They come very late at night when you least expect and usually right before a very large, picturesque, life event . . . right girls.
Over the years, through sad experience, I've become one of my families experts on cold sores. After a few recent calls from family members in the thralls of cold sore trauma, I've decided to share everything I know that helps and somethings I've heard that help but I haven't tried. (Noted by a *.)
Cold sores, fever blisters, and sun blisters can appear as a result of stress, too much work, being over tired, or having chapped lips from not drinking enough or being out in the sun too long.
Remember that the germs that cause sores can linger on chap stick and lip gloss. Using an infected product can reinfect you lips. Be safe and throw away any balm or gloss you are unsure about.
To prevent, try drinking more water, getting plenty of sleep (ha ha), getting a good lip gloss with UV protection, and taking yoga classes.
When you feel that tell-tale burning sensation of your lips, treat it with my two step philosophy . . . "Clean and Dry." Here are some ways to keep your new found friend clean and dry and help it on it's way:
1. Wash with water and a soft washcloth at the first sign; then dab with a q-tip of rubbing alcohol.
2. Keep some handy alcohol wipes in your car or purse in case you feel one coming on while you're on the go.
3. A strong mouthwash also works great in place of rubbing alcohol.
4. Try this product: Abreva . Keep it in your pocket and apply multiple times a day.
5. If you're home all day, put on a movie and hold an ice cube to your lip.
6. Try this product: Neosporin or any antibiotic ointment. I put the regular cuts and scratches stuff right on my lip. Reapply multiple times a day. (If anyone tries the lip health products, please let me know how they do.)
7. Try this product: Carmex. It's great for prevention but works very slowly as a treatment.
For kids: Don't put anything on your kids lips you don't want them to lick off. For rashes and dry lips and cheeks try Lansinoh HPA Brand Lanolin and Carmex.
For bad inside mouth sores, amp your brushing up to three times a day, or after every meal. Get a good mouth wash to use after brushing and flossing. If this doesn't help, but some mouth wash on a q-tip and hold it right up against your sore for 30 seconds. Do this every morning and evening until it's gone. For more advice on this, talk to Mom.
Long term help:
Try L-Lysine - a dietary supplement used to improve immunity and skin health
If you feel like you have a serious health problem, talk to your doctor about a prescription for Acyclovir -medicine designed specifically to treat pervasive lip sores.*
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3 comments:
It tastes disgusting and stings, but powdered alum (a spice available at most any grocery store) has worked wonders on my inner-mouth cold sores, especially while nursing and not being able to take most prescription stuff. Great information!
Inner mouth sores: use Arm and Hammer baking soda toothpaste, or just straight baking soda. And lay off the sugar. :)
Great ideas you guys. Thank you so much for sharing.
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