They’re painful and annoying but don’t worry because there are simple ways on how to get rid of a cold sore. They often manifest as blisters and most commonly found on lips. Sometimes, they go away on their own but other times, you get other symptoms too.
It’s usually during the colder seasons that we get cold sores, hence the name. But you may also experience other illnesses too like colds or flu. To feel better, here is what to eat when you have a cold. Eating certain comfort foods have benefits too. One of them is chicken soup and this is how to make chicken soup.
What is a Cold Sore?
In case you confuse it with a normal blister, a cold sore is actually sometimes called a fever blister. You start to develop a small lesion that appears like a blister or tiny sores inside your mouth or sometimes, on the face. You may also get them on your cheeks, chin, inside your nose, lips, and very annoying, on the gums.
Cold sores can itch, burn, swell, ooze, and scab. It’s very tempting to scratch them and do drastic things just to make them go away but you must not give in to those unhealthy methods. This guide will show you the effective and safe ways to get rid of a cold sore. They do go away but it sometimes takes too long so these tips will help you reduce the time it takes to heal. You should also try to stop them from spreading to other body parts.
What Causes Cold Sores?
To get rid of a cold sore, it’s helpful to understand what causes it in the first place. Is it preventable? Are some people more prone to it than others? There are actually different triggers for different people and we will explore them before we look at ways to get rid of a cold sore effectively.
The fact is that other people don’t actually get them. Well, they’re a few lucky ones. But for those of us who do, we know they can be painful and itchy. So what causes them?
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HSV-1
The herpes simplex virus type 1 or HSV-1 is most often what causes cold sores. You get it when you get in contact with an infected person’s skin or body fluid. This virus tends to damage your skin leaving behind the sores that could last anywhere from one week to more.
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Stress and Fatigue
One of the triggers of why you get cold sores is stress. Stress can weaken your immune system and trigger a cold sore. Being too tired can also make you vulnerable to cold sores so it’s important to get the proper amount of rest.
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Cold Weather
There are often more outbreaks of cold sores during the cold weather. It can dry out your lips and trigger the virus.
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Excessive Sunlight
Yes, not just the cold but also the sun could cause a cold sore. Excessive sun exposure could trigger your cold sore. But don’t worry because there are ways to prevent this and get rid of a cold sore.
There are other things that could trigger a cold sore and it depends from person to person. Hormonal changes are also a factor and sometimes, dental trauma.
Why Doesn’t Everyone Get Cold Sores?
Not all people get infected with cold sores. Some of the explanation is based on genetics. Most people who get cold sores possess genes that relate to how the virus works in your system.
How to Get Rid of a Cold Sore?
Now that you have more understanding of what causes cold sores and what triggers them, here are some of the most effective ways to get rid of a cold sore.
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Tea Tree Oil
This is one of the most popular ways to get rid of a cold sore. Tea tree oil is actually used for a variety of health conditions because it has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory benefits. It’s also a good antibacterial and antiviral substance.
It will help soothe the painful cold sore and make them disappear quickly. Dab a bit of oil on a cotton swab and apply it directly on your cold sore to get rid of a cold sore. Do this twice a day and before bedtime.
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Ice
You may think it’s contrary but ice can actually help reduce the swelling and itching of your cold sore. Rub it directly on the sore to reduce swelling. But avoid scratching it further.
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Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is great for many health and skin conditions and is great to get rid of a cold sore. Apply it directly to the cold sore and it will kill off the virus very quickly. It has antiviral, antifungal and antibiotic properties that make it super effective.
Though it won’t remove the virus totally, it will remove the blister caused by HSV-1 and add moisture to the sore. It will help prevent it from cracking and speed up the healing.
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Milk
Milk contains protein and the particular immune gamma globulin helps and works like an antibody in your system. This will boost your immune system and help fight off the HSV-1. It can shrink and get rid of a cold sore overnight.
Milk also has an amino acid called l-lysine which helps speed up the healing process and reduce pain. Include more milk in your diet when you have fever blisters and dab a bit of whole milk onto the sore with a cotton ball. Leave it for a few hours before wiping it.
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Peppermint Oil
You can also use peppermint oil to get rid of a cold sore. It’s soothing and fast because it contains antiviral properties to stop it from spreading. Plus, the menthol in it soothes irritation and gives you a cool and relaxing sensation.
Ready Made Products
You can also check out these items that are readily available to get rid of a cold sore.
Abreva Docosanol 10% Cream Tube Treatment for Cold Sore/Fever Blister
Virulite FDA Approved Electronic Cold Sore Treatment Device
So try some of the tips above to get rid of a cold sore and help your body to heal faster.
