Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 6: Using over-the-counter remedies
• Method 2 of 6: Visit the doctor
• Method 3 of 6: Using natural remedies
• Method 4 of 6: Relieve the discomfort
• Method 5 of 6: Prevent the spread of cold sores
• Method 6 of 6: Changing your lifestyle
• Tips
• Warnings

Cold sores are painful, blister-like sores that often appear around the mouth and are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) 1. You may experience pain around your mouth, or have a fever, sore throat, swollen glands. and a cold sore (also known as fever blisters). Cold sores usually go away on their own after a week or two, but there are methods you can use to get rid of them more quickly.

To step

Method 1 of 6: Using over-the-counter remedies

1. Use an over-the-counter ointment. Covering the cold sores to protect them from the sun and other irritants can help make them go away more quickly. Ointments such as Orajel and Carmex are designed to protect the ulcer and aid in healing.
   • For best results, apply the ointment several times (about 5 times a day) to keep the ulcer and skin from drying out.
2. Use regular petroleum jelly. Petroleum jelly, when applied to cold sores, will provide a protective layer so that your cold sore is not exposed to the elements. For best results, apply the ointment regularly so that the ulcer and skin don't have time to dry.
3. Use a drying ointment. Use a product that dries out the cold sore, such as rubbing alcohol (70%) or Blistex, which can help the cold sore heal faster. Apply alcohol by pouring a small amount onto a cotton ball and dabbing it on the cold sore.
4. Use sunscreen. Sun exposure is a severe attack on the skin, and certainly harmful to people who tend to develop cold sores. Protect your skin by wearing sunscreen all year round, not just in the summer. Use lip balm or lipstick with sunscreen so that your lips are also protected.
   • Use a skin protectant such as zinc oxide lip balm to protect your cold sore.
5. Try a styptic marker. A styptic marker consists of mineral astringents that can stop bleeding from nicks and cuts (such as those caused by shaving). They can also help reduce the redness and appearance of cold sores. Moisten the end of the pencil and gently press it on the sore area of ​​the ulcer. Repeat this several times a day as long as the cold sore is visible.
6. Try eye drops. Eye drops designed to reduce eye redness, such as Visine, can also be applied to cold sores to reduce redness. Put 1-2 drops on your cold sore.

Method 2 of 6: Visit the doctor

1. Know the history of your cold sore. Visit your doctor for more powerful treatments for your cold sores. If you have cold sores or cold sores that recur regularly, see your doctor to see what treatment options are. The doctor can ask a series of questions to diagnose the severity of your case, such as:
   • When did you first notice the cold sore?
   • How painful is the cold sore?
   • When did you first get cold sores?
   • How often do you get cold sores?
2. List any other medications you may be taking. Some medications can contribute to cold sores. Ask your doctor if this is the case. Suspicious drugs are:
   • Depo-Provera contraceptive
   • Steroid-based medication
   • Nasal sprays such as Fluticasone and Nasonex
   • Flu shots or vaccinations (rare)
   • Medicines that weaken your immune system
3. Ask for an antiviral cream. Prescription anti-viral creams containing penciclovir and acyclovir are very effective treatments for cold sores. These are creams that you apply directly to the cold sore.
   • Apply the cream as soon as you feel the cold sore coming on. If you get it early enough, the cream may prevent it from blistering.
   • The cream can also be applied to open the sores. They should disappear within a day or two of application.
4. Ask for a prescription for an oral medication. ACYCLOVIR (Zovirax) or valacyclovir (Valtrex), both antiviral drugs, are available in pill form. These can help clear up cold sores more quickly and can also prevent future outbreaks. These medications can significantly reduce symptoms if taken within the first two days of first noticing the cold sore or accompanying symptoms.
5. Ask for an injection of cortisone. A cortisone injection is a steroid injection that is injected into the area of ​​your cold sore. It will swell the area, but after that, the cold sore should disappear in a few hours. Visit your doctor to get an injection of diluted cortisone to get rid of the cold sore quickly.
   • This can be painful if the cortisone injection is injected into the cold sore itself. It can also be a costly treatment. Contact your health insurance provider to find out if this procedure is covered by your insurance.

Method 3 of 6: Using natural remedies

1. Apply ice. Take an ice cube and hold it against the ulcer for a few minutes at a time, two or three times a day. The ice relieves pain from the ulcer and helps reduce inflammation.
2. Use tea tree oil. A drop or two of this powerful natural oil can help clear cold sores in a day or two. Use it in the same way as any other ointment or liniment, and apply it a few times a day. You can also combine it with petroleum jelly so that it lasts longer.
3. Try it with vanilla extract. Using a few drops of real (not artificial) vanilla extract every day is considered a way to help heal cold sores. Pour a small amount of vanilla extract onto a cotton ball and gently press it onto the cold sore for about a minute. Repeat this 4 times a day.
4. Place a tea bag on the cold sore. Green tea contains nutrients and antioxidants that soothe cold sores and speed healing. Let a bag of vegetable tea steep in warm water for a few minutes and then cool. Apply the tea bag directly to the cold sore. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes.
5. Take lysine tablets. Lysine is an amino acid and is often used to limit the duration of a cold sore outbreak. Lysine can be purchased at drugstores and supermarkets for around € 5- € 7 per 100 tablets. Take 1-3 grams of lysine per day.
   • You can also increase your lysine intake by eating certain foods, such as fish, chicken, eggs and potatoes.
   • Contact your doctor if you have high cholesterol or cardiovascular disease. Lysine can increase your cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
6. Try other natural remedies. There are a number of remedies based on natural ingredients that you can try. Search online for "natural cold sore remedies" to look for additional remedies such as Echinacea, Aloe, Licorice Root, and Peppermint.

Method 4 of 6: Relieve the discomfort

1. Apply a warm or cold compress. Sometimes cold sores can become very painful or even lead to headaches and other related pains. Hold a bottle of warm water or a bag of ice wrapped in a towel against your lip for 20 minutes. The warm or cool temperature will help relieve the pain.
2. Use a topical anesthetic. Creams and ointments containing benzocaine or lidocaine provide temporary pain relief. They are often packaged as anti-itch creams and are available in drug stores.
3. Take a pain reliever. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen can reduce pain around your mouth and help relieve headaches. Follow the instructions on the bottle for the correct dosage.

Method 5 of 6: Prevent the spread of cold sores

1. Wash your hands regularly. Touching the sore with unwashed hands can lead to a bacterial infection and cause the sores to move to different areas of your body. Use warm, soapy water to wash your hands regularly throughout the day.
2. Avoid skin contact. When you have a cold sore outbreak, you are highly contagious and the virus can easily be passed on to another person. Avoid kissing or contacting your cold sore with anyone else.
   • Also avoid oral sexual activity during an outbreak. Otherwise, you run the risk of passing on the virus and infecting the other person with genital herpes.
3. Avoid sharing certain items. Do not share drinking glasses, straws, toothbrushes, razors, towels, or other items that have come into contact with someone with cold sores. Also, don't share these items with anyone else if you have cold sores yourself.
   • If you have cold sores, throw away your toothbrush. You run the risk of getting the virus if you keep exposing yourself to it through your toothbrush.

Method 6 of 6: Changing your lifestyle

1. Avoid foods that can trigger outbreaks. Many people are sensitive to certain foods that cause cold sores if they are eaten in excess. If you are prone to cold sores, limit or stop eating the following foods:
   • Acidic foods, such as tomatoes and citrus fruits. Avoid both raw tomatoes and foods that contain tomato sauce, and stop drinking tomato, orange, and grapefruit juice.
   • Salty foods, such as canned soups, fried foods, and snacks. Excess salt can lead to a cold sore outbreak.
2. Eat foods with a lot of nutritional value. Make sure you get plenty of vitamins and nutrients by eating fruits and vegetables. Eat well-balanced meals, and eat plenty of green, leafy vegetables and other nutrient-rich foods. Take a multivitamin if you are concerned that you are not getting enough nutrients.
3. Reduce your stress. Cold sore outbreaks are more common during periods of stress. You may notice an outbreak around the holidays or during a particularly stressful time at work. Lower your chances of getting a breakout by taking good care of yourself during stressful times.
4. Get plenty of sleep. Getting enough sleep every night will keep your body rested. Get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night. If you have trouble falling asleep, try soothing music or 10 minutes of meditation before going to bed to make sure your body knows it's time to sleep.
5. Drink plenty of water. Drink plenty of water every day to make sure your body is hydrated. Not only will this keep your body healthy, but it can also ward off diseases that can contribute to cold sores.
6. Keep your immune system strong. Cold sore outbreaks tend to occur when your immune system has been compromised. You may see them when you have a cold or are otherwise unwell. You can keep your immune system healthy by getting plenty of sleep, drinking plenty of water and eating foods rich in vitamins and other nutrients.
   • Take precautions against catching the flu or cold. Wash your hands regularly during the flu and winter season. Think about getting a flu shot if you are prone to cold sore outbreaks.

Tips

• Cold sores are different from canker sores. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and are highly contagious. Canker sores are sores that appear in the mouth. They are not caused by a herpes virus; in fact, doctors are not sure what causes canker sores.

Warnings

• Although only rarely, cold sores can affect the eyes and there is a risk that infection could damage your eyes or go blind. If you have cold sores or blisters near your eyes, see a doctor right away.