Small blisters around the mouth are called cold sores or fever blisters. They are caused by a virus known as herpes simplex virus. It is contagious, spreads by touch, and is the most common issue with children. Who likes blisters on the mouth, want to get rid of them quickly? Use the very common cold sore ice trick!
What is a cold sore ice trick?
One good thing about a cold sore is that it knocks before coming in, confused? Well, before their emergence, there is tingling at first, followed by a burning sensation at the edge of lips. The sore comes in right after. Painful red, small bumps that harden to form a crust later on.
Ice trick to deal with a cold sore is by far the most effective method of treatment. Once your child feels irritation or tingling, get an ice cube, wrap in some towel or any other soft material and place it there for five minutes. It would be best to use two ice cubes back to back until the pain ceases to exist. Try to keep the area cold and dry for a speedy recovery.
Wondering why this ice trick works on a cold sore?
Cold sores thrive in a moist and warm environment. Creams and lotions provide exactly that. They moisten and release heat, thereby aggravating the sore.
Ice lowers the temperature, dries and numbs that area. Drying potentiates the crusting. Crusting is step one of the healing process. It is advised to apply lip balm after crusting initiates so that it does not bleed.
Other remedies to treat a cold sore
Ice trick works great, but, you can treat a cold sore in various other ways
Over-the-counter creams
Once the cold sore starts to crumble, it is advised to keep the lips moist to avoid bleeding. It helps with the healing process.
Antiviral Medicine
Since a virus causes cold sores, doctors prescribe antivirals such as acyclovir, penciclovir, etc., to treat the root cause.
Painkillers
Often the sting in the cold sore becomes unbearable, and your child may throw lot of tantrums; drugs like acetaminophen can greatly aid in pain relief.
Aloe vera gel
Aloe vera gel is found to affect viruses. It not only kills them but also speeds up skin healing..
Propolis
A resin-like material produced by bees works great as an ointment for cold sores.
Vitamin C and E
Both of these vitamins combined can fight a cold sore. Vitamin C inactivates the virus. Simultaneously, vitamin E aids in quick healing.
Causes of cold sore
As mentioned earlier, a cold sore appears due to the herpes simplex virus. It is contagious and can spread by merely touching the infected individual then your face. Not just by touch, you can also get infected by using someone else’s lip balm, razors, or even a mug!
Parents should always teach the idea of not using someone else’s personal items for safety purposes.
Prevention of cold sore
Knowing what triggers a cold sore massively helps in its prevention. After all, no one likes a crusty mouth.
- Make your child have lots of fruits and vegetables; they are alkaline and help get rid of the sore. Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale are some of the examples.
- Avoid nuts, chocolate, oats, and other sources of a component called arginine. Arginine is a major trigger for a cold sore
Word of caution
- Make them not touch their cold sore
- Avoid popping it. Premature popping will spread the virus to different parts of your body
- Avoid triggers
- Make them wash their hands regularly to keep the germs off
If your child is facing this issue, talk to us! Our professionals at Pediatric Healthcare of Northwest Houston P.A are great at handling kids. Not only will they counsel your child but will also guide you for effective treatment. Call now Houston: (281) 655 1500 or Conroe: (936) 539 8190 for details.
