can be especially effective-in place of petroleum jelly. In addition to providing much of the same protective benefit as petroleum jelly, anesthetic remedies for cold sores will also have the added benefit of easing the pain significantly.
While petroleum jelly may be a beneficial remedy for a cold sore, the same isn't necessarily true for makeup. Although it would seem that applying makeup on and around the affected area will provide some kind of protection, what you have to realize is that the chemicals that they contain can actually worsen the condition. It is therefore a good idea to avoid using makeup until after the cold sore has healed completely.
Another topical cold sore remedy that might help ease your discomfort considerably is sunscreen. This is particularly useful for people who seem to experience the condition as a direct result of exposure to the sun. When using sunscreen as a remedy for cold sores, it would be a good idea to use a product that has an SPF rating of at least 15%. Alternately, you may also use a lipstick brand that contains sunscreen ingredients. This should provide you with adequate protection while you go through the healing process of your cold sores.
All throughout the recovery process, you should be careful not to infect anyone else. Many remedies for cold sores therefore aim to prevent spreading cold sores while providing relief to the person who already has them. You should also take steps to prevent passing them on to someone else by avoiding the sharing of personal implements such as your lipstick, makeup, and other personal effects.
For yourself, you should get a new toothbrush after the cold sore has formed even if you are already taking a remedy for cold sores. Most people are inadvertently leave themselves open to reinfection since the bristles of the toothbrush can actually harbor the cold sore causing virus. By making sure to change your toothbrush after the condition has appeared, you will help hasten the healing process and prevent a reoccurrence that will again take a long time to heal. If you find that you experience frequent attacks even with the regular use of cold sore remedies, you should consult with your doctor in order to determine the reason for the constant reinfection.
