For best results, reapply the ointment often (about 5 times per day), so the sore and the skin around it don’t have time to dry up.
Use a skin protectant such as lip balm that contains zinc oxide to protect your cold sore.
When did you first notice the current cold sore? How painful is the cold sore? When did you first get cold sores? How frequently do you get cold sores?
Depo-Provera birth control Steroid-based medications Nasal sprays such as Fluticasone and Nasonex Flu shots or vaccinations (rarely) Medications that weaken your immune system
Apply the cream as soon as you feel the cold sore coming on. If you catch it early enough, the cream might prevent it from becoming a blister. The cream can be applied to open sores, too. They should go away within a day or two after application.
This can be painful, as the cortisone shot is injected into the cold sore itself. It may also be costly. Check with your health insurance provider to see if this procedure is covered by your insurance.
You can also increase your intake of lysine through certain foods, such as fish, chicken, eggs and potatoes. Check with your doctor if you have high cholesterol or heart disease. Taking lysine may raise your cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Similarly, avoid oral sexual activity during an outbreak. This can risk transmitting the virus and infecting the other person with genital herpes.
Throw away your toothbrush when you have a cold sore outbreak. You can risk continuing the virus if you keep exposing yourself to it through your toothbrush. [18] X Research source
Acidic foods, like tomatoes and citrus fruits. Avoid both raw tomatoes and foods containing tomato-based sauces, and stop drinking tomato, orange and grapefruit juice. [19] X Research source Salty foods, like canned soups, fried foods, and snack foods. Excess salt can trigger a cold sore outbreak.
Take precautions against getting the flu or a cold. Wash your hands frequently during flu and cold season. Consider getting a flu shot if you’re prone to cold sore outbreaks.
