Symptoms for Cold Sores

Do you think you might be getting a cold sore? It is often difficult to tell if a cold sore is coming on before that painful, red blister appears. There are, however, some symptoms for cold sores you can look for so you can start your treatment before the cold sore even appears.

Do you have the cold sore virus?

First of all, to get a cold sore you must have contracted the cold sore virus. The cold sore virus can be contracted through coming into contact with a person who has a cold sore, through kissing, sharing lip balm, sharing utensils, and any other way that the cold sore comes directly into contact with you. If you have come into contact with a person with a cold sore, you may have contracted the virus. If you believe you may have contracted the virus, you will want to know what cold sore symptoms to look for to determine if you should expect (and try to prevent) an outbreak. Signs and symptoms may not start for up to 20 days after exposure, however, it’s possible for your first cold sore breakout to appear within a week of exposure.

Symptoms for Cold Sores

It is possible to detect early cold sore symptoms up to one or two days prior to a cold sore outbreak. These early symptoms are called the prodrome, which is an early symptom or set of symptoms that may indicate an outbreak before the specific symptoms occur. Detecting these early symptoms means that you can start treatment, and start fighting your cold sores before they ever appear! These early may symptoms include pain, burning, itching, tingling, an unusual sensation around your lips, and even numbness. These symptoms often precede the blisters by one to two days.

Treatments for cold sore symptoms

If you detect these symptoms for cold sores early, you are in luck. There are many over-the-counter cold sore medications that will relieve the pain, burning, or itching. Explain your symptoms to the pharmacist, and he/she will be able to direct you to the appropriate medication to address your specific symptoms.

Before applying the topical medication, be sure to wash your hands, face and lips using warm water and washing soap. The medication will be most effective when applied to a clean area. After washing, apply the medicine on the lips and the surrounding area, using your finger, a Q-tip, or a cotton swab. Once you have applied the medicine, try not to touch or lick your lips. This may cause the medicine to rub off, making it less effective, and increasing the risk of the cold sore spreading.  Administer the medicine as directed (typically several times per day) and be sure to wash your hands with soap and warm water after each time you touch the cold sore or apply medicine.

Finally, once you detect and diagnose your cold sore symptoms, be sure to start your treatment right away. Beginning treatment at the earliest stage of a cold sore will not only get you relief, but will prevent things from getting worse.

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