How Can I Get Rid Of Cold Sores Quickly
Theyre painful. Theyre unsightly. Theyre annoying. Cold sores are just plain unwelcome. When one pops up on your lip or mouth, you probably immediately think: Whats the fastest way to get rid of this thing?
Herpes simplex virus the virus that causes cold sores is incredibly contagious, and infection with the virus is really common, says Dr. Donald Brown, primary care practitioner at Houston Methodist. In fact, more than 50% of adults in the U.S. are infected with the type of herpes virus that most commonly causes cold sores. Interestingly, however, most people who contract the virus never actually develop symptoms.
If the virus does cause cold sores, it can spread from person-to-person through close contact, like kissing. But, while you may not know it, the virus can also spread by sharing:
- Utensils and drinking glasses
The virus is most contagious when a cold sore is present, particularly when the blister begins to ooze, Dr. Brown adds. However, its important to know that you can still spread the virus long after a cold sore heals as well as when a blister isnt even present.
For those who are no stranger to those painful, fluid-filled blisters, when you get a cold sore, you probably want it gone fast.
Apple Cider Vinegar As A Home Remedy For Herpes
Apple cider vinegar is characterized by its antibacterial effect. The home remedy helps to dry out the cold sores and restores the normal pH of the skin. Dab the cold sores several times a day with a cotton ball dipped in apple cider vinegar.
To support the immune system, you can drink 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar dissolved in a glass of water every day. This simultaneously stimulates the body’s own self-healing powers.
Vi Take A Warm Bath With Epsom Salt:
Epsom salt is also used as an operative measure to treat the infection. You need to soak the infected area for about 15-20 minutes in half a bucket of warm water mixed with a handful of Epsom salt. Later, you could also soak yourself in a hot tub of bathing water mixed with Epsom salt for ½ an hour to relax the sore muscles and make your genital herpes recovery faster.
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Why Cold Sores Come Back
Cold sores are caused by a virus called herpes simplex.
Once you have the virus, it stays in your skin for the rest of your life. Sometimes it causes a cold sore.
Most people are exposed to the virus when theyre young after close skin to skin contact, such as kissing, with someone who has a cold sore.
It does not usually cause any symptoms until youre older. You will not know if its in your skin unless you get a cold sore.
Page last reviewed: 20 July 2020 Next review due: 20 July 2023
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Boost Your Zinc Intake
Zinc is another essential nutrient for boosting your immune system. A stronger immune system is more likely to be able to fight off outbreaks of the herpes virus and thus reduce your number of cold sores. Like with other minerals and vitamins you can take supplements which are available in a number of stores. You can also try eating more foods like chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, turkey, eggs, and salmon.
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Check If Its A Cold Sore
A cold sore usually starts with a tingling, itching or burning feeling.
Over the next 48 hours:
Cold sores should start to heal within 10 days, but are contagious and may be irritating or painful while they heal.
Some people find that certain things trigger a cold sore, such as another illness, sunshine or menstrual periods.
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Tip: Lysine Against Herpes
A wonderful helper is Lysine against herpes. You take the amino acid when you notice that something is coming on. But you can also take preventive measures against herpes.
How does it work? Lysine displaces the amino acid arginine, which herpes viruses need to grow. So you can just eat tons of tuna, parmesan, soy and pork or just take one capsule of lysine per day 🙂
** Affiliate Link **
My pharmacist recommends taking 1 gram of lysine 3 times a day immediately at the first signs. This immediately inhibits the multiplication of the virus. If you have reacted early enough, the herpes blister will not break out at all this time.
You can find especially high-quality lysine in the Capsules from Pure Encapsulations.
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How Is Genital Herpes Treated
There is no cure for the herpes simplex virus. The blisters usually heal and go by themselves, so you may not always need treatment. There is antiviral medicines for herpes, which can: shorten outbreaks, relieve discomfort and stop symptoms from getting worse.
The antiviral treatment is most effective when you take it within the first five days of symptoms appearing. Avoid touching the blisters as this can also increase the risk of spreading the infection. If your herpes treatment requires you to apply cream to a sore, just gently pat the cream on, being careful not to rub around the surrounding area.
You can ease your symptoms by:
- keeping the affected area clean using plain or salt water to prevent blisters or ulcers from becoming infected
- applying petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, to any blisters or ulcers to reduce the pain when passing urine
- asking a healthcare provider to recommend painkilling creams
- avoiding tight clothing because it may irritate the blisters and ulcers.
Dont have sex until you or your partner have finished your treatment, and the blisters or ulcers have gone. If its your first outbreak, its sometimes advised that you check back with a healthcare provider before having sex again, to ensure that your symptoms have gone.
Herpes / Cold Sores Symptoms
People with first-time outbreaks of cold sores symptoms will notice a small sore that enlarges to the sizeof a dime within several days. The sore is itchy and burning, then blisters, releases water and finally crusts. This process is verypainful to the touch and lasts for several weeks. 12Other cold sores symptoms are: 1234
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Prevention Of Genital Herpes
The best protection against STIs is to always use barrier protection such as condoms, female condoms and dams . Because herpes is spread by skin-to-skin contact, condoms will reduce the risk of transmission, but it will not protect sexual partners completely as condoms do not cover the entire genitals.
Using lubricant with a condom during sex will also reduce the risk of trauma to the genital skin. This has been shown to reduce HSV transmission, especially in the first six months of a sexual relationship. Silicone-based lubricants are recommended.
Remember that herpes transmission can occur when symptoms are present , but may also occur even if there are no genital symptoms through asymptomatic viral shedding.
For people who have frequent episodes of genital herpes, antiviral medication, taken daily, helps to reduce transmission of herpes to a sexual partner.
Dab On Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract can do more than make your home smell fresh. Some people believe the alcohol in pure vanilla extract makes it difficult for a cold sore virus to thrive, which would lessening the severity of an outbreak. As soon as you feel a cold sore forming, you can try dabbing on pure vanilla extract.
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Cool Or Warm Compression
Cold or warm compression is an effective natural remedy to treat the symptoms of herpes. Applying heat can be helpful even if the sore has not developed completely. If a sore has already formed, warm compression can help in reducing the pain and inflammation. You can make a dry warm compress by filling a soft cloth with rice and heating it for a minute in the microwave. You can also use a cold compress to reduce swelling. Apply an ice pack or a clean, soft washcloth filled with ice on the sore affected area. You can even take frozen peas in a soft piece of cloth. You can use these compressions on the sores after every few hours.
Best For Skin Barrier: Vaseline 100% Pure Petroleum Jelly
- Price: $3.2917.70
- Pros: available in a range of sizes, suitable for sensitive skin
- Cons: reports of product hygiene issues from online sellers
A person can purchase Vaseline online through Amazon.
Vaseline states it is hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive, dry skin.
It also claims that its product helps seal in moisture, which may help the skin heal naturally. Additionally, petroleum jelly creates a barrier between the skin and outside elements.
This Vaseline product may be best suited to people with cold sores.
Vaseline costs between $3.2917.70, depending on the tub size.
Pros: suitable for smaller budgets, high volume per bottle, third-party testedCons: limited research into the effectiveness of L-lysine for herpes
These caplets are suitable for vegetarians and free of allergens such as yeast, wheat, gluten, milk, and lactose. They are also free of sugar.
CVS Pharmacy claims these caplets may help support healthy skin, collagen production, and tissue maintenance.
CVS states it requires third-party testing for all supplements.
The company recommends taking one caplet a day on an empty stomach. Each pill contains 1,000 mg of L-lysine.
CVS Pharmacy L-Lysin Caplets cost $11.29.
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Increase Your Intake Of Vitamin E
Vitamin E is great for soothing the skin. It can help to reduce pain and discomfort caused by cold sores and repair damaged skin. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are behind these cold sore busting benefits. You can take capsuled supplements or increase your intake of foods like spinach, avocados, sunflower seeds, and sweet potatoes to boost your vitamin E intake.
What Not To Do With Cold Sores
Certain habits or behaviors could trigger a cold-sore outbreak or make new cold sores appear elsewhere on your body.
Avoid triggers. This means that if you know a hot, sunny day at the beach or a lot of stress makes you break out in cold sores, try to stay out of those situations when you can. You may be able to stop it in its tracks, or at least keep it from getting worse.
Donât touch. If you pick at your cold sore, you may spread the virus to another part of your body. That will just make your outbreak worse. Keep your hands away from your mouth, and wash your hands often, especially when you touch your face.
Donât pop sores. The virus is most likely to spread after a cold sore appears and before it heals. Popping the sores may spread the virus to other parts of your body.
Donât give or receive oral sex. When you have a cold sore, you can spread it to other parts of the body, including the genitals.
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Homeopathic Remedies For Cold Sores
From the above-mentioned home remedies, we are clued-up with what we can put on cold sores? Still, some people want to go for homeopathic treatment. So, here are some homeopathic remedies for healing cold sores.
- Borax: It is used for herpes outbreaks.
- Apis mellifica: It is used when the cold sores are tender to touch and are accompanied by swelling, redness, and pain.
- Dulcamara: It is used when sores erupt due to the rainy season.
- Arsenicum album: Provide relief in the burning pain.
- Graphites: It is used when a honey-like substance oozes out from the sores.
- Natrum muriaticum: It is used for red sores on lips, chin, face, and nostril area.
Dosage: Take one dose of homeopathic medicine and wait for the response. Take the second only when effective results are seen. The frequency of dosage wholly depends on the condition of the person. For more information on dosage, you should consult a doctor.
Suggested Read: Dry Mouth Remedies
Avoid Foods With An Unfavorable Arginine
There is some evidence in the Journal of Virology and Chemotherapy suggesting high levels of arginine may make cold sore outbreaks worse because the virus needs arginine to multiply or replicate. If you feel a cold sore developing, you might temporarily stop eating foods with an unfavorable lysine-to-arginine ratio, which can include peanuts, almonds, seeds, cereal grains, gelatin, and raisins.
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Cold Sore Remedies And Treatments
Although it can take several weeks, cold sores usually go away on their own. If you want to speed up your recovery and lessen your symptoms, there are several remedies you can try.
Antiviral Medications
If you take medication straight away, cold sores usually clear up within a few weeks. If you speak to your doctor, they will likely prescribe you one of the following medications for cold sores:
These either come in the form of a pill to take orally or cream to put on topically. Generally, the pills do a better job of clearing up cold sores than the creams. If your infection is severe, your doctor may suggest getting an antiviral medication through an injection.
Lip Balm
Lip balm might be the first thing that comes to your mind when you think about cold sore remedies, as many lip balm companies advertise their products as such. However, doctors say that lip balm that contains at least 1% real lemon is your best bet. Be careful not to share your lip balm with anyone as it could pass on your infection.
If you can’t find any lip balm infused with lemon, you can try soaking a cotton ball in strong lemon tea and pressing it against the affected area for a few minutes several times a day until your cold sore heals.
Rhubarb and Sage
Light Therapy
Best For Quick Results: Stdcheck
- Collection method: blood test
- Results: within 12 days
- Follow-up care: consultation with doctor and a written prescription for $95
- Cost:$45 for HSV-1 or HSV-2 only, $79 for both
- Pro: rapid results
- Con: requires a visit to a laboratory
STDcheck offers tests for both HSV-1 and HSV-2. A person can order an HSV-2 test for $45, or they can order a test for both HSV-1 and HSV-2 for $79. There is also an option to order a test package that tests for 10 different STIs.
This option is best for people who need their results quickly.
To order a test, a person must enter their ZIP code on the company website to find their nearest testing center. The company claims it has over 4,500 test centers nationwide, making them a convenient option for most people.
A person needs to attend their local test center for a blood test. They should then receive their online results within 12 days. Anyone who receives a positive result is eligible for a phone consultation with a STDcheck doctor. The doctor may prescribe treatments at their discretion.
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Herpes Symptoms And Signs
In order to diagnose herpes, a health care provider can swab an area of visibly active herpes infection or, if symptoms arent active, a blood test can be given that measures the number of herpes antibodies present in the body. The antibodies dont indicate herpes itself, but rather show the immune systems response to the presence of the virus in the body. Its important to note that sometimes a swab can give false negative results since herpes lesions need to be large enough to yield enough detectable virus and if the outbreak is already healing it also may not be detected in a swab.
The most common herpes symptoms include:
- Developing either a single cold sore or cluster of multiple cold sores that form on the lips, inside the mouth, or on the genitals, buttocks and upper thighs.
- Sores can sometimes be severe, painful and rupture and cause fluid to be secreted out.
- Some herpes canker sores develop a thin, white coating and burn when touched while they healing.
- Around herpes cold sores, its common to feel pain, tenderness and other symptoms of a rash, such as redness or signs of swelling.
- Some people are able to tell before an outbreak if one is going to occur because they feel tingling, itchy sensations near the affected area.
- Some people develop other symptoms during herpes outbreaks that are similar to those caused by a cold or the flu. This may include fatigue, irritability, aches or a slight fever.
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Best For Online Consultations: Lemonaid
- Price: $25 for consultation and prescription, cost of medication varies
- Pros: convenient online appointments and medication delivery
- Cons: does not accept insurance for consultations
This telehealth company provides prescription medications for herpes.
People must fill in an online health questionnaire and provide a photo ID. Depending on the state a person resides in, Lemonaid may require a video or telephone consultation with a healthcare professional.
The company offers preventive treatment with a prescription that lasts for 1 year or immediate treatment for current herpes flare-ups.
People can choose home delivery or pick up their medication at a local pharmacy.
However, Lemonaid does not offer genital herpes prescription medications for people using the service for the first time. In this case, users must go to a doctor or gynecologist for an initial diagnosis.
The majority of Lemonaid consultation fees cost a flat rate of $25. This fee does not cover the cost of medication.
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How To Treat Cold Sore Pain
Home remedies and medications can reduce the pain caused by a cold sore. For effective cold sore pain relief, try:
- Ice or a cold compress
- Anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen
- Pain relievers like Tylenol
- Benzocaine or lidocaine gel to numb the affected area
Be sure not to touch or pick at your cold sore, as this can extend the length of your infection and cause more pain.
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