Avoid Irritating Foods And Beverages
In the same way that specific triggers should be avoided, the same rules apply when you have active cold sores. If you have an infected blister, you should always be mindful of your food and drink selections. You should avoid acidic and spicy foods, in particular.
The primary concern with trigger foods and beverages is lip contact. When you drink and eat the food or liquid will inevitably come in contact with your lips. Perhaps even rest on your lips for a brief moment. If the drink or food choice is harsh, it could contaminate your infected sore even more. For example, orange juice coming into contact with your infected blister.
While avoiding acidic and spicy menu items is the key, attempting new methods of consumption could also be a plan. If you are concerned about food particles touching your sore, try placing the food directly into your mouth rather without it touching your swollen lips.
Cautions With Other Medicines
Some medicines can affect the way aciclovir tablets or liquid work. They can also make you more likely to get side effects.
If you’re using aciclovir cream on your skin, this is less likely to react with other medicines.
It’s important to tell your doctor if you take any of the following medicines before taking aciclovir:
- cimetidine, a medicine for stomach ulcers
- mycophenolate mofetil, a medicine given after organ transplants
- probenecid, a medicine for gout
- aminophylline or theophylline, medicines for asthma
What Is In This Leaflet
This leaflet answers some common questions about FAMVIR® for Cold Sores.
It does not contain all the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your pharmacist or doctor.
You should speak to your pharmacist or doctor to obtain the most up to date information on the medicine.
You can also download the most up to date leaflet from www.novartis.com.au.
Those updates may contain important information about the medicine and its use of which you should be aware.
All medicines have risks and benefits. Your pharmacist or doctor has weighed the risks of you taking FAMVIR for Cold Sores against the benefits it can provide.
If you have any concerns about this medicine, ask your pharmacist or doctor.
Keep this leaflet with the medicine.
You may need to read it again.
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Should I See A Doctor
A lack of healing, the location, and the severity should all be carefully considered before consulting your physician.
Listed below are examples of occasions where you should visit your doctor:
- If you have applied medication for more than two weeks, but the area is NOT healing. This is essential if it worsening.
- Not every outbreak is located directly on the lip. Some outbreaks are in one corner of the mouth, right above the lip border, and even on the chin area. It may be that the location of your outbreak that is the problem. For example, youre finding it really difficult to eat food.
- If you are experiencing severe pain, skin discoloration, bleeding, etc., you should seek medical attention. Infection symptoms can occur outside of the problem region. If youre experiencing headaches, fever, fatigue, nausea, swollen lymph nodes etc. you should urgently seek medical assistance.
What Is A Primary Cold Sore Infection
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus . The first time you are infected with this virus is called the primary infection. The mouth is the area commonly affected. This is because normal skin is resistant to the virus but the moist inner skin of the mouth is not. The first infection is usually in childhood. It is often caught by kisses from a family member who has a cold sore. Primary cold sore infection can be worse than recurrent mouth ulcers but luckily some people don’t experience any symptoms at all.
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There Is More Than One Type Of Herpes Infection
There are two types of herpes simplex infection: herpes simplex virus type 1 and herpes simplex virus type 2 . Cold sores around the mouth are generally caused by HSV-1. Most cases of genital herpes are caused by HSV-2. Cold sores on the mouth can cause genital infection during oral sex for people who do not already carry the cold sore virus. There are many other viruses that are also in the herpes virus family, however the infection and symptoms are different. One example is varicella zoster virus which causes chickenpox and shingles.
What Makes A Cold Sore Better
Cold sores usually get better on their own within 7-10 days. The following self-care tips can help treat the symptoms of cold sores.
- Resist the temptation to lick, poke or prod at the area.
- Keep the cold sore dry and clean so it doesnât get infected. If it gets infected, see your doctor.
- Put ice wrapped in a damp, clean cloth on the sore to relieve symptoms of pain or itching.
- Avoid acidic food such as grapefruit or lemons.
- Protect your skin from sun and wind.
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What Are The Best Ways To Get Rid Of A Cold Sore
Unfortunately, there’s no cure for cold sores, and it can take between two to four weeks for a cold sore to heal on its own. But, there are things you can do to make them go away faster.
Here are three things that can help soothe a cold sore or make it clear up faster:
1. 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:
- Cold, damp washcloth
- Pain relievers, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen
2. 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.
3. 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.
“To get rid of a cold sore quickly, the best thing you can do is start treating it as soon as possible,” says Dr. Brown. “A burning or tingling sensation on your lips or face can be an early warning sign that a cold sore is developing, and the earlier you start reducing swelling and treating the cold sore, the faster it will heal.”
What Happens When A Fever Blister Becomes Infected
When a fever blister becomes infected, the healing process will cease. While swelling and discomfort are common, the more significant concern is the increased amount of time that it takes to recover.
Although rare, a bacterial infection could introduce a condition known as impetigo. Hallmarked by rash and blisters, impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection. If a cold sore becomes infected, it could co-exist with the rash and blisters that are associated with impetigo.
Because both HSV-1 and impetigo can spread and be transferred to others, these conditions are severe.
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Who Can And Cannot Take Aciclovir
Aciclovir can be taken by most adults and children.
Aciclovir is not suitable for some people.
To make sure aciclovir is safe for you, tell your doctor if you:
- have had an allergic reaction to aciclovir or any other medicine in the past
- have kidney problems
- are over 65 years old
- are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding
If your immune system is weakened , talk to your doctor about the best type of aciclovir for you.
They may recommend tablets rather than the cream.
How To Treat The Common Cold At Home
Colds are very common. A visit to your health care provider’s office is often not needed, and colds often get better in 3 to 4 days.
A type of germ called a virus causes most colds. There are many types of viruses that can cause a cold. Depending on what virus you have, your symptoms may vary.
Common symptoms of a cold include:
- Fever and chills
- Headache, sore muscles, and fatigue
- Cough
- Nasal symptoms, such as stuffiness, runny nose, yellow or green snot, and sneezing
- Sore throat
Mild symptoms of COVID-19 may be similar to those of the common cold. Always check with your health provider if you are at risk for COVID-19.
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How Much To Take
The usual dose is three 500 mg tablets taken together as a single dose.
However, if you have problems with your kidneys and your pharmacist has referred you to your doctor to see if this medicine is suitable for you, your doctor may have recommended a different dose.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure of the correct dose for you.
He/she will tell you exactly how much to take.
What Is The Treatment For Cold Sores
For most people with just one or two blisters on their lip or near their nose, keeping the blister clean, dry and leaving it alone are all that is needed. Below are some tips that can help with healing.
- Use sunblock lip balm if youre outside in the sun.
- Cold sore patches can protect the skin while it heals.
- Ice, held against the blisters, or a warm wash cloth may help ease any pain.
- Avoid acidic or salty food if it makes your cold sore feel worse.
- Rinse your mouth with salt water or a pain relieving mouthwash.
- You can buy an antiviral cream called aciclovir from your Pharmacy. Read more about aciclovir cream.
- A kanuka honey based cream called Honeva is also available and has been shown to be as effective as aciclovir for treating cold sores.
- Take pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
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How Can I Get Rid Of Cold Sores Quickly
They’re painful. They’re unsightly. They’re annoying. Cold sores are just plain unwelcome. When one pops up on your lip or mouth, you probably immediately think: What’s the fastest way to get rid of this thing?
“Herpes simplex virus the virus that causes cold sores is incredibly contagious, and infection with the virus is really common,” says Dr. Donald Brown, primary care practitioner at Houston Methodist. “In fact, more than 50% of adults in the U.S. are infected with the type of herpes virus that most commonly causes cold sores. Interestingly, however, most people who contract the virus never actually develop symptoms.”
If the virus does cause cold sores, it can spread from person-to-person through close contact, like kissing. But, while you may not know it, the virus can also spread by sharing:
- Cosmetics
- Utensils and drinking glasses
“The virus is most contagious when a cold sore is present, particularly when the blister begins to ooze,” Dr. Brown adds. “However, it’s important to know that you can still spread the virus long after a cold sore heals as well as when a blister isn’t even present.”
For those who are no stranger to those painful, fluid-filled blisters, when you get a cold sore, you probably want it gone fast.
How Do I Tell If A Cold Sore Is Infected With Bacteria
The main symptoms of a bacterial infection are discoloration, swelling, slower healing, and appearance of pus in the blister. There will be noticeable changes to the lifecycle.
Without treatment, most outbreaks will last for under two weeks and go through the five cold sore stages. The lengthening of a particular stage and/or the extended duration of the outbreak can be a sign of trouble.
When a cold sore becomes infected, it isnt uncommon for the area around the blister to swell and turn a reddish color. Its not uncommon for the blister to linger. Cold sores that seemingly refuse to burst can be a symptom of infection.
To summarize:
- Although symptoms of an infected sore will vary from person-to-person, general swelling and inflammation is a universal sign. Discoloration at the location site, along with improper healing, are also red flags.
- Fever blisters that refuse to pop can also be a sign of trouble. If your outbreak has carried on for almost a month, then something is wrong.
- Many bacterial infections are introduced by the individual. For example, youve used a sharp object to burst your cold sore.
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How To Get Rid Of Cold Sores
- Medical Author: Mohamad El Mortada, MD
- Medical Author: MaryAnn Tran, MD
- Medical Author: Corrine Young, PharmD
Cold sores are small, painful, fluid-filled blisters or sores that appear on the lips, mouth, or nose that are caused by a virus. The sores can be painful and usually last a few days. Unlike most viral infections, the cold sore virus is not completely eliminated by the body defenses. For this reason, cold sores often recur.
What If I Forget A Dose Of Aciclovir
If you forget a dose of aciclovir, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s nearly time for your next dose. In this case, just skip the missed dose and continue with your next one as normal.
Never have 2 doses at the same time. Never have an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one.
If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you.
You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to remember your medicines.
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When Antibiotics Can Help
When they’re used the right way, antibiotics can save lives. For example, they can treat bronchitis, pneumonia, strep throat, ear infection, and pinkeye — as long as they’re caused by bacteria.
Sometimes, you get infected with a bacteria after you’ve got a cold. Some signs of bacterial sinus infection are pain around your face and eyes that may get worse when you bend over. You might also cough up thick, yellow or green mucus.
These symptoms may also occur with a cold. But if they last for more than a week or are severe, you may have a bacterial infection and need antibiotics.
Only your doctor can prescribe antibiotics. Talk to them if you think you might need them.
Continued
What Causes Cold Sores
There are 2 types of herpes simplex virus. Cold sores are usually caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 . Herpes simplex virus type 2 causes most cases of genital herpes. However, both viruses can cause either cold sores or genital herpes.
About 80 per cent of adults are infected with HSV-1. Most people are infected when they are young and the infection lasts for life. However, the virus can remain dormant in many people, meaning that cold sores may never appear.
Various factors can cause the virus to become active resulting in one or more cold sores. They can include:
- tiredness and fatigue
- colds, flu or fevers that make the body less able to fight off infection
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What Are The Most Common Side Effects Of Antibiotics
All medications have side effects, including antibiotics. Antibiotics are medications that treat infections by killing bacteria or other organisms or slowing their growth. An antibiotic side effect occurs as an unwanted reaction that occurs in addition to the desirable therapeutic action of the antibiotic you are taking.
Side effects of antibiotics can range from mild allergic reactions to severe and debilitating adverse events. When used appropriately, most antibiotics are relatively safe with few side effects. However, some side effects may interfere with your ability to finish the medication. In these cases, you should contact your doctor.
Common side effects with antibiotics include:
- Mild skin rash or other allergic reactions
- Soft stools, short-term diarrhea
- Fungal vaginal infections or oral thrush
More severe antibiotic side effects include:
- Severe allergic reaction that results in difficulty breathing, facial swelling
- Severe watery or bloody diarrhea Clostridium difficileinfection
- Stomach cramps
- Yeast infections in the mouth or vagina
These side effects are extremely variable however, there are some common side effects that may occur within larger antibiotic drug classes, as described in Table 1. Long term side effects of antibiotics can occur, but are infrequent.
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Protect Yourself And Others From Cold Sores
When you have a cold sore:
- Change your toothbrush and towels regularly and donât use those belonging to other people.
- Donât share eating utensils, towels, make-up or razors, and donât kiss anyone, particularly babies and children, as cold sores can cause much more severe symptoms for them.
- Wash your hands frequently and avoid rubbing your eyes to stop the virus spreading. Remind children with cold sores about this.
- Try not to touch your cold sore unless applying cold sore cream, and always wash your hands before and after applying cream.
