The herpes simplex virus causes an infection that stays with you for life. This means that once you’ve contracted herpes, you’ll go through recurrent outbreaks. After the initial cold sore outbreak, the virus becomes dormant. Certain triggers will then make the virus become active again.

For those who have had recurring cold sore flareups, recognizing the signs that warn of an oncoming outbreak becomes easier over time. If you’re wondering how you can prevent cold sores from flaring up, read on.

Cold Sore Stages

A cold sore outbreak typically follows five stages. The first one is referred to as the tingling stage. At this point, the sores haven’t actually formed yet. However, that tingling or itching sensation around your mouth is usually a sign that the virus has become active again and you’re about to go through another cold sore flareup.

The second stage is referred to as the blistering phase. This usually occurs a day or two after the tingling stage. This is the stage when blisters filled with fluid actually appear on your lips, around your mouth, or even inside your mouth. Cold sores may also grow on or inside your nose, as well as on your chin and down your neck.

During the third stage, called the weeping phase, your cold sores will break open. This usually happens within a few days after they first appeared. It’s called the weeping phase because your sores will look like they’re weeping, with fluid oozing out of them. The blisters will appear red and shallow. This is the stage that’s considered the most contagious.

The fourth stage is called the crusting stage. After the virus-containing fluid has seeped out of your cold sores, the blisters will become dry. A crust will form over the blisters. Dry blisters typically appear brownish or yellowish.

The fifth and last stage is referred to as the healing stage. This is when the crust over the blisters begins to flake away. Once the crust completely disappears, the blisters will be healed, and your skin will look as if the blisters never happened.

Preventing an Oncoming Cold Sore

The best way to preempt a cold sore outbreak is to treat the affected area during the tingling stage. To do this, you’ll need to use medications that contain antiviral components.

Prescription antiviral treatments for cold sores include oral antiviral medications such as acyclovir and topical antiviral gels. Your doctor may also administer an injectable antiviral medication if your cold sore outbreaks are occurring too frequently or if your symptoms are particularly severe.

If you haven’t seen a doctor yet regarding your cold sores, you can use over-the-counter treatments for cold sores. There are numerous cold sore creams available, but you may want to opt for those that contain docosanol and benzyl alcohol.

Docosanol is actually a fatty alcohol, and it works on viruses that are enveloped in lipid, including the herpes simplex virus. What docosanol does is that it prevents the virus from being able to enter your cells. The herpes virus needs entry to your skin cells because it uses your cell’s DNA to replicate.

Benzyl alcohol, on the one hand, can provide relief against the pain caused by cold sores. It can also help hasten the healing process. If you prefer using cold sore creams, you should opt for those that contain both antiviral components and pain relievers.

Some creams contain docosanol, others contain antiviral active components such as acyclovir, while there are also those that contain topical anesthetics like benzocaine.

Cold Sore Remedies

Aloe vera

Known to have various health benefits, Aloe vera gel exhibits anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and healing properties. A 2016 study showed that Aloe vera gel is useful in inhibiting the growth and replication of the herpes simplex virus. Whether it’s still in the tingling stage or the cold sores have already formed, you can treat it with Aloe vera gel.

Tea tree oil

Used in various cosmetic and skincare products, tea tree oil actually possesses anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antiviral properties. You can also use tea tree oil whenever you need relief from cold sores. Apply diluted tea tree oil directly to cold sores twice a day.

Peppermint oil

Diluted peppermint oil has been shown to kill the herpes virus and treat other symptoms associated with cold sores. You can use peppermint oil even when your cold sores have not formed yet. Just apply it to the area where your cold sores usually appear.

Oregano oil

A popular home remedy for cold sores, you can dab diluted oregano oil on your cold sores using a cotton ball or gauze. Oregano oil can help cold sores to heal faster and reduce the inflammation.

Lemon balm oil

Keep your lips moisturized using a lip balm that contains lemon balm oil and sunscreen. Lemon balm oil can inhibit the herpes virus and facilitate faster healing of cold sores.

Eucalyptus oil

Lab tests indicate that eucalyptus oil is useful in reducing the severity of cold sore symptoms. Eucalyptus oil is also useful in shortening the duration of a flareup. Eucalyptus oil also has a soothing effect when applied on the skin.

Can You Have Sex When You Have Cold Sores?

Experts recommend that you shouldn’t kiss or give oral sex when you have cold sores. That doesn’t necessarily mean, however, that sex is altogether forbidden. You can still enjoy sex even when you’re going through a cold sore outbreak.

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