ColdSores - help.

Milkman Dan

I get coldsores regularly and horribly, and have done since i was 18 or so.

however in the last two years they have become more and more frequent and much worse.

Apparently its linked to stress, and thats fine, i understand how they start, but i cannot get rid of them for at least a week when they do arrive.

i've tried to Ice the tingle when it starts and treat it with Zovirax throughout, but nothing seems to stop it.

i'm at my wits end, its very unattractive, it shatters my confidence and stops me socialising.

anyone got any ideas?

thanks in advance...
D

JoeKelly

Dont Know a great deal about coldsores but i found this link on the net that looks some what useful!
http://www.animated-teeth.com/cold_sores/t1_cold_sores.htm

gobby

Zovirax (sp?) rocks for coldsores

vibrant

There's a supplement you can take at - it costs less than a tenner and it's called L-Lysine or something similiar. It's an amino acid and you'd easily get it in a health food shop.

aphex™

Those Vitmin C tablets that dissolve in water seem to keep them away

snappieT

To supplement the Zovirox, also use Blistex daily. Keeps your lips moist and vitamin enriched. (http://www.blistex.com/)

lizbeth

Stress is a factor, if you're ill you can get them, but have you been to the doctor to see if they can help figure out why you are getting them so often?
There is a product in the states called Abreva. I use it every time I feel a tiny tingle and it seems to really work at keeping them from getting bad or happening at all. I also use Herpecin as a lip balm, especially when I feel even a tiny bit under the weather.
Don't know if it might be a factor, but if you get a lot of sun, that can cause them also (yea, I know, its Ireland!).
Good Luck. I know how much they suck.

Liz

DrIndy

anything which causes a dip in the immune system allows coldsores to start, be it stress, a different infection or indeed for many people - no known reason.

I think you are using over-the-counter medication. If you take a trip to your GP, if they feel it appropriate, then you may get something stronger that is prescription only.

Worth a shot since they seem to be troubling you......

Concerning L-lysine, there is reasonably significant evidence base that this does work in reducing symptoms and outbreaks.

Ali P

Do these occur just at the corners of your mouth? If so, it is most likely to be purely a vitamin B (B2 in particular) deficiency, no viral or fungal connections at all - do a google search on "riboflavin lips" to find out more info on this.

When I went to the doc about mine he said people are always confusing these (with the help of pharmacists all too willing to sell costly lotions) with coldsores.