How to treat itchy spots on all over my face, they are hardening up like cold sores, please suggest what to do?
It’s important to diagnose the cause of the itchy spots before you can treat them. Itchy bumps on the face can be caused by insect bites, irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, or as you have mentioned be a case of cold sores.
Cold Sores Symptoms And Treatment
In case of cold sores, they are caused by the herpes simplex virus or HSV-1 virus. These normally appear around your mouth and are quite embarrassing. Cold sores are highly infectious and spread from person to person through close contact or by sharing clothes and utensils. The virus can also travel via the saliva and people infected with this virus are most contagious when they have blisters that appear as sores. Patients, who suffer from cold sores, will usually have a prodrome. This involves the appearance of certain symptoms before the sores actually appear. These symptoms include burning or tingling sensations that appear a few hours or days before the blisters show up. As the sores form, the area around them starts to redden and small fluid-filled blisters begin to emerge. These blisters can be slightly painful and if they recur, the blisters tend to rapidly dry up and cause scabs that may last for a few days.
The best way to fight the sores is to boost your immune system. Take vitamin supplements that hinder the virus’ growth. Antioxidant vitamins and zinc capsules are also useful to inhibit the virus. Consult your doctor about the capsules and their dosages. Also, consume Vitamin C capsules as it can help your body fight the infection at a faster rate. Ensure you get adequate rest as this will help your body heal itself. Try to de-stress by doing some light exercise. You can reduce the itchiness and any pain by dabbing the sores with tea tree oil. This is a natural antiseptic that can be used directly on the blisters at regular periods throughout the day. Stay away from foods that contain arginine, nuts, dairy, high protein foods, and corn. Also reduce your intake of citrus fruits and salt as these can aggravate the blisters. You can also use ice to reduce the formation of cold sores; ice will also reduce the redness and cause the sores to be less noticeable in a few days. Use an over-the-counter cream that contains penciclovir or acyclovir. These prevent the virus from spreading and duplicating. Wash your hands if you have touched the sores and make sure to maintain good hygiene to avoid giving others the virus.
