Cold sores aren’t usually something to worry about and can heal within a few days, even without treatment. However, this doesn’t mean that they can’t be uncomfortable and irritating. They can also be unsightly and make you feel self-conscious, so it’s understandable why a lot of people would like to find quick solutions to getting rid of cold sores when they do appear. Below are a few tips that might help your cold sore clear up quickly if you find yourself suffering from one.
1. Anti-viral Medications
A good way to treat cold sores is by using an anti-viral topical cream that you can buy from your local drugstore. These creams can help to soothe any irritation and treat the viral infection causing the cold sore. You can also get these treatments in patch form if you would prefer. If these topical creams don’t seem to work for you, see your doctor and ask if they can prescribe you something stronger to treat the problem instead. If you are struggling to book an appointment, the good news is that you don’t have to suffer. You can find out more at tapGp about getting online appointments.
2. Practice Good Hygiene Routine
You should always strive to practice a good hygiene routine no matter what, but when you do have a cold sore, you should always make sure that you wash your hands, particularly after touching the affected area. Not only will this help to stop getting bacteria in your cold sore, but it will prevent cold sores from spreading to others. You should also make sure that you’re not sharing things like lipstick/lip balm with others when you have a cold sore, cutlery, or towels, and avoid kissing people. You should especially never kiss a baby when you have a cold sore, as this could be incredibly dangerous for them and lead to neonatal herpes.
3. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
You may also want to think about using some over-the-counter pain relief medication, particularly anti-inflammatories. Not only will they help you to feel more comfortable, but the latter will also reduce any swelling and redness caused by your cold sore. You can also enquire about other cold sore remedies if you would like to try something that will have fast results.
4. Holistic Remedies
There are plenty of options you can explore if you are wondering how to get rid of a cold sore, but if you would like to try this without using medications, then you might be interested in a more holistic approach and trying natural remedies. These can include applying ice to the area to reduce swelling, and you can also apply some essential oils like tea tree oil, lemon balm oil, peppermint oil, or thyme oil. Applying diluted apple cider vinegar twice a day has also been considered a good way to clear up a cold sore.
Cold sores can be uncomfortable and make you feel self-conscious, and while you might have to wait a few days for your cold sore to heal, trying these remedies can help to speed things up so that you can lose your cold sore faster.