A cold sore is not a pretty sight. The most common place for a cold sore to occur is on the face, or more specifically in and around the mouth. Hence, because it is in such an obvious place and is difficult to hide, it can cause embarrassment. In this article, we shall look at various ways in which you can get rid of cold sores fast.
Cold sores are caused by certain strains of Herpes Simplex Viruses (HSV), which are more commonly known as Herpes. Also called ‘fever blisters’, these sores are a common enough viral infection. They appear as small and fluid-filled blisters on and around the mouth. They often pop up in patches or clusters. These blisters are prone to breaking, after which a crust forms over the open sore. Left alone, cold sores will heal in 2-4 weeks, without leaving a scar.
Causes of Cold Sores:
HSV is usually spread through bodily fluids, like saliva. Open and oozing cold sores are highly infectious as well. But it can be spread through actions like kissing, sharing eating utensils, razors and such. While cold sores are caused by the HSV, it usually remains dormant under the skin. Anyone who is infected will not know until some factor triggers an outbreak. Possible factors are:
- Fever with high temperature
- Other viral infections
- Fatigue
- Menstruation
- Overexposure to sunlight
- Emotional stress
- Localized injury during dental treatment.
Symptoms of Cold Sores:
- Itching and tingling of the skin around the lips.
- Small, hard, painful spots
- Fluid-filled blisters
- Oozing and crusted sores
Ways to Get Rid of Cold Sores Fast:
1.) Ice to Get Rid of Cold Sores Fast
We agree that cold sores are not pretty to look at. But besides this, these little fluid-filled blisters bring with them a whole new world of pain. Cold sores tend to burst and crust over in 3-4 days. This makes them itchy, painful and just downright uncomfortable. For both these reasons, you may want to get rid of cold sores fast. The method of combining ice and petroleum jelly is good for this.
- To make use of this method you will need an ice pack or some ice cubes and plain petroleum jelly.
- Place the ice pack or ice-cube directly on the cold sores. Hold it in place for several minutes, or for as long as you can.
- Gently dry this area to remove excess moisture.
- Now with a clean finger or a cotton swab, apply a layer of petroleum jelly over the blisters. This prevents or lessens the skin-splitting sensation caused by a dry blister.
2.) Tea Tree Oil to Cure Cold Sores
Tea tree oil is one of the natural remedies to get rid of cold sores fast. This essential oil is packed with antiviral and antibacterial properties. This helps to disinfect the surface of the cold sore. Also, it aids to fight the HSV present in oozing and open blisters. And especially relevant is the fact that this oil speeds up the healing process.
- To use this remedy, you will need tea tree essential oil, water, and a few cotton balls.
- First, dilute the oil with water in a 1:3 ratio.
- Soak a cotton ball in this diluted mixture. Apply directly to the cold sore.
- Leave this on for 5-10 minutes and gently rinse with cool water.
- Repeat this treatment thrice a day.
3.) Hydrogen Peroxide Cure for Cold Sores
Hydrogen peroxide is generally used to clean open cuts and wounds. It can also be used to get rid of cold sores fast. This works to disinfect the cold sore and destroy the HSV cells that are floating around in the open sores. This solution also helps to speed up the healing process and inhibit further spread of the infection.
- For this method, you require a hydrogen peroxide topical solution and sterile cotton balls.
- Soak a cotton ball in this solution.
- Place it directly on the cold sore. It may sting a little, but hold it in place for a minute. Use a fresh cotton ball for each cluster.
- Leave the solution on for 5 minutes and then rinse it off with cool water. Repeat this thrice a day till the cold sores are healed.
4.) Lemon Balm to Treat Cold Sores
This wonderful fragrant herb has shown to possess properties that speed up the healing process and inhibits the spread of infection. In addition, it contains tannins and other natural compounds that make it a good antiviral. And so, it is a good herbal remedy to get rid of cold sores fast.
- For this, you will need lemon balm extract or essential oil, cotton swabs, and some water.
- Rinse the infected area with fresh water and pat dry.
- Now dip one end of a cotton swab in some fresh water. Coat the wet tip with the essential oil and apply it directly to the cold sore.
- Leave it on to dry. Repeat this 3-5 times a day.
- As an added tip, brew some lemon balm tea and drink 3-4 cups daily to boost the immune system.
5.) Licorice to Get Rid of Cold Sores Fast
Licorice root is a good natural remedy to get rid of cold sores fast. This root contains powerful anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. Especially relevant is the presence of glycyrhizic acid, the main compound that helps to fight and remove cold sores. It also works to stop the spread of HSV cells.
- To use licorice to fight cold sores, you will need 1 tablespoon of licorice powder and just about 2 teaspoons of plain, unscented petroleum jelly.
- Put the measure of licorice powder in a bowl along with 1 teaspoon of the petroleum jelly.
- Mix these together to form a paste. Slowly add the other teaspoon of petroleum jelly till you get the desired creamy consistency.
- Use a cotton swab to pick up some cream and apply it directly to the cold sores. Leave this cream on overnight.
6.) Cure Cold Sores with Peppermint Oil
This essential oil is useful to eliminate the HSV particles that are present under your skin and the oozing blisters. Since it works best when in direct contact with the virus cells, it is most effective to get rid of cold sores that are open and oozing. It also has the ability to speed up the healing of the sores.
- This method simply requires good quality peppermint essential oil, some cool water, and a few sterile cotton balls.
- Firstly, rinse the surface of the infected area with some cool water and gently pat dry. This ensures that the oil can penetrate effectively.
- Dip a cotton ball in some fresh water. Then coat it in peppermint oil and apply directly on top of the cold sore.
- Leave this to dry. Reapply once every 7-8 hours.
7.) Vanilla Treatment for Cold Sores
Pure vanilla extract is known in the realm of home remedies to get rid of cold sores fast. This treatment is especially relevant when applied as soon as you suspect a cold sore outbreak. In other words, as soon as you feel the tingling tightness and itching of the skin around your lips. Vanilla extract wipes out the HSV or makes it hard for it to thrive. In addition, it helps to reduce the length of the outbreak.
- For this treatment, you will need pure vanilla extract and a cotton swab.
- Simply soak one end of the cotton swab in the vanilla extract. Let it absorb the liquid quite well.
- Apply this directly to the cold sores and hold in place for a minute. Leave this on to dry.
- Repeat this treatment 4 times every day till the cold sores are gone.
8.) Witch Hazel to Remove Cold Sores
Witch hazel contains anti-inflammatory properties which help to quell the consistent itching and burning sensation caused by cold sores. Another useful characteristic is that it boosts the rate of healing. Hence, it is a good remedy to get rid of cold sores fast.
- For this remedy, you will need 1 teaspoon of witch hazel extract and a cotton ball.
- Soak the cotton in the liquid extract and directly place it on top of the cold sores. Keep it on for 2 minutes, allowing the witch hazel to penetrate effectively.
- Leave this on to dry. Reapply 3-4 times a day.
9.) Vitamin E to Get Rid of Cold Sores Fast
Vitamin E is a good way to prevent and even get rid of cold sores fast. When applied topically, this vitamin helps to relieve pain and discomfort caused by the cold sores. In addition to this, vitamin E can be added to your diet as it helps to prevent future outbreaks of cold sores.
- You will need some Vitamin E oil and cotton swabs. Dip the cotton swab in the oil and apply directly on top of the cold sores. Use a fresh cotton swab for each cluster of sores.
- As an additional measure to prevent future outbreaks incorporate vitamin E enriched foods to your diet like avocado, nuts, leafy green vegetables and whole grains.
10.) Aloe Vera to Treat Cold Sores Naturally
Aloe Vera is widely used to combat a number of skin-related problems. The clear gel-flesh of this succulent contains anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe the pain and itching caused by cold sores. In addition, it is packed with Vitamin E and amino acids that aid in collagen repair. This helps the cold sores to heal faster. And so, it is a good treatment to get rid of cold sores fast.
- For this remedy, you require 1 Aloe Vera plant.
- Break off a small piece of an Aloe leaf. Peel away the skin to get the gel inside. Gently rub this on the cold sores and leave it to dry. Reapply the gel several times in a day.