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Does anyone now the best way to deal with a cold sore? I've woken up with a beauty on my bottom lip and it's driving me mad and looks awful. In the past I've tried Zovirax (seems to make it bigger!) and Compeed patches (hurts when you take it off) and I'm running out of ideas!

Skippy if you remember I had then a few weeks ago. I dont think anything works i just put the cream on to soothe it more than anything. The blister bit at the beginning is always the worst bit I think. I am very much of the opinion that the sun sets them off, mine appeared the nect day after I had sat outside for 20 mins when the sun wash shining on one of those rare occasions. Hubby swears by aftershave, I will let you decide on that one. Ouch.I might try something like distilled( make sure it is distilled) witchazel or just cold water on a pad to try to stop the swelling. I am rambling but maybe somewhere to start. Poor you i hate them.

Ang

Ang

I don't get them myself but I've heard that applying ice to the area is good. Hope it clears up soon,
xx

After looking at it in the mirror earlier I'm thinking a crash helmet might be a good idea!

Thanks for the tips!

ive always put perfum on mine hurt like hell though and done no if it works or they would have gone on their own anyway. sue x

Skip

They are caused by a virus and anti virals such as zovirax will work, the problem with anti virals is that they have to get into the cell in order to kill the beast and this can often appear to make things worse before they get better. Ice can reduce inflammation but does damage cells if applied directly, you heal better at 37 degrees. Dont use steriod creams as they reduces the immune response.

Hope you will feel better soon.

Thanks everyone. I'll buy some Zovirax or something tonight. The stupid thing is I feel less stressed than I have done for a long time. I used to get one every November, but now it seems as though it's moved to April as I had one at the same time last year!

Don't buy Zovirax, it is about £6-7, I went to Home Bargains and got the same stuff, called Virosorb for 99p, it has exactly the same ingredient in it and it works the same [8D]

We haven't got anywhere like that here unfortunately. Before we moved offices last year we had a Wilkinsons which was great, but now I'm afraid it's whatever I can get in Sainsburys!

does sainsbury's have their own branded meds and stuff like asda? You may be able to buy a cheaper one than Zovirax. What about Blistex? does that work for coldsores? I use it for chapped lips and it's really good.

There are also capsules you can get from Holland & Barratt - again expensive though. L-lysine or something similar. You would have to ask an assistant to get exactly the right thing though. The way my week is going I'll have quoted the wrong capsule and you will grow another head!!

Good luck I hope it goes soon.

check with the pharmacist before you but as I'm pretty sure that you have to apply it just as it's starting.Too late once ot's there? Just check.Might be worth having something in though if you're prone.Cat

My friend used to work for GSK and used to get me Zovirax for £1.50 but unfortunately she left - very inconsiderate! I ended up getting a tube of Blisteze which is quite soothing.

I think you're right about applying it when it starts - that could be why it never seems to work very well as I usually wake up with them!

Skip garlic has anti viral properties. I am also told by a colleague I worked with into homopathic remedies that cold witch hazel helps. They can be caused by sunlight so using a uv lip balm can help but cold winds, Ladies times and emotional upset have also been linked. Garlic is available in capsule form.

There is an old cure for cold sores we use here in the shires.
You have to kiss a cows bottom.




It doesn't cure the cold sore but it stops you licking your lips.