What Kills Cold Sores Instantly? Some Home Remedies!
Some people get cold sores occasionally, which do not look good and are quite painful. Cold sores are packets of fluid underneath the skin that can form around the mouth and lip area. They feel quite uncomfortable and make you feel low on energy. It can take some people a few days to heal and even more.
Some cold sores can feel tight and uncomfortable; hence, you want to get rid of them quickly. If you have cold sores often, it is best to try some instant remedies to make them heal faster. Dive right in for some tips to get rid of cold sores!
Why Do You Get Cold Sores?
Some people get cold sores occasionally, and dealing with them can be super annoying. You may wonder why you are getting cold sores and taking longer to go. Cold sores can happen for a few reasons, which include:
- Herpes Simplex Virus can cause painful cold sores that can take 8 to 10 days (about 1 and a half weeks) to go away.
- Stomach inflammation is also one of the reasons why you can get cold sores.
- It can be an early sign of fever and infections in the body.
- Stress can cause cold sores, which can stay longer and require treatment.
- Excess sun exposure and melanin production can also cause painful cold sores.
Tips to Get Rid of Cold Sores Faster!
Cold sores can take over a week to go away, and sometimes they can stay longer. It is not only painful but looks bad, ruining your confidence. Hence, people want some tips to make cold sores vanish faster. Here are a few tips to make cold sores go away faster:
1. OTC medicines
If you feel a cold sore is about to appear, start taking OTC (over-the-counter) medicines. You can find multiple cold sore medicines and gels in the pharmacy to help you deal with it faster. Some of the most effective cold sore medicines have benzyl alcohol and docosanol, which help clear the cold sore faster.
Over-the-counter medicines can help clear the cold sore within 2-3 days. If you have gels for cold sores, make sure to apply them at least three times per day. On the other hand, cleaning up the wound now and then is essential to avoid bacterial build-up. Does aleve help with inflammation? You can intake aleve or Lysine supplements daily until the cold sore disappears. Three grams of Lysine is sufficient and helps clean up cold sores faster.
2. Apply Ice
Ice is one of the remedies for a cold sore that helps reduce pain and discomfort. Cold sores can feel tender and itchy, and ice can reduce discomfort. The cold sensation feels great as it helps to reduce the burning sensation and discomfort.
You can press ice directly on the core sore and rub gently for a few minutes; you should not be aggressive, as it can cause further irritation. You can also use an ice pack as it is less cold and harsh than an ice cube. Don’t apply ice for more than 15 minutes, as it can irritate or burn the skin.
3. Aloe Vera Gel
The best natural remedy for cold sores is aloe vera gel, which is also easily available. If you want to soothe discomfort and eliminate the pain, aloe vera gel greatly helps. Aloe vera has soothing properties that help reduce skin inflammation.
You can find fresh aloe vera plants anywhere; grab a leaf or two. Slice the leaves in half to scoop the gel and store it in the fridge. Applying cool gel on the cold sore instantly relieves the pain and discomfort. You can apply aloe vera gel on the cold sore for as long as you want and reapply 2-3 times daily.
4. Don’t Forget to Apply Sunscreen
Sun is one of the biggest triggers for cold soreness, making it even worse. Hence, if you want the cold sore to heal faster, stay away from the sun or apply sunscreen when going out. Apply a thick layer on and around the cold sore to avoid further damage.
Most of us have a cold sore on our lips; you can use a lip balm with SPF for sun protection. If you don’t have a lip balm with SPF, you can dab your face sunscreen over your lips. It is essential to wear a cap or a scarf if you are going in direct sunlight. Sun does not delay healing but can inflame and irritate the cold sore.
Final Verdict
Cold sores are unavoidable, but you can take measures to heal them faster. They don’t only look unappealing but also cause a lot of pain and discomfort. Hence, it is essential to take OTC medicines, apply ice, take less stress, and apply sunscreen to heal it faster.
