I have a cold sore :(?

Question

This is the second one I have had. The last one was about 7 years ago and I don't remember how long it took. It is on my chin. Not to be nasty, but now the scab has formed. It appeared on Saturday. I have been using Abreva. How much longer will I have it? Will I be safe by Friday? Like I can kiss my partner on Friday? How do you know when you are safe?

Answer 1

Most likely the cold sore will be pretty much healed by Friday.  Usually a week to 10 days is the time it takes, with no treatment.

You should be aware that you can pass on the cold sore virus, even when you do not have a cold sore, though it is less likely that you will pass it on then.   Many of us already have the cold sore virus dormant in our bodies, and never have a flare up of cold sores.  We contracted it as children, as it is a very common virus, and children pick it up easily as they often share food and drinks, and may be less concerned about hand washing and hygiene.

You are right about Valtrex, though it is too late to take it for this cold sore if it already has a scab.  You have to take Valtrex as soon as you feel the cold sore coming on.  But do talk to your doctor about it, because you need to have the medication already when a cold sore starts.  My doctor prescribed it for me for cold sores about five years ago and after taking it only a couple of times I hardly ever get a cold sore any more, and before Valtrex I was having several attacks a year.  On the rare occasions that I do get one now, it is gone almost immediately when I take the medication - in about a day.    In the meantime, here are a couple of informative links.

http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-t...

http://kidshealth.org/kid/ill_injure/ach...

Answer 2

Yea. I heard that too.

The best thing to do is go to the doctor maybe they can give you

something to make the cold sore go away faster.