Understanding and Treating Cold Sores on Lips

Most people will experience cold sores in their lifetime. Although cold sores on lips are very common, many people feel unnecessarily embarrassed when one pops up. Cold sores may be ugly, but they are usually temporary and will shortly disappear.

Cold sores on lips often look like a blister, and may extend to the areas immediately around the lips. You may have one cold sore at a time, or a cluster, that will last up to about 10 days. It is important to remember not to scratch or pick at the cold sores because this can result in more pain and complications, even causing scarring in extreme cases.

Since every case of cold sores on lips is different, it helps to know what type of cold sore you are experiencing. They are all caused by a particular herpes simplex virus which can be treated, but not indefinitely cured. Doctors estimate that 80% of the American population will be exposed to this herpes virus. Once you have the virus, you may find that the cold sores will come back during your lifetime. You’ll be able to treat the visible symptoms, but will probably discover that you have more outbreaks of cold sores on lips during your lifetime. They will often appear in the same area time after time.

Visiting your doctor is always a good idea to find out your type of cold sores, on lips or the surrounding area. They will be able to tell you the fastest, most effective way to treat your particular strain. The doctor may recommend a treatment solution to be applied directly to the affected area, which will probably shrink the cold sore until it disappears within a few days.

There are also some home remedies that may alleviate cold sores on lips as well. You can try applying ice to the sores, which will help to inhibit the virus by dropping the temperature of the affected area, as well as numbing and soothing your lips. Some people also find that applying warm tea bags to the area every hour can help alleviate an outbreak. The tannic acid in the tea has antiviral properties. Petroleum jelly and lip moisturizers are also popular methods of treating cold sores on lips, because they help to soothe and moisten the skin while keeping the scabs from cracking or bleeding. Medicinal herbs such as Lysine can also help to lessen the frequency of outbreaks.

The herpes simplex virus type 1 that causes cold sores is usually passed between people through touch, especially during an outbreak. To prevent cold sores on lips, avoid kissing or touching anyone with a visible cold sore. Your body can also fight the virus when you have had adequate rest, moderate exercise, low stress, and a healthy diet of fresh fruits and vegetable juices because your immune system will be boosted. If you have had cold sores before, wear a protective hat and lip balm with sunscreen to avoid exposure to sunlight and UV rays, which can trigger in outbreak.

Moisturizing your lips can protect them from wind burn and chapping, which can lessen the chance of a breakout of cold sores on lips. Cold sores can be embarrassing and painful, but with the right treatment and prevention, the outbreak will be over before you know it.