Get rid of cold sores quickly: Treat the inflammation early on

The aim of all sufferers is to get rid of the annoying cold sores quickly. If the tingling blisters are already appearing, you should act quickly. Virus-inhibiting preparations in cream form (e.g. with the active ingredient acyclovir or penciclovir) or in tablet form are then a great help. They contain antiviral active ingredients and are available over the counter in pharmacies. A clean cotton bud should be used to apply creams or tinctures to the affected area. However, to ensure that this is successful, it is important to touch the infected area as little as possible. You should therefore avoid scratching and covering it with make-up. This is the only way to prevent further germs from entering and the risk of the herpes virus spreading is averted. Wash your hands regularly and do not let others use your glasses, cutlery, lipstick or towels.

Labialis: The infection usually goes completely unnoticed

The culprit is the herpes simplex virus type 1, which is transmitted by droplet or smear infection - often as early as childhood, for example during a goodnight kiss or when using other people's drinking vessels, forks or spoons. The infection is transmitted via the mucous membranes and can also occur through kissing or sexual intercourse. Once infected with herpes, the pathogen remains dormant in the body forever, just waiting to break out. If our immune system is weakened, herpes reactivates quickly. And then it is important to get rid of cold sores quickly.

Herpes on the nose: what you can do against the highly contagious viruses

Cold sores symptoms

Most virus carriers are unaware that they are carrying the pathogen, because if it does not manifest itself in unsightly blisters, it often remains undetected in the body for a lifetime. However, this is not the case for around a third of those infected: From time to time, the affected area on the lips first tingles, then a feeling of tightness spreads and finally the burning cold sores form.

Triggers for cold sores

As described above, many people have the herpes virus in their body without realizing it. There are triggers that cause the virus to appear: The trigger is usually a weakened immune system due to stress or illness, for example. However, intensive sunbathing also weakens our defenses, allowing the herpes virus to wreak havoc. So if you know that the unpleasant herpes blisters appear regularly, you should do everything you can to avoid them. For example, make sure you have a good work-life balance and avoid the intense midday sun.

Against the virus: preventing cold sores

If you want to prevent cold sores, you must first and foremost strengthen your immune system. A balanced diet, sufficient exercise and sleep are of course the be-all and end-all. Try to avoid stress or find relaxation methods such as meditation or yoga.

Diet for cold sores

Diet does not necessarily have a direct influence on the disease. However, it is advisable to eat foods that do not irritate the affected area even more. Instead of juices and other acidic drinks, it is better to drink still water and tea. Acidic foods or foods that are too dry can also lead to even more irritation.

Do you also have eye herpes?

What many people don't know: The nasty herpes simplex virus can also affect the eyes. The infection then manifests itself with severe redness, itching, blisters on the eyelid and sticky eyelashes. This form of herpes occurs when the pathogen attaches to a nerve that supplies the organ of vision.

Treatment: the dos and don'ts of herpes

To get rid of herpes quickly and prevent it from spreading in the first place, you should observe the following dos and don'ts:

• apply creams containing the active ingredient acyclovir or penciclovir to the affected area as soon as the first signs appear
• Do not touch the affected area
• Apply creams with a cotton bud
• Do not use toothpaste for cold sores
• Do not pierce the blisters under any circumstances, as this will release more viruses
• Home remedies such as honey, lemon balm extract or zinc are well tolerated and can help at the beginning of the outbreak