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Can You Get Rid Of Cold Sores For Good?

Q: I get cold sores several times a year. Is there a way to keep them from coming back?

It usually starts with a tingling at the edge of your lip. Painful, fluid-filled bumps emerge. Then they pop, ooze, scab over and eventually heal. Every few months, this cycle repeats.

Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, can develop after infection with the herpes virus. (They're commonly caused by a version of the virus called herpes simplex virus type 1, or HSV-1, which is different from the version that typically causes genital herpes.)

For many, the lesions are "unsightly and painful," said Dr. Christine Johnston, a professor of infectious diseases at the University of Washington School of Medicine. They're also common, she added: Roughly half of people in the United States have HSV-1.

Here's how to treat cold sores, and whether you can prevent them.

The herpes virus is "very contagious," said Dr. Dean Blumberg, chief of pediatric infectious diseases at UC Davis Health. You can pick it up through close contact with someone who is infected, such as through kissing or sharing food or drinks.

And it's not always easy to tell whether someone is contagious, Dr. Blumberg said. People can transmit oral herpes without a visible cold sore.

If you do become infected, you might not develop a cold sore right away or even at all, Dr. Blumberg added. It could take years before you have an outbreak, Dr. Johnston said, or maybe you never get one.

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6 Natural Remedies That Instantly Clear Stuffy Noses

A top ENT specialist reveals the most effective at-home solutions for breathing freely again

The dreaded stuffy nose – we've all been there. That frustrating inability to breathe freely can turn your day (and night) into a miserable experience. While reaching for over-the-counter decongestants might seem like the obvious solution, recent research from the Mayo Clinic suggests these medications might not be as effective as we once thought. But don't despair – there are natural solutions that actually work better.

Board-certified ENT specialist Dr. Alan Workman has spent years helping patients breathe easier, and he's identified six proven home remedies that can provide real relief from nasal congestion. Whether you're dealing with a persistent cold or seasonal allergies, these doctor-approved solutions can help you get back to breathing normally.

Why traditional decongestants might not be your best option

Before diving into natural remedies, it's worth noting why common over-the-counter solutions might not be ideal. Many decongestant medications contain phenylephrine, which recent studies have found to be largely ineffective at relieving nasal congestion. Moreover, these medications can cause unwanted side effects, including increased blood pressure and blood sugar levels, making them particularly risky for people with certain health conditions.

The most effective natural solutions for nasal congestion

Saline rinse

Among all the home remedies available, nasal irrigation stands out as the most effective solution for clearing stuffed sinuses. Think of it as a gentle power wash for your nasal passages. Using devices like the NeilMed bottle or a neti pot, you can flush out irritants, thin stubborn mucus, and reduce inflammation that's making it hard to breathe.

The key to success with this method lies in proper technique and safety. Always use distilled, sterile, or previously boiled water to prevent any risk of infection. While the process might feel strange at first, most people report immediate relief after their first rinse.

Smart hydration strategies

While simply drinking water might seem too basic to be effective, proper hydration plays a crucial role in managing nasal congestion. The science behind this is simple: when you're well-hydrated, your body can thin out thick mucus naturally, making it easier to clear your nasal passages.

The National Institutes of Health recommends consuming between 9 and 13 cups of fluids daily, but during congestion, you might want to increase this slightly. Focus on water, herbal teas, and clear broths while avoiding sugary drinks that can actually worsen inflammation.

Steam therapy: the instant relief method

There's something almost magical about the way steam can provide immediate relief from nasal congestion. This age-old remedy works by warming and moistening your nasal passages, helping to loosen stubborn mucus and reduce inflammation.

While a hot shower is the most convenient way to get your steam therapy, you can also create a mini-spa experience at home. Fill a bowl with steaming water, drape a towel over your head, and breathe deeply for 5-10 minutes. For an extra boost, some people add a drop of eucalyptus oil, though the steam alone is highly effective.

The humidity factor: why moisture matters

The air in your home, especially during winter months, can be surprisingly dry, which often makes nasal congestion worse. This is where a good quality humidifier becomes your nighttime ally. By adding moisture to the air while you sleep, you can wake up breathing more easily.

When choosing between warm and cool mist options, Dr. Workman recommends cool mist humidifiers, particularly in homes with children, as they eliminate any risk of burns while providing the same benefits. Place the humidifier in your bedroom, and clean it regularly to prevent mold growth.

The menthol mystery

Menthol products have long been popular for nasal congestion, but there's an interesting truth about how they actually work. While menthol doesn't physically clear your nasal passages or reduce mucus, it creates a sensation of airflow that can make breathing feel easier.

This cooling compound triggers cold receptors in your nose, creating the impression of improved airflow even though the underlying congestion remains unchanged. While not a cure, this psychological relief can make you feel more comfortable while other remedies do the heavy lifting.

The food solution

If you've ever noticed your nose running after eating spicy food, you've discovered one of nature's decongestants. Spicy ingredients help thin mucus naturally, making it easier for your body to clear nasal passages. While this method might not appeal to everyone, it can provide quick, albeit temporary, relief from stuffiness.

When natural remedies aren't enough

While these home remedies are effective for most cases of nasal congestion, there are times when you should seek medical attention. Several warning signs indicate when you should seek medical attention. These include congestion lasting more than 10 days, fever over 101.3°F, thick yellow or green discharge, severe facial pressure or pain, neck stiffness, and difficulty breathing.

The overnight mistake to avoid

One common error many people make when dealing with nasal congestion is turning to nasal sprays containing oxymetazoline (like Afrin) for extended periods. While these sprays can provide dramatic relief initially, using them for more than three days can lead to rebound congestion – making your symptoms worse than before.

A word about prevention

The best way to deal with nasal congestion is to prevent it when possible. While you can't always avoid catching a cold or experiencing seasonal allergies, you can take several steps to minimize your risk. Regular hand washing, maintaining distance from sick individuals, staying well-hydrated year-round, using air purifiers in your home, keeping nasal passages moisturized (especially during dry weather), and using a humidifier preventively during winter months can all help reduce your chances of experiencing nasal congestion.

Making the most of these remedies

For optimal results, consider combining several of these natural approaches. You might start your day with a saline rinse, keep a water bottle handy for consistent hydration, use steam therapy before bed, and run a humidifier while you sleep.

This multi-pronged approach often provides better relief than relying on a single method, and unlike medication, you don't have to worry about interactions or side effects.

The bottom line

While nasal congestion can make you miserable, you don't have to suffer through it. These natural remedies offer safe, effective relief without the risks associated with some over-the-counter medications. By understanding how each remedy works and using them correctly, you can breathe easier and get back to enjoying your daily activities.

Remember, while these remedies are generally safe, everyone's body responds differently. If you have underlying health conditions or if your congestion persists despite trying these methods, don't hesitate to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

From Cold Plunges To Infrared Saunas: The Latest Health And Wellness Treatments And Trends (and Where To Try Them)

Many health treatments bring synergy to beauty and wellness. It's not just about looking good but feeling good, as well. Luckily, the Lowcountry provides a variety of medical spas that offer a wide range of beauty and health treatments. We highlighted some of those popular procedures below. Check out the benefits and risks, and where you can find local service providers who will have you looking and feeling radiant and refreshed.

Cold Plunge

A short immersion in cold water or an icy bath, usually lasting a few minutes. It can be done in a special cold plunge tub, bathtub, cold lake, or cold ocean.

Benefits: Cold plunges can help with muscle recovery and with increasing circulation. They can also help with mood resilience.

Risks: People with heart conditions should not do cold plunges since it can slow the heart rate or cause hyperventilation due to the fight or flight response. Do not stay in the cold for too long due to hypothermia.

Where you can do this locally:

Infrared Sauna

Infrared lamps emit infrared light, which is absorbed by the skin. The infrared light heats the body directly, rather than heating the air around the body.

Benefits: Infrared saunas can help with weight loss, cardiovascular health, blood pressure, cholesterol, pain, stress, and fatigue. Infrared saunas also activate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping to reduce physical and mental stress.

SweatHouz is a spa in Mount Pleasant that offers infrared saunas.

Provided

Risks: Do not use if pregnant, have serious inflammation, a fever, a communicable disease, or bleeding. Infrared saunas can make you overheat, dehydrate, cause lightheadedness, and lower blood pressure.

Where you can do this locally:

Red Light Therapy

The use of low levels of red light in red light therapy targets the skin and cells. This therapy improves cell function and repair. The red LED light travels deeper into the skin to help cells repair themselves.

Benefits: Research shows that red light therapy may be useful for relieving some types of pain, particularly pain due to inflammation. There is also research that shows that red light therapy can help with wrinkles, acne, and even weight loss.

Risks: At high levels, red light therapy can cause blistering and redness of the skin. It is best to use protective goggles because it can also cause eye damage.

Where you can do this locally:

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is a medical procedure that uses extreme cold to destroy abnormal tissue, such as tumors or precancerous cells. A doctor applies cold liquid or cryoprobe to freeze, and ultimately destroy, the abnormal tissue.

Benefits: Cryotherapy can be used to treat certain cancers, like tumors on the skin and even inside the body. It can also treat pain and injuries, as well as pigmented lesions on the skin.

Risks: Complications are rare, but can occur. Some of those complications are bleeding, cramping, or pain after treatment. Nerve damage has also been reported, as well as some skin damage, like scarring.

Where you can do this locally:

Halotherapy

Also known as salt therapy, halotherapy is an alternative medicine treatment that involves inhaling dry salt particles in a specially designed room.

Benefits: The particles are believed to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can benefit respiratory and skin conditions.

Risks: Halotherapy might irritate the airwaves in people with asthma. Some people who use halotherapy might experience headaches.