Help! I have a cold sore a week before.

[*kellis*]

I can't believe I'm sharing this but I woke up this morning(8 days before the wedding) with a swollen lip I get these fever blisters on my lip sometimes when I'm sick or tired or stressed and I was scared something like this would happen. Usually I just wait it out because I don't have the time or money to try different otc remedies that might not work. But my wedding is in a week and I CAN'T have this nasty split lip thing, I don't know what to do!

 

Has anyone had this problem before and what did you use to get rid of it FAST?

[mrs*j*2011]

I get cold sores so I feel your pain! This is one of my worries as it gets closer and closer to my wedding.

 

Call your doctor right away and ask for a prescription for an antiviral medication. Explain how you're getting married in a week and really need to get it cleared up ASAP!

Usually I just use Abreva and it goes away after about a week. I had a really bad outbreak a few months ago and was better in a few days after starting the antiviral medicine. I tried the Abreva at first and it just kept getting worse so I called the doc. Hopefully if you get medicated quick enough, it won't be as bad.

 

I've read you can hold a tea bag on your lip to reduce the swelling. I also read you can do the same thing with a cotton ball soaked in milk. (My disclaimer: I've never tried these...)

 

Good luck!

[Patourn]

Get the antiviral med Acylovir or trade name Zorivax...it will start to dry it up in a day or two.....and should be gone by the time you are walking down the aisle!

[Tropical Imaging]

Abreva morning and night, keep the lip moist, and call your dr and get a prescription for Acylovir, it's good stuff! Keep your lips protected in the sun with a good lip balm with sunscreen, sun causes flare ups as well!

 

You'll be fine....just Breathe!

 

Krys

[dana]

My sister gets them really bad and the doctor has an ongoing prescription on file for her at the pharmacist for Valtrex (yes the same medication for genital herpes). It clears hers up really quick.

[SouthernSweetie]

Famvir is a form of acyclovir that is specifically formulated for cold sores. Ask your physician for prescriptions for the oral (pills) and the topical (cream). All of the meds listed in this thread are anti-virals. The "official" name for cold sores is herpes simplex, so it would definitely make sense that Valtrex works (it's originally prescribed for herpes zoster - genital herpes).

 

It's always good to have a fillled prescription on hand if you suffer from cold sores since the outbreaks are usually triggered by stress. If you start the prescription(s) NOW, you should be good by next week.

 

Jean, RN

[pineapplebride]

I get cold sores occasionally.. they are a huge pain in the ass! I'm a nurse and I work with immunocompromised children so if I get a cold sore I need to be off sick until it is gone. Heres the best way to get rid of them quickly!

 

Always have a course of valcylovir, also called Valtrex at home with you (your doctor shouldn't have a problem prescribing this) as soon as you feel the signs of getting a cold sore, tinglying, warmth all that jazz take 2grams of valcyclovir, then 12 hours later take another 2 grams. If you take the first dose of valcyclovir soon enough it can actually prevent the cold sore from blistering... at very least it will speed up the recovery!

 

I also buy L-lysine... it is a herbal remedy that helps with cold sores. It is actually more for prevention, I'll be taking it regularly for about 2 weeks before my wedding to make sure a cold sore doesn't pop up!I

 

For topical management you can get acyclovir ointment, or abreva... I'm really not sure what actually works better.

 

I hope your cold sore cleared up in time!!! Or at least wasn't contagious still for that first kiss!! hehe

[hockeymom97]

I've always used Abreva...and I start using it the second I feel a cold sore coming on...the sooner you start treating the cold sore, the better. But as others have posted there are definitely stronger options out there with a prescription. I would call your doctor ASAP and explain the situation. And don't stress...it will be fine

[diamondpooch]

Valtrex is the best thing to clear up a cold sore and stop it dead in its tracks. I get them a lot, and when i feel one coming on, I pop two valtrex and then take another one 12 hours later. This works like a charm. I happen to be the unlucky one that Abreva does NOT work for. boo.

[autjo]

Hi sweetie! I just read this and realized that TODAY is your WEDDING DAY! I hope everything cleared and you had a wonderful day. It was gorgeous in Phoenix today so I'm sure everything was awesome. Congrats!!!