Cold sores are small painful blisters that usual tend to develop around the mouth. Cold sores, or fever blisters are caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) and are highly contagious, regardless of whether they are visible or not. One of the most common recurring viral infection, cold sores can be a painful affair and unsightly to look at. However, there’s nothing to be embarrassed about as many people get them ever so often.
Most of the time, cold sores are formed through contact with infected saliva, like while kissing but can also be triggered by cold temperatures, weak immune system, when stressed or rundown with winter blues or even simply by sharing cups and utensils.
A cold sore usually takes about two weeks to run its course and clear up on their own as there exist no “cure” for them.
How Cold Sores Develops
The red, fluid-filled bump in or around your mouth is basically what is called a cold sore breakout. This happens when the HSV-1 virus turns active, causing the sores to surface on the mouth. While these blisters normally appear on the lips, they can also form inside of your mouth on the roof of it, your gums and the tongue.
Cold sores are extremely common than you might think, with studies estimating that about 50% of the global population is affected by it.
Ways to Banish the Blister(s)
Now on to the most important part: how to get rid of this painful annoyance? Unfortunately, you can heal your cold sore overnight. But we have compiled list of different treatments and medication that can shorten the duration of cold sores, help dealing with the signs and relieve the chances of recurrence.
- Medication Route
Because a cold sore is a viral infection, the best bet is to treat it with antiviral medications. Find an over-the-counter (OTC) antiviral cream or ointment that works for cold sores and apply them regularly to the affected area. Some topical OTC ointment include Mucopain Gel, Blistex, and Hydroheal Am gel. These are easily available at your local pharmacies or online and are not too expensive either.
The most common antiviral medication to treat outbreaks of cold sores in pill form is Valacyclovir. You might need a prescription from your doctor prior to using it.
- Natural Remedies
If pills and other medications do not work for you, you can choose options to treat your cold sore from more natural arena. Using ingredients and compounds which are antiviral, and antimicrobial can help limit the exposure of the virus.
Tea Tree oil
This oil contains strong antiviral properties that help kill the virus and bacteria to speed up the healing process.
Lip Balms
One of the easiest and accessible ways to prevent cold sores from purging out is to religiously use a moisturizing and hydrating lip balm. Culmination of ingredients like cocoa butter and different oils like vitamin E oil heals the wound quickly without any added fuss. Using a lip balm would help nourish the lips/mouth from drying out and causing the blister to crack open.
Aloe vera Gel
Again, another easily available product, aloe vera gel (from the plant or packaged) helps soothe inflamed skin, with providing your lips the needed moisture. Apply the gel on your lips before going to bed.
Peppermint and witch hazel oil
Peppermint oil possesses high levels of virucidal activity to fight against the HSV-1 virus as a topical treatment. Regular application of the oil will help curb the recurrence of cold sores.
Milk
The good old-fashioned milk not only helps strengthen your bones but also apparently virus-induced blisters. Its antimicrobial properties make it a great fit to clear the infection and soothe the skin. Soak a cotton pad/ball in milk and compress it onto the affected area for couple of minutes.
Do’s & Don’ts
To not hinder the healing process of a cold sore, you must keep some tips in mind to avoid mistakes:
- Don’t touch or try to pop a cold sore. That would only encourage the virus to spread even more. Let it heal own its own.
- Don’t be too aggressive while washing your mouth or the affected area. Don’t use soap or facial wipe on it as well.
- Avoid sharing any utensil when suffering from a cold sore or even otherwise for that matter if you don’t want to catch it from someone.
