Suggest Treatment For Itchy Cold Sores On The Hands And Mouth

Posted on Fri, 25 Nov 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 25 Nov 2016 Answered on

Fri, 16 Dec 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I had shingles last year ,ended up almost dying because I was given too many antibiotics....cdif,blood clot,pneumonia....now a year later my hand still itches and I have many cold sores....I itch around my mouth...I scratch my hand until it bleeds...Help,I have tried everything but nothing has helped......Thanks

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
The virus remains dormant.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

I have gone through your query and understand your concerns. Shingles is a viral infection caused by a certain herpesvirus. The virus lies dormant in the nerve endings of the affected area(s) for a lifetime. So, whenever there is a dip in the immunity due to any cause, the infection flares up. That is the reason of your getting the cold sores. Scratching them will not help. Apply some moisturizing lotion like aloe vera lotion. Take cetirizine, an antiallergic, if it itches.

You need to take plenty of colourful fruits and vegetables. They contain plenty of antioxidants which should help in boosting your immunity. That will prevent the relapses.

Let me know if I could help further.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar