Should i pop herpes blisters

It can prolong, not shorten, healing, and you run the risk of creating a bigger problem than you started with.

Cold sores usually take the form of blisters on or near the lips. They tend to appear in three stages: 1. Tingling, burning or itching: A cold sore may be preceded by itching, burning or tingling around the lips for a day or more.

Then a small, painful spot or multiple spots will appear, replaced by a blister or a cluster of them. The small, fluid-filled blisters usually appear where the lips meet the face. Cold sores can also show up around the nose or on the cheeks. Oozing and crusting. After a few days, the small blisters burst.

Open sores ooze fluid, then crust over to form scabs. Common cold sore triggers include stress, anxiety, fatigue, exposure to the cold or sunlight, or a weakened immune system, like when you have a cold or flu. Abreva docosanol is an over-the-counter ointment for cold sores that may shorten healing time.

At the first sign of cold sore symptoms — such as tingling — apply it to the affected area as the package directions indicate. To relieve cold sore pain and discomfort, you can also try these strategies: Apply lip balm or moisturizer Use a lip balm, petroleum jelly, or moisturizer with sunscreen on your lips. Keeping wounds moist is a good way to speed healing. Use pain-relieving creams Over-the-counter creams or ointments that contain analgesics like lidocaine or benzocaine can help with pain.

A popular brand is Orajel, although generic equivalents and prescription-strength forms are available. Apply a cold compress Putting a cool, damp cloth on the affected area can soothe irritated skin and help remove scabs.

Take over-the-counter pain relievers Pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can ease discomfort. But the American Sexual Health Association advises that you should wait until a cold sore heals and the area looks normal again before performing oral sex or kissing someone directly on the mouth ASHA, n.

If you have a big day coming up, try stress-reducing measures like massages, meditation, and rest to reduce the chance of an outbreak. Since illness is another trigger, stay healthy with exercise and a nutritious diet.

You can also talk to your doctor about other ways to decrease your chance of an outbreak. If a cold sore erupts, the potentially preventative measures noted above might shorten its lifespan. If you want to reduce the redness, the AAD recommends that you apply a cold, wet, clean towel on your cold sores for five to 10 minutes at various times during a day.

Though noting studies for alternative medicines have been mixed, the Mayo Clinic mentions a few of these potential remedies, such as lysine, synthetic beeswax called propolis, and cream with rhubarb and safe. Though a cold sore can appear at the most inconvenient times possible, if you ask yourself, "Should I pop a cold sore?

Unfortunately, your sores won't heal any faster, and popping them could lead to more serious problems. Instead, try one or a combination of treatments to potentially prevent or safely heal your sores. And speak to your family doctor if you experience frequent outbreaks or your sores won't heal after two weeks. If you treat a cold sore safely and hygienically, it should heal quickly without scarring, and you can avoid spreading the virus.

And that will save the day! This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Shop Now. Our Mission. Contact Us. United States US English. Submit an Idea. Brand Logo. All rights reserved. Terms Of Use. Privacy Policy. About Our Ads. According to the American Academy of Dermatology AAD , a cold sore should heal in about two weeks in people who are otherwise healthy.

Popping a cold sore can lead to a bacterial infection, and it can spread the virus that causes sores. If you pick at the blisters or scab, the cold sore can become infected and eventually the skin may become scarred. The virus is highly contagious and can easily transfer to other parts of the body and other people. The AAD advises people with HSV-1 who are experiencing an outbreak to avoid intimate contact, kissing and sharing food, beverages and personal items like lip balm or towels.

Anyone with an open cold sore should also keep their distance from those with weakened immune systems. Alternatives to popping a cold sore include cold compresses, cold sore ointment and cold sore medication, or seeing your dentist for a cold sore laser treatment.