No one wants to be seen with a cold sore. There are very few ways to camouflage these red blisters, and makeup or a small bandage will often only draw attention to the problem. The only solution is to get rid of it as fast as possible. There is no reason to make an appointment with a doctor because the solution is frequently found at home. It is possible to reduce the amount of time an existing cold sore lasts. Even better, there is a method available to prevent one from even developing. Here some answers about what to do when you get a cold sore.
Head to the Kitchen
Common items found around the home may offer the answer for eliminating a cold sore. Two of the most popular answers are vanilla extract and milk. Use vanilla by applying a drop or two directly on the sore approximately four times a day. Genuine vanilla is needed for this method to be effective. Milk is also useful because the L-lysine and immunoglobulins in the milk help to fight off the virus that causes cold sores. Apply milk to a soft cloth or cotton ball and hold against the sore for 5-10 minutes once a day. Gently rinse the area afterwards to avoid any sour milk smell.
Try Some Essential Oils
Tea tree oil is on nearly every cleaning and health tip list. It also makes the list for treating cold sores too. Other oils to try include lavender, rose and eucalyptus and many homeopathic experts swear by peppermint oil as well. When using essential oils it is important to remember that less is more. The oils are very strong and can irritate the skin. They should never be applied directly to the skin until they have been slightly diluted. Keep tea tree oil away from children because it will cause stomach upset if ingested.
Stop by The Store
OTC medications and prescription drugs are only able to shorten the length of a cold sore outbreak by a couple of days. Their biggest benefit is the anesthetic medication they contain that will reduce some of the stinging pain people experience. Many of the medications require application every two hours, so they are not necessarily convenient either.
Stop it From Growing
Homeopathic treatments and essential oils do not work for everyone. Medication is only minimally effective. These ideas are worth trying if the cold sore has already appeared, but the real solution is to stop it from developing. A cold sore inhibitor is a tool that prevents that growth. The product is used at the first sign of a possible cold sore and prevents it from forming. It is not just for stopping them from appearing, but can also help to heal them as well. The Cold Sore Inhibitor can shorten the life of an existing cold sore from a week to hours unlike other treatments that only shorten the misery for a day or two.
Cold sores are very contagious and touching the sore could lead to additional breakouts. It is important to dispose of or wash thoroughly any materials used to treat a cold sore. Disposable gloves should always be worn if applying medication for a child or someone else. Not everyone with the virus will develop cold sores, but some people are very susceptible to outbreaks. Chronic sufferers should invest in an inhibitor to reduce the level of discomfort they experience.
