A cold sore, also known as a fever blister, is most often caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1, and usually appears around the lips, says Dr. Amy Kassouf, MD, a dermatologist at Cleveland Clinic. And they’re sometimes confused with other facial blemishes. “Many other things, such as a pimple or irritation or yeast infection, can often be mistaken for a cold sore,” she explains. “True cold sores are usually crusty sores or erosions that may tingle, itch or burn before they swell and break through the skin surface.” They’re contagious, too, especially in the early stages. Cold sores are easily transmitted from person to person through close contact, like kissing, sharing a cup or chapstick, or oral sex, explains Dr. Jeffrey Fromowitz, MD, FAAD a board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology of Boca in Boca Raton, Florida, “It’s best to avoid any close contact until all symptoms of discomfort ab the site have passed.” Unfortunately, there’s no cure, but you can get rid of cold sores and manage the pain and redness that they cause. Recognizing the signs that one is about to appear is the best way to get rid of your cold sore fast.
How to get rid of cold sores
1. Avoid triggers that cause cold sores
There are several ways to decrease the risk of a cold sore outbreak, Dr. Fromowitz says, such as avoiding getting sunburns in the area and don’t share cups, utensils or anything else that touches the lips. Also, keep your stress levels low as much as you can.
2. Apply a cold compress
Relieving the pain makes living with a cold sore a little more bearable. According to Cleveland Clinic, using a cold compress, like an ice pack or cold, wet cloth will lessen the pain and cut down on the redness.
3. Dab on an over-the-counter cream
Over-the-counter antiviral creams, such as Abreva, could help shorten the course of a cold sore, Dr. Kassouf says. It’s best used as soon as you know the cold store is developing. An over-the-counter pain-relieving cream, like lidocaine and benzocaine, also provides some relief. These topicals are usually located in the dental section of your drug store since they’re technically for dental pain, Cleveland Clinic says, but they work for cold sores, too.
4. Get a prescription for antiviral medications
Antiviral medications, such as acyclovir and valacyclovir, are often prescribed to treat cold sores, Dr. Fromowitz says. These medications may reduce the number of outbreaks, decrease the severity and length of cold sores, and alleviate pain. They may also help cold sores heal faster.
5. Boost your immune system
Cold sores are caused by viruses, so a strong immune system could decrease your risk. Taking some steps to boost your immune system could help git rid of cold sores. Some ways to do that include eating foods rich in vitamin C, antioxidants and prebiotics. Also, get plenty of sleep, exercise regularly and reduce your stress.
6. Take lysine
Lysine is an amino acid that’s available in both oral supplement or cream form. Dr. Kassouf says it’s been shown to prevent cold sores when used regularly.
7. Apply lemon balm
Ointments containing lemon balm may help heal cold sores, research published in Alternative Medicine Review shows. After just two days, subjects with cold sores who applied lemon balm saw reduced redness and swelling. But, lemon balm didn’t help with pain and scabbing.
8. Try kanuka honey
A study published in the journal BMJ Open shows that the medical-grade kanuka honey, from the manuka tree found in New Zealand, might help heal cold sores. The research found that kanuka honey was nearly as effective as prescription acyclovir.
9. Give peppermint oil a go
Peppermint oil contains substances that could help get rid of cold sores. According to research published in the journal Phytomedicine, peppermint oil has the ability to penetrate the skin and could work as an antiviral agent to curb recurrent cold sore infections.
10. Don’t pick at your cold sore
Picking off cold sore scabs may be tempting, but whatever you do, leave it alone. The more you touch it, the more likely you are to irritate your cold sore. And, it could take longer to heal. Next, read about what collagen powder can do for your skin.
Sources
Dr. Jeffrey Fromowitz, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology of BocaDr. Amy Kassouf, MD, dermatologist at Cleveland ClinicAlternative Medicine Review: Natural Remedies for Herpes Simplex BMJ Open: Kanuka honey versus aciclovir for the topical treatment of herpes simplex labialis: a randomised controlled trialCleveland Clinic: Here’s How You Can Get Rid of a Cold Sore (Fast!)Cleveland Clinic: Strengthen Your Immune System With 4 Simple StrategiesInstitute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care: Can Cold Sores Be Prevented? Integrative Medicine: A Clinician’s Journal: Lysine for Herpes Simples Prophylaxis: A Review of the Evidence Phytomedicine: Virucidal effect of peppermint oil on the enveloped viruses herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 in vitro
