Health Tip: Coping With Cold Sores

(HealthDay News) -- Cold sores are small blisters, triggered a herpes virus, that mostly form on the mouth.

The American Academy of Dermatology suggests how to cope with them:

  • Apply an over-the-counter antiviral cold-sore medication that contains docosanol or benzyl alcohol.
  • Apply an ice pack to ease pain, or an over-the-counter pain-relieving gel or ointment.
  • Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to manage pain.
  • Avoid acidic foods, such as citrus fruits and tomatoes, as well as spicy and salty foods.
  • Apply a cold, damp rag to the sores several times a day for five to 10 minutes at a time.
  • Apply petroleum jelly to the sore and surrounding skin.

    • Date Published: 2/28/2024 4:38:34 AM

    Related Articles

    Search Allergy Articles

    Rare Red Meat Allergy Linked To More Tick Species

    Check Your Pantry, Lay's Classic Potato Chips Recalled Due to Milk Allergy Risk

    Tools You Can Use to Control Winter Asthma, Allergy Symptoms

    Allergies Have You Stuffed Up? Nose Fungi May Be to Blame

    Seasonal Allergies Likely To Grow Worse Under Climate Change

    Helene's Aftermath: How to Safely Enter, Clean Flood-Damaged Homes

    Air Pollution Could Be Changing Children's Brains

    App Helps Asthma Patients Track Symptoms

    How Early Antibiotic Use Could Raise Kids' Asthma Risk

    Exercise in Pregnancy Might Lower Baby's Odds for Asthma Later

    Most Americans Won't Get Vaccinated as Flu, COVID Season Looms: Survey

    'Dual Mutant' Seasonal Flu Virus Could Make Some Treatments Ineffective

    Could OTC Nasal Sprays Ease Colds & Flu and Cut Antibiotic Use?

    Americans Still Consider COVID Major Public Health Threat

    Is It a Cold, Flu or COVID? An Expert Helps You Sort It Out