Which is the quickest way to get rid of a cold sore? Is it better to use antiviral cream or something natural?
Andrea, Rochester, MN
The fastest way to get rid of a cold sore might depend on how severe it is in the first place. Antiviral creams can shorten the duration of a cold sore, but not by much. Either way, if it doesn’t get infected, you’re facing a week to ten days before the blister heals completely.
But I know ten ways to speed up the healing of a cold sore, and I’ll summarize some of them here for you. The full details are at this link: https://www.tipsbulletin.com/ways-to-get-rid-of-a-cold-sore-fast/
To start with, plain old rubbing alcohol is helpful because it dries out the blister and prevents infection. Apply some to the cold sore and let it evaporate on its own. Tea tree oil, also known as melaleuca essential oil, also dries up the cold sore and fights infection. In fact, tea tree oil can shrink the blister by half overnight.
Next, one hundred percent pure vanilla extract reduces the inflammation and pain. And so will a tea bag. Steep green, black, or white tea and let the bag cool. Then hold it to the cold sore for at least five minutes.
Additionally, peppermint oil is good for soothing an irritated fever blister. Plus, you can put milk on a cotton ball and hold it to the cold sore. It contains an amino acid that may reduce the duration of an outbreak.
Furthermore, if you have the astringent witch hazel on hand, you can coat the blister with it twice a day. And finally, there’s petroleum jelly. You can cover the cold sore with Vaseline all day long to prevent bacterial infection and soften the irritated skin to help it heal.