Not so proud owner of one large skanky coldsore- should I burst it?

[theautomatic]

Very gross I know. Have suffered from coldsores since I was 18 and over the years have tried all creams known to man (and spent a small fortune)in my pursuit of getting rid of the damn disgusting things. I've even bought light beaming devices off the net after reading rave articles about how applying light direct to the coldsore shrinks them "miraculously". After several attempts at using light beaming device in the privacy of my bathroom, I have now thrown useless thing away as it seems to make it worse! Have tried old wives remedies like applying toothpaste to the coldsore, teatree ointment etc but NOTHING works. I have no idea how creams like zovirax get licensed because its never done me any bloody good. I did read zovirax shortens the lifespan of a coldsore by one day- hardly seems worth it.

Anyway, have now read that if you burst the coldsore it heals quicker because its got rid of all the pus etc. Anybody tried this? I feel apprehensive about it, not least the pain it will cause... but am at wits end! How much longer must I travel into work on the train with a huge scabby growth on my mouth to be stared at in horror by my fellow commuters! Someone at work actually lost their train of thought while staring at my coldsore yesterday... yuk its so bloody gross. Will bursting it help?

Jeez, where did you read THAT? It's herpes and it will spread like wildfire!!! If bursting works then we'd all be at it! Get to the gp's and get some heavy-duty treatment sorted. Have you seen the doctor about it before?

Yes have seen doctor who said its just one of those things and I "only" have about 4 outbreaks a year theres nothing they can give me. Thing is, I have to do lots of presentations at work which always seems to tie-in nicely with a coldsore...

I thought if I used a sterilised needle and made sure the yucky stuff didnt spread it would be OK...

NO Don't risk it, it will burst and spread.

NOOOOO! I read somewhere that applying neat alcohol (like perfume) on a cold sore zaps them. Probably would hurt though. Sorry not of much help.

i thought coldsores are flat.

coldsores are caused by a virus. Don't think there will be any topical treatment available.

My sympathies are with you TA. I am also currently sporting a whopper on my lip and also 2 in my nose.

I was advised by my doc to try Zincomed for my coldsores. Its a zinc supplement which is supposed to help.

I tried it and it made me feel really sick so gave up and returned to Zovirax. Which doesn't stop them growing, just spreading.

Good luck

its awful isnt it shoesandbags? Never had them in my nose but can imagine how painful they are. Always seem to get mine in the EXACT same place, every time. I never get the so called tingle that you're meant to get before they appear so you can slap on loads of cream etc. What normally happens is I wake up, automatically sense theres nothing wrong with my mouth then run to the mirror to be greeted by the damn thing. I sometimes wonder how dh can bearto kiss me (when I'm coldsore free obviously) after seeing my mouth in such a disgusting state. If only I knew who'd given me the damn virus...

I used to get enormous cold sores, and found Zovirax cream did nothing, but then had an colossal outbreak a week before graduation pics - wat at the Dr's in tears and he prescribed a great whopping dose of oral Zovirax. Not only did it really shorten the outbreak time, I also did not have a single cold sore for a YEAR after!! Have kept Zovirax tablets on hand since but they've never come back as badly, even when I was pregnant (which I'd dreaded since can't take Z during pregnancy).

I have to confess, though, that when I used to get a large outbreak, and it formed those pus-y blisters, that I'd sterilize a needle in boiling water or alcohol, pop the blister and push all the fluid out. THEN I'd put a cotton ball soaked in alcohol on the (former) blister and leave it there for ten minutes. Yes, it hurts like stink - yaaaooooowwwww!!!!! But the blister did not re-form. I'm sure I'll get flamed for doing this... I know you shouldn't... but it worked for me.

Thanks Jacksmama! Some proof bursting the damn things may actually help. Think you're v brave to try it. Off to see if I can find a large needle somewhere...

I second the oral ovirax. My doctor gives it to me once a year and I take 5 a day for 5 days and don't get a old sore for a year or if I do it's very, very tiny and heals very quickly.

Now off to make an appointment with my gp after jacksmama and ledodgy's experience with oral zovira. Why oh why has my doctor never mentioned this to me? At least I am now armed with the information I need to get it. Thanks! Maybe there is light at the end of the tunnel after all...

Do keep the alcohol on for a while after (it actually only burns for a minute and then feels hot) - I've no proof but have been told that's what kills the viruses that are right there in the blister. Also, it will scab very quickly after, and the Z cream helps with healing them. Good luck!

And ask your GP for a very large dose of Z tabs AS WELL AS REPEATS OF YOUR PRESCRIPTION so you can go get them as soon as you feel the dreaded tingle. The earlier you take the tabs or capsules in an outbreak, the less horrific it gets.

And let us know how it is after you try the needle/ alcohol thing...

Alot won't mention it unless you ask as it's very expensive apparently.

Busily preparing sterilisation of needle with vodka at the ready...

Ooh TA good luck with the needle

Thanks for this post, i'll get to the docs for some oral Z. I know it probably won't cure my current outbreak. But the idea of a year coldsore free sounds like bliss.

We are having a family photo taken tomorrow with my and my collection. I hope he can airbrush

Oral Z is expensive but worth it IMO - I've had some outbreaks where I would have paid anything to get rid of them.
theautomatic is the vodka to sterilize the needle or for you to pound back after for the pain
Because when I said alcohol I meant the 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol, not the drinkable kind...