how do you get rid of a cold sore?
79215
I get cold-sores every other year or so.  I hate them and they're nasty looking.  I've tried plenty of over-the-counter medications but the only one that really worked well is called Abreva - it cut down the cold sore to about 2 days vs. the usual 5-7 I would experience in the past.  The downside is that it's expensive.  You can find it at your local drugstore.
303733
Cold sore or a fungus of some sort.  If it doesn't go away in a few days go see a doctor.
24573
It is herpes, and it is very contagious.  Do not kiss someone when you or they have a cold sore.  Also, do not touch the area and then touch other parts of your body - you can spread the virus.  Wash your hands often.
668029
For canker sores you can drink papaya juice.  It will heal in a few hours.  Hold your nose while drinking it because its horrible.
432777
people get cold sores for many different reasons. stress, spicy food or food allergies and sun exposure are just a few. keep a diary of all of the things you eat and drink, the way you were feeling and if you were in direct sunlight for a few months and see if there is a pattern to when you get your cold sores. if you can attribute them to one or two things you can prevent them from coming by not doing those things. if you see they are caused by sun exposure you can take L-Lysine it is in the vitamin aisle of many drug stores or wal mart, take it every morning in the summer months when you know you will be doing alot of outdoor activities, it has worked for me.I also get them when my lips become extremely chapped, eat jalapenos or am under alot of stress. I can prevent the chapped lips, I avoid Jalapenos and take lysine in the summer, as far as stress is concerned I use herpicin when I "just have that feeling" i am going to get a cold sore. I know this is alot to do just to prevent one but hopefully it helps!!
198419
I get a cold sore maybe once or twice a year. They suck. The don't head up like a zit. They get a crusty, yellowish scab and crack when you open your mouth.  :P\n They burn like an extreme case of chapped lips. Sometimes they'll get the size of a dime... but I've had them be so small that they can barely be seen. Usually at the corner of the mouth. Untreated they can last a week or two. \n\nFrom what I understand they are a strand of the Herpes virus, and are contagious.\n\nThey have some ointment that you can get over the counter that will usually knock them out in a couple days.\n\nI hope that you have a zit.   :)\n\nOZ
299385
antibiotics only treat bacteria, a cold sore is a virus.  Pretty straightfoward.
442050
Stress tends to make them appear.  So does fluctuations in temperature.  Try not to stress out. Apply lip balm regularly.  Abreeva works great.  Don't pick or play with the cold sore.  Scars are very easy to get.
272992
By mouth ulcers do you mean the ulcers inside the mouth or fever blisters on the lips?  Both are caused by the herpes simplex type 1 virus which is the most common herpes simplex virus and it's usually acquired in childhood.  The best cure for ulcers in the mouth would be to rinse several times a day with warm salt water... it has a natural healing affect on the gums and surrounding tissues.  Use 1 teaspoon of salt to 8 ounces of warm water.  If it is a fever blister you have on your lip I would advise you to try Abreva which can be purchased over-the-counter and use as directed.
314461
Avoid using the same cups, plates, towels, with others and avoid skin-to-skin.\nDon't use the same towels, razors or utensils as someone with cold sores.\nAvoid kissing someone with cold sores.\nAvoid sex with someone who has genital herpes (sores).\nUse a sunscreen of at least 15 SPF on your lips and other susceptible areas.\nReplace your toothbrush after an attack.\nWash your hands thoroughly after touching the cold sores.
12678
Do not become orally intimate with someone's nether regions, (just in case you were thinking of doing that) with a cold sore. I was just at the doctor for the cold sores that I get on my lip and they informed me that yes in fact you can spread the virus that way. Don't obsess, stress can make them worse and cause them to come out more frequently. If you get them on a semi regular basis, go to a clinic or your regular doctor, they have an anti-viral pill that will help you greatly. Abreva and such only dry out the blisters, so does ear wax believe it or not. Most adults have the herpe virus in their system, but a smaller percentage have symptoms. Ice also breaks the virus down quicker once you have the blisters, and aspirin will reduce pain and take the swelling down. Don't ever break the blisters they are freakishly contagious. Other than that, relax, they're a pain in the ass, but unless you have a problem with your immune system, you'll live.
117804
a fever blister is a form of herpes simplex. Not saying anything gross (it is the truth). It is highly contagious the wk. before it comes the week or so of and the week after. You can make it come back by using carmex, lipstick etc. that you previously used with the cold sore. Do not ever pop it not only will it spread, but it can scar.
1175604
1-Keep the the cold sores clean and dry\n2-Replace your toothbrush and don't keep it in the bathroom which is a moist enviornment that herpes simplex could hope for.\n3-Don't put the brush that has been in his mouth up to the toothpaste tube which can transmit too\n4-Several studies show that a water based zinc solution,helps speed healing time.\n5-Ice might decrease inflammation\n6-Some patients claim that breaking a sore and using WITCH HAZEL or alcohol to dry it really helps.\n7-Avoid arginine-rich foods such as chocolate,cola,peas,grain cereals,peanuts,gelatin.\n8-Soften it with an over the counter,they contain some emollient to reduce cracking and soften scabs,and a numbing agent like phenol or camphor.\n9-You can protect the cold sore by covering it with petroleum jelly,be sure not to dip back into the jelly with your finger,or use a swab.\nGoodluck & Best Wishes
283381
FINDING A TREATMENT THAT WILL WORK BEST FOR YOU.\n\nGenital herpes is manageable. Over the years, a number of treatments offering effective relief from symptoms of genital herpes and cold sores have been developed (see list below).\n\nAccording to a survey conducted by the American Social Health Association in 1991, most patients with Herpes try between two and five different therapies. \n\nThese include: \n\nPrescription drugs \nOTC "cold sore" treatments, \nHerbal remedies \nVitamins \nNutritional changes \nPsychotherapy
876522
Your doctor can give you a prescription that can help it to go away and then began using it at the very first tingle if you feel one coming on again.  I have never heard the food connection to a cold sore.  Illness, stress, sun exposure are all things I have heard.  But, if you keep getting them, you definetly should be replacing toothbrush, toothpaste and mouthwash after every time or at least sanitizing them with boiling water.  Also are you using the same makeup, makeup aplicator or if you are male the same shaver, be sure and sanatize everything.  Change your pillow cases, anything that might have come in contact with your mouth, clean it or throw it out and start over.  Hope these tips help.  And sometimes if you are just run down and have been sick, your body has to rebuild and you might have several in a row.  I know I have.  Nothing over the counter will do the job like the stuff the doc. can prescribe, but it isn't cheap....:)  There is a prescription cream the doc can give you called Zovirax and it does help cold sores...
104675
A touch of Melaleuca oil (tea tree) and the sore will stop hurting and start healing. Even if you feel it and do not see it yet it will stop it instantly.
155877
i just found what i think are cold sores on my mouth, and my sister recommended abreva. Its a freaking rip off, about $20 for2 grams of the stuff, but it made it stop hurting already (its been like half an hour!)