Monster coldsores

[Queenioqueenio]

I am currently sporting a gianormous coldsore on my bottom lip. It is throbbing like a mofo, and I look like I've been punched in the mouth. I used Zovirax from the very first tingle to try and stop it in its tracks - it's done nothing.
Currently got a compeed coldsore plaster stuck onto it. It looks like a weird plastic thing on my lip now.

I am immunosupressed so more prone to them. Can anyone please give me any tips of best remedies, cures, ways to prevent them?

I think they can be triggered by the sun. I suffer with them too and try to wear spf on my lips to ward them off. Sorry not much help now after the fact. Hope it clears up soon.

Can you get a private prescription from your chemist for anti-viral tablets?

I asked my gp about the anti virals he said he wasn't prepared to prescribe for me as I shouldn't take them long term, and to just use Zovirax

L-lysine. You can get it from vitamin shops. Plus avoid stress, the sun and any trauma to your lips (i.e. Kissing stubbly types).

You need to put the sticker on as soon as you get the tingle . I used to get them regularly and it's the only way to stop the feckers in their tracks . Without the patches mine would go on for 2 weeks before they completely healed . With the patches at first go it's about 6 days. Get them ready for the next one . IMO none of the creams do anything , if it's infected it needs antibiotics . Nothing else will fix it .

You have my sympathies, I brought a cold sore laser device from boots and it was amazing, but they have now discontinued it looking at Amazon search cold sore zappers and there are similar devices at £100 but there is something at £35 with good reviews which I would invest in

My dsis (chemist) told me to keep them dry and the plasters work great when I'm afflicted. Bloody hate them.

I love my boots coldsore machine - gutted to hear it's discontinued. Use the patches religiously, take some l-lysine and try to rest as much as possible.

Boots cold sore lotion- clear liquid in a glass bottle. Amazing stuff and really cheap, if I apply it at the first sign of symptoms it stops 99% of the buggers in their tracks.

Zovirax does nothing for me. Compeed patches work well and feel more hygienic than cream. If I've missed the tingling stage and they develop then I dry them out but they are bloody painful. Recently had a very severe outbreak of three on bottom lip as a result of sun exposure so I have also bought some spf lip balm.

Amazed that your GP refused antivirals if you are immunosuppressed. I would ask again, especially if you get regular outbreaks. I find it is the only thing that actually works.

Agree with PP, I'm immunosuppressed too and have Acyclovir anti vitals on repeat prescription.

Maybe get a second opinion?

I'm surprised your GP is not giving you antivirals...
IME none of the creams works. I get cold sores all the time (fabulous especially on holidays when they pop up due to sun exposure) and only find patches helpful.
Sometimes (and this is not something I would officially recommend), if I'm too late with patches and the lovely lovely little bubbles appear, I put vinegar on a bit of cotton wool and burn the fucker out of my lips. Then put a patch on.

Thanks for all suggestions, I've got the boots cold sore liquid and for me it doesn't seem to prevent but takes the sting out, but useful if they do develop.
I've considered the light machines, but don't really have £100 to spend!
I'll also look st l-lysine.
The GP mentioned side effects of anti virals, said they can cause duahorrea / sickness so not suitable for long term, do you find this is the case?

At the first tingle I put an ice pack on my lip and keep it there for as long as possible. It stops the blister forming, I usually just get a small red bump instead. I never had much success with cold sore creams.

Might try the vinegar, this is the most revolting one I've had for years, about 1/3 of my lip is crusting, i would like to burn the fecker off!

My hardcore grandma used to burn it off with vodka (what a waste) or savlon.
Just a word of warning though: I find that if the blisters are even very slightly outside my lips (gorgeous overspill) burning them with anything can cause a bit of scarring. Lips heal quick but skin takes weeks to recover, at least mine.

I bought my anti viral meds on line

I had a whopper of a cold sore which refused to go, despite my trying Zovorax and various patches. The thing that got rid of it really quickly was liquorice lip balm from an online company called Skinshop.

Live in Canada and they have pills on prescription to get rid of cold sores. As soon as you feel the tingle you take an individual pill and it really reduces the severity and length of time.

No idea what they are called though, sorry.

Zovirax doesn't work, its shit.

Stress gives me coldsores.

It's probably an antiviral

I'd see another doc if I were you OP.

I was once told to put cold black coffee on cold sores.No idea if it works.

I don't take them long term. As soon as I feel the tingle, I start a course. Sometimes a single dose is enough to stop it completely, if I am quick enough. Other times, I take a couple of days of tablets and it reduces the severity and duration. It is still acyclovir, same as in Zovirax, but by the time you are applying a cream, the virus has already reached the nerve endings, so can't really be stopped. I have never had side effects from it.

I think Boots has stopped manufacturing this clear lotion

I used to suffer with them regularly and bad ones too. Gave up smoking about 16 years ago, started keeping fit about 5 years ago, get a very rare tiny one and they clear up within a couple of days. In my case I’m convinced a healthy lifestyle has helped.