Cold Sores...any Help?

[Tilly2]

Is there any way of preventing them?

I know that the herpes simplex virus lies dormant and wakens every now and then. I have yet another cold sore which is being zapped by Zovirax but they are uncomfortable and unsightly. Is there a way of stopping them recurring?

[-SharonA-]

I find rubbing affected area with ice helps me. The sores are then not so big and blistery. Then I use a cream called Prevasore which was recommended to me by my pharmacist.

[sunny-dave]

The cheapest acyclovir cream (which is what Zovirax is) is called Virasorb and is available at Savers and other discount stores - usually for around £1.

It's cheap enough to use as a prophylactic (in my case after every shave) to avoid cold sores even getting started.

[HansUrbancka]

To avoid me having to find a local Discount Store that sells 'Virasorb' I have this moment ordered two tubes, on line, from Amazon.

Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

Hans.

[GenuineclAss]

From 'Be your own herbalist', by Michelle Schoffro Cook, phD, DNM:

In a study published in the journal, Natural Products Research, scientists found that lemon balm was highly effective against the herpes simplex virus. Viruses must multiply in the body to survive. Lemon balm was shown to inhibit the ability of the herpes simplex virus to multiply by up to 60%. Other studies have shown the effectiveness of lemon balm ointment applied to herpes lesions and lip sores.
Sedatives and thyroid medications may interact with lemon balm, so consult your physician prior to using lemon balm if you are taking either of these medications.
I've seen lemon balm lip salve for sale on amazon.

Lemon Balm Tincture:

Large bundle of fresh lemon balm, washed
One 75 cl bottle of vodka

Coarsely chop the leaves and stems of the lemon balm, and put it in a large kilner jar until it is about three-quarters full. Pour just enough of the vodka into the jar to completely submerge the balm. Cover. Leave the jar in a cool, dark place for at least 4 weeks, shaking it once a day, then strain out the plant matter. You can store the tincture in a sealed jar for up to a year.
Take half a teaspoon of the tincture up to 3 times a day as necessary, or dab onto cold sores with a cotton swab.

According to research by John Heinerman, a doctor of medical anthropology, peppermint is potent against viruses, making it a good choice in dealing with the herpes virus. Heinerman recommends 2 cups of hot peppermint tea daily to alleviate symptoms and shorten the duration of herpes outbreaks. Once in the body, the herpes virus is always present, but it can remain dormant. Occasionally drinking peppermint tea can help to reduce the chances of an outbreak.
To make mint tea, use one teaspoon of dried mint per cup, (200-250 ml) of hot water. Mint's natural oils are best extracted in hot, but not boiling water. Let the tea steep for 10 minutes.
Sorry this goes on a bit, but it's an American book and they never use one word where 10 will do! I too have always suffered with cold sores. Just got rid of 2. One on the top lip and one in my nose, which is far worse, as you can't keep them dry. I always carry a good beeswax lip salve in my bag, to stop my lips from drying out on windy days.

Herbal immune system boosters include Calendula/Marigold; dandelion root & leaf - if diabetic, consult the GP before using dandelion as it's a diuretic - but it's also amazing for weight loss. I've lost over a stone by drinking tea made from the root. I buy the root from Amazon, by the kg. The recipe for the tea is on the Eatweeds website; echinacea boosts the immune system, healing long-lasting wounds and ginger root is especially effective at reducing pain and throbbing. Liquorice stabilises an overactive immune system, which attacks the body's own tissues, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and the skin condition known as scleroderma. I can't take liquorice as I have High Blood Pressure.

There! Finished at last!

[gness]

Tilly's cold sore is going to be the most talked about cold sore on AB!...☺

[tamaris]

I have had them since I was a teenager. The thing that REALLY WORKS for me is Lysine 500 mg. I buy in Holland and Barrett when they have 2 for 1 on special, I never run out. As soon as you feel the tingle take two tabs and the next morning take 1 tab. Good luck. I got one 2 days ago and it has not developed.

[Tilly2]

Thank you all for your help and advice. My cold sore feels like a superstar!

It's gone scabby now. Please don't make me laugh. It'll crack open. :-(

[gness]

I always think it's best to make things look meant, Tilly........bling it up with a touch of glue and glitter.....seasonal colours of course.... ;-)

[Tilly2]

Gerroff! I ain't doing that. Thanks all the same, Gness.

(You'd have me going out looking a right nana!)

[gness]

Oh go on.....I'll bling up my scar thingy.....and we'll have a night out!

[Tilly2]

We won't be doing much kissing and telling on our night out, Gness.
(I am not putting glue on my cold sore......are you mad?????)

[gness]

We won't be doing much kissing??? Wow, Tilly...didn't know you cared.....we could just hold hands if you prefer........

Am I mad?......Mmmm...probably..... :-)

[Tilly2]

Not each other.........our dates! Or is it just you and me? Two attractive but slightly scabby but blingy femails?

[sunny-dave]

... I'm just waiting for gness's "glitter in the pants" story ...

[Tilly2]

Have you heard it Dave?

[gness]

Ahhhh...a foursome....we have dates! Super! They'll not see the scabs under all the bling, Tilly....... :-)

[gness]

Everyone's heard it in Northants, Tilly......it went out on local radio... :-)

[Tilly2]

Just noticed related posts. No one has mentioned cold sore since July 2011. I find that really odd! They're hardly rare are they?

[gness]

They all use Tea Tree oil now, Tilly......x

[Tilly2]

Gness, I'm itching to hear your glitter in the pants story......do tell.

Who've you got lined up for our dates?