UGHHHHHH!!! These things have plagued me since forever and I can't take it anymore!! I have one now and it is SO painful I want to cry. And the worst part is the stigma that it carries. I've been getting cold/canker sores since before I was even thinking about kissing boys. But if you get a cold sore it's like 'ew, you have an STD' which I guess TECHNICALLY it is, but that's not how I got it! So now when I go to work (I'm a nanny) I feel like my boss is like 'stay away from my kids!' I know I'm probably being paranoid but I am SICK of dealing with this problem!
As of now, when I feel one coming on I run for the ice and put it on until the ice is melted, then apply tea tree oil and Carmex. I've been doing some research and am thinking of starting to take L-Lysine (an over the counter supplement) daily to try and prevent them. Have any of you ladies used anything that really works for you for prevention and treatment? I've tried Abreva (didn't find it made healing time any faster for me) and Valtrex (SO embarrassing at the pharmacy and didn't even work for me).
IF I HAVE ONE OF THIS F^$&ERS FOR MY WEDDING DAY I'LL JUST DIE!
End rant.
ChristineNicole
Posted:
Member since
NWR: COLD SORES! ew.
Valtrex didn't work? They say to take it as SOON as you start feeling one and you can double the dosage. Do not feel embarassed at the pharmacy! I take L-Lysine daily as a vitamin supplement but I am not sure if it even helps.
gonnabefrank
Posted:
Member since
NWR: COLD SORES! ew.
You shouldn't have to be embarrassed getting Valtrex at the pharmacy! I keep a stock on reserve at home though! I actually asked my dermatologist what to do if I get one for my wedding (since I get them due to stress) and she suggested just starting to take pills a few days before. I may or may not, but it might be an option to keep you sane!
Brittney22
Posted:
Member since
NWR: COLD SORES! ew.
I'm not sure about cold sores but when I get a canker sore I take a kiwi and rub it against the sore. It hurts like a you know what but it def heals it a little faster but I totally understand how you feel since I'm also a nanny and whenever I'm sick I feel like my boss looks at me weird but hey I don't get sick days and if its a problem send me home haha!
malibu2980
Posted:
Member since
NWR: COLD SORES! ew.
Try Zovirex! It works for me. The minute I start to feel the 'tingle' I take my L-Lysine with water & then grab my Zovirex and plop it ontop of my sore. I swear by this!
Vimaheri
Posted:
Member since
NWR: COLD SORES! ew.
I am a big fan of essential oils-they really work for many ailments. I found this website for you; it has a list of essential oils that are anti-viral that you can apply directly to the cold sore. You may want to use a carrier oil (I use coconut oil) because they can burn sometimes. So see how your body reacts before using the oils directly on your body. You can order essential oils on amazon. DoTerra is a really good brand. They can be expensive but you only use a few drops each time and they can be used for many different issues.
I've had these since I was a kid too. I know the feeling :( This might be a little unconventional but when I feel one coming on I put rubbing alcohol on it with a tissue until it dries out/ kills the virus this way it doesn't get bigger or spread. Then I can use any kind of blistex or Vaseline to heal it. This is my go to and it works. Trick is just catching it early while its small. I have never found Abreva helpful either and its not cheap! A few months ago I was sick with a fever and I had a bad breakout of them so my doctor prescribed Acyclovir. I've only ever taken it then but I may also take it before the wedding.
LydiaandPaul
Posted:
Member since
NWR: COLD SORES! ew.
Don't feel bad! I get them too. I take 2 Lysines every day and I have a script for Valtrex from my gyno. It really works. Knock on wood, i havent gotten one in over a year but I used to get them regularly. Such a pain! The valtrex really works though, and there is nothing to be ashamed of! Honestly the week of the wedding I might take them just a precaution LOL, I do NOT want one the day of!
okellies
Posted:
Member since
NWR: COLD SORES! ew.
I have gotten them all the time as a kid. I remember having 4 at one time. When my mom passed, they were out in full force! I know that tingly feeling on my lip and I'm lathering things on that thing.
I have used L-Lysine before and it worked. I usually lather on the lip balm during the winter months, Blistex Medicated Lip Balm works the best.
I just dealt with a cold sore and I have used every thing OTC you could think of. Abreva and the new Orajel stuff (that stuff has a numbing agent in it, it feels weird at first, but it works).
I have also used Zovirax as someone mentioned. I found that works the best. It's usually gone within a few days.
rcotter90
Posted:
Member since
NWR: COLD SORES! ew.
Thanks ladies!! I use melaleuca oil (tea tree oil) and that definitely helps dry it out. It's just that once it's there, it's THERE! So frustrating. Glad to know I'm not alone. I think I'll call my obgyn and ask for another script and try again with the Valtrex and take the L-Lysine every day. I'll be poppin those bad boys like they're M&M's come the two weeks before the wedding!!
portugreek2016
Posted:
Member since
NWR: COLD SORES! ew.
I've been getting them since I was a kid too! They suck! I have heard of taking l-lysine and bought it but haven't used it yet. My dr prescribed me Zovirax and it definitly helps! I put it on once I feel the tingle. I also use Carmax as an every day Chapstick
LydiaandPaul
Posted:
Member since
NWR: COLD SORES! ew.
I really think the Lysine helps! I was getting them all the time and my doctor said I needed to over-haul my immune system. I have Epstein Barr from getting mono as a teenager. I literally started drinking a gallon of water a day, eating more veggies, taking vitamins everyday, working out 5x a week, and getting no less than 8 hours of sleep a night. I have seen a HUGE improvement in my re-occurence of cold sores. Good luck!
