Health Tip: Coping With Cold Sores

(HealthDay News) -- Cold sores are small blisters, triggered a herpes virus, that mostly form on the mouth.

The American Academy of Dermatology suggests how to cope with them:

• Apply an over-the-counter antiviral cold-sore medication that contains docosanol or benzyl alcohol.
• Apply an ice pack to ease pain, or an over-the-counter pain-relieving gel or ointment.
• Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to manage pain.
• Avoid acidic foods, such as citrus fruits and tomatoes, as well as spicy and salty foods.
• Apply a cold, damp rag to the sores several times a day for five to 10 minutes at a time.
• Apply petroleum jelly to the sore and surrounding skin.