*preventing* cold sores?

[DisneyFan32WI]

I've tried it all...well, except the ear wax ...ewwwww....

I can honestly say that VALTREX is a miracle drug.

All the topical treatments tend to come off very quickly because you are placing it on your lips. For me, it was a complete waste of money -and time since you had to reapply constantly.

Dr. Oz just had this topic on his show the other day. He recommended Vitamin C as a preventive measure.

The Lysiene is a pill...so not good for those who have trouble swallowing.

 

[Christine]

I use topical Zovirax if I feel one coming on and it works great. Zovirax does come in pill form but, for me, taking the pills is like applying a sledgehammer ot the problem. It's not required. If I can live with topical treatments, I do that. I do realize that some people get them so bad that they need the pill form.

I actually get my dentist to write me a prescription whenever I go in for my cleaning. Some years I don't even use the stuff.

 

[mjkacmom]

It's the herpes virus, so she'll still get them. DH swears that the OTC works well (abreva?). It's not cheap, and he is, so the fact that he buys it says something.

 

[Green Tea]

Abreva is OTC and does help, slowly. the BEST thing ever invented is Valtrex. It is a prescription pill. Take one when you first feel that tickle/sting and the cold sore just never develops. God bless my dermatologist!

 

[DawnCt1]

I agree that Zovirax, Valtrex, etc are miracle drugs, but seriously; when you feel the tingle, ice it for 20 minutes. An ounce of prevention is a worth a pound of cure and it really works.

 

[DawnCt1]

The benefits of ice are thought to be twofold.

Applying ice (for five to ten minutes each hour) during the Tingle stage will lower the temperature of the tissue where the cold sore is forming. This temperature reduction will reduce the area's metabolic rate and therefore, in turn, stifle the cold sore's development.
Intermittent application of ice to a cold sore can act as a numbing agent and therefore lessen its pain and itching.

http://www.animated-teeth.com/cold_sores/t4_cold_sores_treatments.htm

The itching stage, without a doubt, is the most important of all cold sore symptoms. Treating this phase of your cold sore symptoms immediately and correctly is the secret to being cold sore free for life.

To prevent further cold sore symptoms, or at least reduce their impact, try applying ice. Herpes virus hates cold. Applying ice during this phase sends the virus back to the latent stage for many people.

I prefer ice because it's readily available almost anywhere you are, it works very well and is basically free. Any cold object, like a can of soda, will help.

TThe important thing is - the quicker you do this, the less likely you will have to suffer further cold sore symptoms. If nothing else, your cold sore symptoms will be a lot less severe.

http://searchwarp.com/swa28472.htm

 

[Carlyzmom]

My doctor prescribed Valtrex and said to take two immediately upon feeling that tingle and then 1 every 12 hours for 72 hours. I follow up with Abreva. It really makes a huge difference. I break out from stress and too much sun and they can be terrible if I don't catch them in time (which is usually just before a first date with a great guy)

I totally agree with the Valtrex! In fact, on our last Disney trip, we drove all day - 16 hours - and when we arrived, I felt one coming up on my bottom lip. I took the Valtrex and it did help it not get HUGE, as they usually do. I NEVER leave home without it in my purse!!

 

[brockash]

My son had a bad one years ago and the doctor gave him Zovirax. Cleared it right up. Its a pill, may come in a topical form. Its actually for Herpes. My dad takes Lysine on a daily basis for prevention.

I've also started using Lysine on a daily basis for prevention and I use a lot of carmex. I had never noticed before, but the label actually says prevents cold sores, so I've been using that and taking Lysine every day, and so far I haven't had a problem. I'd also say, tell her no matter what to never "itch" her lips and to really try to never really touch them with her hands.

 

[SpecialK]

My sister takes acidophilus caps as a preventive measure. It's also found in yogurt.