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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can A Cold Sore On The Upper Lip Be Treated?

I have the second cold sore of my life , I'm 66 years old. For 4 days I have been taking 500mg L-Lysine, one morning, one evening.Also dabbing on Gly-Oxide gel a couple times a day. The stinging and pain has gone away, but I still have a very ugly sore on my upper lip, somewhat dried up but not completely scabbed over. I have very sensitive fair skin. Should I be doing anything else to get rid of this? My husband gets them several times a year, and his go away with this treatment in just 2 days.
posted on Mon, 5 Jun 2017
Twitter Fri, 13 Oct 2017 Answered on
Twitter Fri, 13 Oct 2017 Last reviewed on
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hi..
Thanks for the query..

Cold sores occur due to viral infection caused by Herpes simplex virus 1.

So if it is sure that you have a cold sore then it should be treated with antiviral ointment and oral medication.

Lysine and Gly-oxide gel will not be helpful in this case.
You should consult an Emergency room and get evaluated so that they can advise you appropriate medication.

You can be advised application of Valtrex ointment over the sore and along with it oral antiviral medication like Valacyclovir or Acyclovir can also be advised..

Also your husband should be treated to avoid infecting each other..

You should also avoid physical contact and using personal belongings like napkins, towels, utensils etc for avoiding recurring infections..

Hope this helps..

Regards.
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How Can A Cold Sore On The Upper Lip Be Treated?

Hi.. Thanks for the query.. Cold sores occur due to viral infection caused by Herpes simplex virus 1. So if it is sure that you have a cold sore then it should be treated with antiviral ointment and oral medication. Lysine and Gly-oxide gel will not be helpful in this case. You should consult an Emergency room and get evaluated so that they can advise you appropriate medication. You can be advised application of Valtrex ointment over the sore and along with it oral antiviral medication like Valacyclovir or Acyclovir can also be advised.. Also your husband should be treated to avoid infecting each other.. You should also avoid physical contact and using personal belongings like napkins, towels, utensils etc for avoiding recurring infections.. Hope this helps.. Regards.