How to Reduce the Appearance of a Cold Sore

Cold sores are annoying little sores that show up on and around your mouth. They are caused by a virus known as the Herpes Simplex virus. Cold sores often cause embarrassment and individuals suffering from cold sores want to get rid of them as soon as possible. Nowadays, there are many ways to reduce and eliminate the appearance of cold sores.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Tea tree oil
• Ice
• Blistex
• Medications
• Vitamin C

1. Use natural products to reduce the appearance of you cold sore. Tea tree oil is perfect for use with cold sores because it is high in nutrients. It is also an antiseptic. This oil will reduce the swelling of your cold sore as well as take care of any burning sensations you were feeling as a result of the cold sore.
2. Use household products. Ice cubes can actually prevent a cold sore from forming. Use an ice cube on the beginning of your cold sore. Leave it there for 20 minutes at a time and do this several times per day. The redness will significantly reduce and make your cold sore less noticeable.
3. Use medications. Apply a cream that contains either penciclovir or acyclovir. These medicines stop the virus from duplicating which means your cold sore won't get any worse. It can then begin to heal during the time that it would be getting worse. That will reduce the overall time you have the cold sore. These creams can be purchased over the counter at any drug store.
4. Use lip balm. Keep your lips saturated in it throughout the day. The medication in the Blistex will begin to reduce the appearance of the cold sore until it is gone. Blistex works great for other ailments too such as nasal congestion. A tube costs between $1 and $2 and is an affordable solution to people of all income levels.
5. Eat a healthy diet. When you experience an outbreak you need to take vitamins and minerals. You can get this through a healthy diet. Concentrate on foods high in Vitamin C. This will boost your immune system and help you body fight the virus. The virus will then be less severe and will go away twice as fast.

Tips & Warnings

• Prevent cold sores by washing your hands often and by not kissing anyone who has a cold sore. Cold sores are a virus and they are contagious.
• Cold sores take 10 days to go away on their own. Treating them as soon as possible can significantly reduce the time your cold sore is visible to others.
• Avoid citrus foods as well as salty products which will irritate the sore and make it worse.
• Do not cover your cold sore up with make-up. This will make the cold sore appear worse and it could take twice as long to go away.