How can you heal cold sore outbreak quickly? This article contain insights on how to get rid of a cold sore fast using different treatments and home remedies. You will also learn how to stop its outbreak permanently.
How to Get Rid Of a Cold Sore Fast
Infection of herpes simplex virus can cause an outbreak of cold sores at any time. In most cases they usually form prior to important events in your life such as wedding, job interviews, trip to another county and other special events. This is due to anxiety and stress caused by such events that triggers the outbreak.
Cold sore outbreak usually take between 8 to 10 days to heal without treatment. Severe outbreak may take up to 2 weeks to heal fully. Various treatments can be used to alleviate the pain, ease symptoms and reduce the duration on how long do cold sores last. They include the following:
- Antiviral cream and tablet treatment
There is no cure for cold sores, application of antiviral creams such as penciclovir, acyclovir and docosanol only helps to speed up the healing time of the outbreak. They also minimizes the symptoms when applied immediately on the onset of the first signs.
You are supposed to apply the treatment right away you start experiencing tingling and itching of the affected tissues. The antiviral creams are less effective when applied after the initial stage of the outbreak. Such creams are found from the pharmacy and are taken without prescriptions.
They do not treat herpes simplex virus, they only help to suppress the recurrence of cold sores. Apply the cream up to five times a day during the first four days of the outbreak. Penciclovir is the most effective in healing the recurrence of the cold sores as compared to other creams.
Antiviral tablets are only taken as prescribed by the doctor. Such tablets are given in cases of a severe outbreak. They are more effective in treating the cold sores than the creams. They also work effectively when taken in the initial stage of infection.
- Apply drying agents
The use of alcohol is an effective method on how to get rid of a blister by drying them out. You simply use a cotton swab to apply it gently on the lesions. Ensure that you use a solution containing 70% alcohol. This treatment is effective when applied on the appearance of first sores. Other drying agents includes zinc oxide and calamine lotions. According to Wikihow.
- Cover with petroleum jelly
Application of petroleum jelly on the blisters is the simplest treatment on how to get rid of a cold sore fast. It helps avoids excessive dehydration or cracking of the crusting sores. It also provides a protective layer around the sores that guards against other bacterial infections that may delay the healing duration of the cold sores. Use clean fingers to gently apply the jelly on the blistered areas.
- Use of cold sore patches
Cold sore patches are placed over the sores to fasten the healing process. They contain hydrocolloid that is a special jelly that aids in the healing process. They are used in later stage of infection after eruption of blisters. They are effective on how to get rid of a cold sore on your lip and other external surfaces that are affected.
- Apply a styptic pencil
It contain Alum that causes the blood vessels adjacent to the sores to lessen. This promotes the healing process of the lesions. This pencil is specifically for cold sores only. Use it to mark around the blisters gently. It may cause some irritations during the first application.
- Over-the-counter medicines
Although non-antiviral over-the-counter medicines does not help to heal the cold sores, they can be taken to relieve the pain and discomfort caused by the outbreak of this infection. They are not specifically for this infection and they can be taken without prescription from the doctor.
Some of them are aspirin and ibuprofen. They are inform of tablets and in liquid form for young children. Kids under the age of 12 years are not supposed to be given aspirin as it may cause some complications.
Natural Remedies for Cold Sores
- Vanilla extract
Pure organic vanilla extract contain anti-bacterial properties that helps in healing the sores faster. Its alcohol based components guards the infected areas against other bacterial infections. It also alleviates the tingling, itching and burning sensation of the outbreak. Instead of using alcohol to dry the blisters, you can alternatively use vanilla extract.
You simply place a couple of drops on a cotton swab and gently apply on the affected areas. Apply twice daily until the sores dries up.
- Sea salt
Sea salt is a good remedy on how to get rid of a cold sore fast. Gargling salt solution helps in treating blood blisters in mouth. It works by reducing the severity of the cold sores. Use your clean hands to gently press the salt crystals over the sore on the lips. Allow them to stay for 10 minutes before rinsing them away using warm water. Repeat this procedure thrice a day.
- Use tea tree oil
Tea tree oil has antibacterial, antifungal and antibiotic properties that give it power in healing different types of skin conditions. When applied during the initial stages of infection, it reduces the severity of the symptoms as well as relieving the itching and the burning sensation of the outbreak.
- Tea tree oil
Its antibacterial properties helps in guarding the sore against bacterial infections that may delay the healing process. Apply a few drops on a cotton ball and dab over the sores. Use diluted tea tree oil if your skin is sensitive or if it develops allergic reactions to allergens. Tea tree oil is toxic when ingested, take a lot of care when using to treat sores inside the mouth to avoid swallowing.
- Witch hazel
The use of witch hazel is among the effective home remedies for cold sores. It has been used from the past as a medicine in treating different skin conditions. It aids in speeding up the healing process by drying up the blisters. Use a clean cotton ball to apply it directly on the affected areas. Avoid using this remedy if you have a sensitive skin or you may conduct a spot test before applying on a large area.
- Tea
Green, white or black tea contain tannin that has antiviral properties. It is effective on how to get rid of fever blister or cold sores by relieving the discomfort of the outbreak. After preparing a cup of tea, allow the tea bag to cool and place it over the cold sores. Hold it on the sore for five minutes several times a day. According to simple house hold tips.
- Cool milk
Milk has a cooling effects that is important in soothing the itching and burning sensation of the cold sores. It also contains proteins and amino acids that aids in the healing process of the sores. Use a cotton ball to apply cool refrigerated milk over the blisters twice a day.
- Licorice
Licorice is also an effective remedy on how to get rid of a cold sore fast. Its roots contain glycyrhizic acid that is an important element in treating the cold sore outbreak. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties that helps in reducing the inflammations as well as suppressing the multiplication of herpes simplex virus.
You simply grind dry licorice roots to obtain a powder, mix with few drops of water to make a paste and apply on the affected areas. Alternatively, you can mix the powder with petroleum jelly and apply directly on the sores.
- Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide works by disinfecting the sore. It helps to guard the affected areas from bacterial infection that may delay the healing process. Use a cotton ball to apply it gently on the sore. Allow it to penetrate the sores before rinsing it away using a cold water.
How to Treat Cold Sores Fast
Although there is no cure for herpes simplex virus, there are various treatment that can be used to treat the sores fast. Leave the cold sore to heal on its own. Avoid picking at it or trying to drain it out as it may cause infection of the blister. Infected blisters takes longer time to heal and they may require medical treatments to heal. Wash your hand and the affected areas gently using antibacterial soap.
Conduct your doctor for treatment. In most cases the cold sores usually heals with little home remedies and treatment. There are some condition that requires medical treatment to treat the cold sores such conditions includes when pregnant, when the outbreak affects your eyes or causes irritation to the eyes, constant high fever and when the blisters fails to go away for more than 2 weeks.
Take prescribed medications. There are various antiviral tablets and creams that can be taken to reduce the healing duration. They are supposed to be taken as instructed by the doctor. Such medicine includes Famciclovir tablets, Penciclovir and acyclovir anti-viral creams.
How to Stop a Cold Sore Permanently
A part from the various remedies and treatment used on how to get rid of a cold sore fast, you can also employ some prevention measures to kiss goodbye to cold sores permanently. They include the following:
- Herpes simplex virus is highly contagious through direct body contact with blisters. Avoid close body contact with infected person either through kissing or sexual intercourse.
- Do not share the same utensils, towels, razors and other sharp objects with a person who has active cold sores. They may contain herpes simplex virus that causes the outbreak of cold sores.
- Live a healthy life that is free from stress. It is risk factor that triggers the activation of herpes simplex virus.
- After the first outbreak, consult your doctor for treatment to prevent recurrences of the cold sore. You may be given antiviral tablets that prevents the virus from reactivating. Take the medication as directed by your doctor.
- Try to avoid risk factors such as high sun intensity and temperatures by applying sunscreens and wearing protective clothing’s such as a hat and long sleeved dresses.