Suggest Treatment For Canker Sores On The Hands

Posted on Wed, 7 Jun 2017

Question: My son, 24, has had terrible canker sores(multiple where he can barely eat, talk) and now he gets those same blisters on his hands and arms. They are very painful if touched. This all started when he was around 12. We have done gluten free, dairy free, seen all kinds of drs. One dermatogist in XXXXXXX diagnosed him with a chronic condition and puts him on some medicines that are very strong so he doesn't want him on for long. Steroids help but again can't be long term. His quality of life is terrible. He works full time manual labor and doesn't complain but is in a lot of pain. He also gets cold sores with the cankers. What are we missing?

Answered by Dr. Dr. U N Sahoo (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
viral infection

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for your query on HCM

I do understand your concern

“As” per your clinical history is concerned and from your description it is viral infection so do a physical examination by your dermatologist. You can also share your skin image here. For viral infection your doctor may prescribe you anti viral like[acyclovir] for 10 days.you can do few things at home which may help-

1)Avoid skin to skin contact with others while blisters are present
2)Avoid sharing personal items like utensils, towels, etc among family members
3)Always keep your hands clean by washing in soaps. Drink cleaner water.
4)Cut a garlic clove into halves. Crush one-half and apply it on the affected area. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat the process three to five times a day.
5)Dip a cotton ball or cotton swab in 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. Apply it on your cold sore and leave it on for a few minutes. Do this every few hours.
6)Take 1,500 mg L-Lysine supplements daily to help keep the herpes virus dormant. During an outbreak, take 1,500 mg three times a day. You can also use creams, but oral lysine is considered more effective.
7)Take[multivitamin capsules and b complex with iron regularly] at bed time for 6 months for mouth sores.You can rinse mouth with salt, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide. Rinse with this solution five times a day. Within a day or two, you will feel relief from the pain and other symptoms associated with canker sores.
8)Try to remove stress by doing meditation and regularly brush your teeth after a meal.

Hope that helps if any point needs to be clarified ask me in follow up.

Thanks

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj