Cold Sores...any Help?

[Tilly2]

Is there any way of preventing them?

I know that the herpes simplex virus lies dormant and wakens every now and then. I have yet another cold sore which is being zapped by Zovirax but they are uncomfortable and unsightly. Is there a way of stopping them recurring?

[gness]

For anything like that, Tilly....I'd use diluted Tea Tree Oil about once a week as a precaution......x

[Buenchico]

Once you've got the virus it's there for life. All you can do is to try to avoid the things which trigger it into life
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Cold-sore/Pages/Causes.aspx
and to keep your immune system working at maximum efficiency
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/winterhealth/Pages/Healthywinter.aspx

[Maydup]

I would say Tea Tree too. It soothes and heels quickly and will also prevent.

All sorts of health professionals support its use too.

Plenty to here

http://www.newhealthadvisor.com/tea-tree-oil-for-cold-sores.html

[Maydup]

^^^ plenty to read here

[Tilly2]

The problem is Gness, that they appear on different areas of the lips and nose but I agree that tea tree oil is a wonderful zapper! It works wonders on spots and sores.

I'm hoping for an antiviral medicine/tablet of some sort. A bit of a pipe dream, I think.

[woofgang]

Maydup where did you find that website? Its ages since I have seen so much rowlocks on one place.

[Tilly2]

What's wrong with that advice, Woofgang, please?

[gness]

Tilly.....once you are rid of this one....with the help of Tea Tree....use it once or twice a week to stop any more coming to annoy you......☺

[murraymints]

don't go kissing boys in draughty doorways !!! that's what does it you know..my granny said so ..it MUST be true !!

[Tilly2]

It's too late for that advice, Minty. Been there and done that. :-)

Thanks, Gness. I'll give the tea tree oil a try.

Thanks for the links, everyone.

Chris, I don't eat enough fruit or drink milk. That's what the cause must be.

[Maydup]

Leave off Woof, or try this

http://www.newhealthadvisor.com/Why-Do-I-Get-Annoyed-Easily.html

[Jennykenny]

Old fashioned remedy but it does seem to work. Heat the handle of a teaspoon in hot water and carefully and gently press it onto the beginning of the cold sore.
I know you are looking for a solution to stop them before they start, but this is useful if you haven't any medical help.

[Tilly2]

It's worth a try, Jenny. Thank you. Can't do it now, it's too painful. Might try it on the next one.

[shivvy]

Hi Tilly

I get cold sores too and bloody hate them. I always think they look a bit dirty.
I'm sure you know as much as I do about them but these things help me . . .
I reckon prevention is so important because once those tiny blisters pop there is little more that the zovirax can do. I think it is great to use zovirax early, but once it has turned into a cut/sore then I stop using it. Zovirax is a really strong cream and I reckon it would cause a sore on healthy skin if used repeatedly so I have learned when to stop using it.
I try to be very alert to the very first symptoms (tingle on my lip/nose and pain/sensitivity on my scalp) at times when I know a coldsore is likely to start ie when I'm stressed, tired, a change from dull to bright sunlight eg on holidays.
My first line of defence (before using zovirax) is a cold sore machine. Have you tried it? I think the reviews might be mixed about how effective it is but I really think mine helps if I zap it as soon as possible. I bought mine quite a while ago and cant see it online after a quick look this evening, but others seem to cost about £40. Although I don’t remember paying that amount for mine.
Have you ever been prescribed a course of meds from your GP? I was given a course some years ago. If my memory serves it is a course of acyclovir which is the important ingredient in zovirax. It is in tablet form and I think the idea is to help prevent the cold sores from starting starting. I think it is important not to take it if there is any possibility that you may become pregnant though.
Lastly, hopefully you aren’t paying for the full price zovirax? There are lots of alternative cold sore creams nowadays and as long as they have the same amount of acyclovir in them then you may as well buy the much much cheaper versions.
I hope some of that might have helped Tilly – they really are horrible things.

[Tilly2]

Thank you very much for that detailed answer, Shivvy. Funny you should mention the pain/sensitivity of the scalp. That's exactly what happens to me but I have never associated it with cold sore eruptions. I just think, as I did last week, 'Oh, oh, I have a virus. I'm sickening for something.'

I have never related the two. How stupid of me. I'll take more notice of that scalp pain next time.

Thanks again.

[murraymints]

Tilly I buy a tiny wee tube of stuff from Home Bargains only 89p and quickly dispenses cold sores !!

[Tilly2]

Thanks Minty but we don't have a Home Bargains around here. I have bought Zovirax.......

[Cloverjo]

I've found this thread a bit too late.
Zovirax is the the only thing that works. There is no precaution that I know of.
I bought a light sabre type thing that was supposed to be amazing, and cost about £100 pound, but it was useless. There is no prevention. Just keep Zovirax with you at all times and use it liberally.

[Tilly2]

Thank you, Cloverjo.I keep slapping it on. I'll not bother looking at cold sore light sabres. That's two of you who have said they're no good.

[fbg40]

Tilly
Sorry to read about your problem with cold sores. I've suffered for years (I'm now 68 !) and until recently used, like you, Zovirax - until I asked for some at the pharmacy counter at my local Tesco. The pharmacist recommended I try Tesco's own brand ( the main ingredint is Acyclovir). It's about half the price of Zovirax and works just as well. Hope this helps.
FBG40