Should i pop herpes

But, there are things you can do to make them go away faster. Try home remedies. When used early, there are several remedies that can help ease the pain and reduce swelling — and may even shorten the duration of a cold sore:. Apply topical creams and ointments. There are a few over-the-counter anesthetic ointments and creams that can help control pain, such as lidocaine or benzocaine.

Some products, such as those containing docosanol or benzyl alcohol, may even promote faster healing when used early and in plentiful amounts. Take prescription medications. There are antiviral drugs that can help cold sores heal faster, including acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir and penciclovir. If you're having frequent outbreaks or experiencing some of the serious side effects of having a cold sore, your doctor may consider prescribing antiviral medication.

So you nipped your last cold sore flare-up in the bud like a champ , and it lasted less than a week — but here you are, just a few months later, and the cold sores are back. There's good news, and then there's bad news. Let's start with the bad news. If you treat a cold sore safely and hygienically, it should heal quickly without scarring, and you can avoid spreading the virus.

And that will save the day! This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

Shop Now. Our Mission. Contact Us. United States US English. Submit an Idea. Brand Logo. All rights reserved. Terms Of Use. Privacy Policy. About Our Ads. Children's Privacy Policy. Sign up now. Search Box Clear. Want more tips and offers sent directly to your inbox?

Products Categories Goals Brands. Our Commitment Our Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program brings oral health education to more than half a billion children around the world. Learn more about our commitment to oral health education. Top Articles. We want to be honest with you: Popping a cold sore can lead to potential problems, such as: Getting a bacterial infection Spreading the herpes simplex type-1 virus to other people and other parts of your body, like your fingers and eyes Scarring of your skin or lips Lowering your defenses against other illnesses If you pick at the blisters or a fever blister scab, the cold sore can become infected.

You can then try these potentially preventative measures: Use an over-the-counter anti-viral cold sore medication containing benzyl alcohol or docosanol. At the first sign of cold sore symptoms — such as tingling — apply it to the affected area as the package directions indicate. To relieve cold sore pain and discomfort, you can also try these strategies: Apply lip balm or moisturizer Use a lip balm, petroleum jelly, or moisturizer with sunscreen on your lips.

Keeping wounds moist is a good way to speed healing. Use pain-relieving creams Over-the-counter creams or ointments that contain analgesics like lidocaine or benzocaine can help with pain. A popular brand is Orajel, although generic equivalents and prescription-strength forms are available. Apply a cold compress Putting a cool, damp cloth on the affected area can soothe irritated skin and help remove scabs.

Take over-the-counter pain relievers Pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can ease discomfort. But the American Sexual Health Association advises that you should wait until a cold sore heals and the area looks normal again before performing oral sex or kissing someone directly on the mouth ASHA, n.

If you take antiviral medication to deal with cold sores, you should still wait until the area heals. Last updated September 22, Written by Michael Martin. Disclaimer If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. So you might be wondering: Vitals Popping a cold sore can cause the area to become inflamed and infected, which can lead to a bacterial infection and scarring.

Advertisement Effective treatment for cold sores Peace of mind and the prescription treatment you need without the uncomfortable trips to the pharmacy.

Learn more. Related articles. Oral chlamydia: causes, signs, diagnosis, and treatment 5 minute read. Eczema herpeticum—a skin condition that's caused by herpes 4 minute read. How to get rid of cold sores as quickly as possible 6 minute read.

Cold sores and oral herpes: causes, symptoms and treatment 6 minute read.