Use Of Rubbing Alcohol For Cold Sores: Prevention Of Cold Sores

Use Of Rubbing Alcohol For Cold Sores: Prevention Of Cold Sores . Cold sores are caused by a virus called herpes simplex type 1. Most people have contracted this virus in their early life, without any symptoms. The virus lies dormant in the body. It only gets activated when the immunity level in the body goes down. Factors like cold, fever, fatigue, emotional stress can trigger cold sores.

Often, cold sores are called fever blisters as they appear in fever. These fluid filled tiny blisters are seen in and around the lips and in the corner of mouth. Before the sores appear, there is tingling and burning sensation in the area.

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Painful and irritating as they are cold sores usually go away within 5 to 7 days. The blisters bursts few days after its appearance leaving behind scabs that later on fall off.

Though it is not possible to prevent the development of cold sores, there are several ways that can reduce its burning and tingling sensation. They also shorten its course. One such method is to apply rubbing alcohol to speed up the healing process.

How To Use Rubbing Alcohol For Cold Sores Treatment?

Let us know what rubbing alcohol is and how it should be applied on the sores.

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Rubbing alcohol also known as isopropyl rubbing alcohol, is a type of denatured alcohol. It is a liquid that is used topically for disinfecting the skin as well as medical instruments. It is made of 70 to 90 % of alcohol along with water and other additives. It acts as an antiseptic when rubbed on the skin for few seconds. It is fairly effective against virus and fungi which are present on the skin surface. It can have a cooling effect when left to evaporate on the skin.

Steps to apply rubbing alcohol on cold sores:

• Pour 5 to 10 ml of rubbing alcohol in the lid of a bottle, or in a small container. Isopropyl rubbing alcohol is available in most pharmacies.
• Now clean the area surrounding the sores with clean water.
• Dip an ear bud which has cotton tip on its end in rubbing alcohol. You can also use a small cotton swab. Alcohol swabs are also available in prepackaged form.
• Now dab the cold sores with this soaked cotton swab. It may cause burning and stinging for few minutes after its application. If burning is too severe, you can apply ice over the sores. Even cold application helps to dry up the cold sores earlier than its normal course.
• Repeat it at least 5 to 6 times in a day till you see the cold sores disappearing.

How To Prevent Cold Sores?

Cold sores appear when your body immunity is at its low. This usually happens when you are under stress or if you are suffering from any illness. The best preventive measure is to reduce stress; eat healthy and nutritive diet containing vitamins and minerals. They help to boost your immune level. Ultimately a healthy immune system helps to fight the virus.

Cold sores can be contagious and to prevent its spread, you should avoid kissing while you have fever blisters. Avoid sharing dining utensils such cups and mugs; avoid sharing lip balm and towels.