A
female
age
26-29,
anonymous
writes:I've been feeling really insecure and self-conscious recently because I have these two horrible cold sores on both corners of my mouth that look disgusting and really hurt! I know this may seem like such a small thing to be moaning about when there are people who are in a much worse situation than I am, but they're on my face and so crusty and sore and disgusting! They really hurt too so I'm always aware of it and I get so embarrassed even talking to people in case they're just looking at me and thinking "yuck, look at her face". Some mornings when I eat breakfast they also tear open and you can see all the exposed red flesh and it just makes me want to cry because I look so ugly. It's actually affecting me socially and how I talk to people (especially as I am just starting out at university and really want to make friends with people but I'm worried that all they see are the sores and get put off).I've actually been doing some research and basically I don't think they're cold sores, I think they're another form of sore people get that need to be treated with hydrocortisone.Basically, I'm just looking for some reassurance from people who have been in the same situation, or any tips on how to cover them up until they heal without using too much makeup that aggravates them.Thanks!
View related questions:
insecure, university Reply to this Question
Share |
Fancy yourself as an agony aunt? Add your answer to this question! A
reader, anonymous, writes (27 January 2016): Not seeing the sores, perhaps it might be quite easy for us to sit and say don't mind what people think.
You've been through this before, and you have to get used to the fact that people stare at the unusual. It's not polite, but manners is somewhat out of style.
I know people with different skin disorders or acne, but they've just learned to deal with it. I have a scar on my chest from an accident, and I was quite self-conscious about it. There was a time when I wouldn't take my shirt off around people. It's about three inches long and a half-inch wide. Slightly purplish-pink. Several people told me they though it was a tattoo until they actually saw it up-close. I don't care anymore. I workout, and everything else around it looks just fine. I still get stares at it sometimes on the beach. Whatever!
A
male
reader, anonymous, writes (26 January 2016): If it just a cold sore, just get some Aciclovir cream, like Zovirax, and apply several times a day, take pain killers for the pain and it will be gone in less than a week.Most people have gotten cold sores at some point, usually the breakout is stress related as the virus lays dormant in the nervous system and won't surface until your immune system is a little weaker, ie. When you are stressed out or something else causes the immune drop, and whammo... out it comes.Most people will see it for what it is, a nuisance, but a pretty minor one in the scheme of things. Just something most of us get from time to time. Not uber-gross or life-threatening and mostly not within our realm of control. So just slap some Aciclovir on it, avoid kissing and sharing drinks or utensils and make sure you wash your hands after applying and you should be fine.Don't stress. That just makes it worse.
...............................
A
female
reader, Honeypie  +, writes (26 January 2016):
 If anyone look down at you for that.. then that is ON THEM. It doesn't mean they are right. I'm sure they are NOT perfect either.
And again, if someone judges you for this, WHO cares! You certainly shouldn't!
You can't control what others do/think/say - so work on not giving a fly's fart about their "opinions" if they are just being nasty.
Saw this:
https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/mouth-and-dental-disorders/symptoms-of-oral-and-dental-disorders/mouth-sores-and-inflammation
KEY POINTS
A mouth sore that lasts more than 10 days should be evaluated by a doctor or dentist.
Isolated mouth sores in people with no other symptoms or risk factors for a systemic illness are usually caused by a viral infection or recurrent aphthous stomatitis.
Symptoms outside the mouth, a rash, or both suggest a more immediate need for a diagnosis.
So go see your doctor again, if these are reoccurring sores it might take something different to fix it.
...............................
A
male
reader, anonymous, writes (26 January 2016): Absolutely no need to be ashamed or disgusted. This is a skin ailment, and skin ailments are stubborn and take long time to cure. So seek medical help and don't give up if they are not cured in the first try.Keep trying till you get rid of them.But most important let a doctor handle it. That is why doctors are there.
...............................
A
female
reader, So_Very_Confused +, writes (26 January 2016):
 if they are both at the corners of your mouth they may not be cold sores.
the best thing to do is get a full medical diagnosis and then figure out treatment.
...............................
A
reader, anonymous, writes (26 January 2016): This is verified as being by the original poster of the questionSorry everyone maybe I should have been more clear! I went to the GP about 4 years ago for this problem - which they diagnosed as a form of a cold sore but caused by a bacteria rather than the Herpes Simplex. So I know I can treat them with hydrocortisone but I was just wondering about some more natural ways to prevent them in the future and also a way to try and improve my self esteem. Thanks for the answer Honeypie, I'm glad you don't look at them as disgusting but I feel like some other people will :(
...............................
A
female
reader, Tisha-1 +, writes (26 January 2016):
 If you want reassurance, get a proper diagnosis from a qualified medical doctor. You say they are cold sores, then you say they aren't....
You need to be examined by someone who is qualified....
...............................
A
female
reader, RubyBirtle +, writes (26 January 2016):
Sorry - I mean Zovirax CREAM (not cram)!
...............................
A
female
reader, RubyBirtle +, writes (26 January 2016):
Have you tried any of the over-the-counter treatments for cold sores?
If you haven't, pop along to any dispensing chemist and ask the pharmacist for some Zovirax cram (which is the standard treatment for cold sores in the UK)
If this doesn't/didn't work, make an appointment to see your GP as you could have impetigo which also causes crusty sores around the nose and mouth. It is easily treated with antibiotics.
Both conditions are highly contagious with direct and indirect contact so avoid touching them, avoid kissing anyone and wash your hands regularly whilst you have the sores.
You could also ask the pharmacist for his opinion as they are qualified to give a limited amount of health advice but I think you should just go ahead and make that GP appointment
...............................
A
reader, anonymous, writes (26 January 2016): They are most likely cold sores that have gotten even more infected from being picked open. You must see a doctor, you can't diagnose your own illnesses or maladies.
Nothing angers or frustrates healthcare professionals more than people going on the internet; and trying to piece together a diagnosis without seeking timely treatment that could slow down and/or cure any progression of a curable disease or wound requiring medical attention. Even if it's something simple; if it seems unchanged or progressively worse after a week! See your doctor! There may be tests required to make a true determination of the cause and necessary treatment.
Never pick at scabs on sores of any kind. They protect the wound. It can cause scarring and prolong healing if you don't leave them alone.
...............................
A
male
reader, Garbo +, writes (26 January 2016):
 You should be so dismissive to claim that your breakouts are treatable by hydrocortisone. Cold sores are euphemism for Herpes Simplex Type 1 virus, and this virus is totally different then the feared genital herpes. The breakout is instigated by too much amino acid arginine. However, before seeking treatment or running to a conclusion that it is this virus, you should get that cold sore tested and diagnosed.
These sores tend to run their course irrespective treatment but the best way is to modify your diet so you don't get a breakout in the first place.
...............................
A
female
reader, boo22 +, writes (26 January 2016):
 HiWhy do you think they aren't cold sores?I used to get them constantly and I know exactly how you feelI see you are in the UKThere's a product you buy from Holland and Barrett called L -Lycine. It's available in different strengths. I use the highest dose. It's an amino acid .If your body is short of that it can trigger cold sores so I take it every day and I've not had an attack for around 18 months.Nothing will take them away except time. Seven to ten days usually.Try and keep the area very clean.I wouldn't wear any make up around the area.The make up irritates it and so it takes longer to healTry to avoid caffeine chocolate alcohol peanuts and junk foodI know this a lot to askWash your hands every time you need to touch your face.Get some sleep , this really does help x
...............................
A
female
reader, Honeypie +, writes (26 January 2016):
Since you aren't entirely sure WHAT they are... go see your doctor :)
As there is no cure for cold sore there is no instant-fix BUT...
There are many things that can make life easier for you.
This has a BUNCH of natural remedies you can try.
http://everydayroots.com/cold-sore-remedies
And by the way, I have never had cold sores, but I have had friend who did, and I NEVER ever looked at them or others with cold sores and thought of them as "disgusting". Same with acne, there are things out bodies do that we CAN NOT control. No need to be ashamed of WHO you are or something you 100% can't control.
...............................
|
