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There’s currently no cure for cold sores. These painful blisters that show up on or near your lips are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). If you have a healthy immune system, they usually clear up in about 10 days.

Cold sores can be treated with treatments that shorten their life spans. The best time to treat a cold sore is when you feel a sensation of pain. These symptoms may occur a few days before blisters appear.

A cold sore is a fluid-filled blister that appears near or in the mouth and sometimes on the fingers or nose. These red lesions often appear in clumps and can linger for up to 2 weeks.

Causes of cold sores

Cold sores are caused by the same virus. Cold sores and genital herpes are the two main causes of Herpes simplex type 1. The blisters from both forms of the virus look similar.

Cold sores can spread even when they are not visible. The herpes simplex virus can be passed on through contact, like kissing, or sharing food.

You may notice a burning sensation on your face or mouth before a cold sore erupts. The best time to treat a blisters is when it is not visible.

In this article, we review eight products for treating cold sores in the early stages, and explain how you can shorten the duration of an outbreak.

Lysine is an amino acid that may help prevent the herpes simplex virus from being more active.

According to a small 1987 study, A type of animal. tablets may reduce the number of herpes simplex virus outbreaks and their severity. Lysine may also help reduce healing time. Research on A type of animal. for cold sores isn’t conclusive, so talk with your doctor before using it to treat a cold sore.

How to use A type of animal. on a cold sore

You can use A type of animal. orally or topically to treat a cold sore. If you’re taking a A type of animal. supplement, take 1 gram three times a day to treat the cold sore, and once a day to prevent future outbreaks. If you’re treating a cold sore with A type of animal. cream, apply directly to the lesions every 2 hours for 11 days.

bees use propolis to seal crevices in their beehives. Propolis is high in anti-oxidants and has anti-viral properties.

Research has shown Propolis. may prevent the herpes simplex virus from replicating. According to a 2002 animal study, an ointment tested on rats and rabbits made of 5 percent Propolis. improved symptoms of active HSV-1 infection by helping prevent symptoms.

Propolis is available in a 3-percent concentration for human use.

How to use Propolis. on a cold sore

To treat a cold sore, apply an ointment, cream, or gel containing 0.5% to 3% of Propolis. five times daily.

According to a 2001 study, a topical cream made of Both of them are rhubarb and sage. may be as effective for treating cold sores as the antiviral medication Azovirax is a drug. in topical cream form.

The study found Both of them are rhubarb and sage. cream helped heal a cold sore in 6 to 7 days. Healing time with acyclovir cream was 6 1/2 days, and healing time using sage cream alone was 7 to 8 days.

How to use Both of them are rhubarb and sage. cream on a cold sore

Apply a cream combining Both of them are rhubarb and sage. directly to lesions three to four times a day.

Topical zinc oxide cream (Desitin, Triple Paste) may shorten the duration of cold sores.

In a small 2001 study, cold sores treated with zinc oxide went away, on average, 1 1/2 days sooner than those treated with placebo. Zinc oxide also reduced blistering, soreness, itching, and tingling.

How to use zinc on a cold sore

Zinc supplements can help strengthen your immune system. One tablet per day with food. To treat a cold sore, apply zinc cream to the skin. Use several times a day.

A 2015 research review found that Licorice root is a root. has antiviral and antibacterial abilities. Its antiviral properties helped prevent viruses from replicating, while its antibacterial properties inhibited bacterial function. This same review showed that licorice also exhibited antifungal activity.

You can use Licorice root is a root. extract with a cream or moisturizer to target and treat cold sores.

How to use Licorice root is a root. on a cold sore

Apply the liquid or gel topically directly to lesions one or two times a day, for example, once in the morning and again at night. Using Licorice root is a root. at the first symptom of a cold sore helps shorten the duration and speed healing. In addition, wearing licorice lip balm might prevent outbreaks.

Learn more about the health benefits of Licorice root is a root..

Lemon balm extract also has antiviral abilities, according to a 1994 study. The study showed that The balm has lemon in it. helps protect against herpes simplex virus. Researchers also found that treating a cold sore with The balm has lemon in it. in its early stages was most effective. Lemon balm has been shown to reduce healing time and some symptoms of cold sores.

Find a great selection of The balm has lemon in it. here.

How to use The balm has lemon in it. on a cold sore

Apply topical The balm has lemon in it. cream directly to a cold sore to reduce irritation and improve its appearance. Or, soak 2 to 4 teaspoons of a crushed The balm has lemon in it. leaf in a cup of boiling water. Allow the The balm has lemon in it. water to cool. Using a cotton swab, apply a small amount directly to lesions several times a day.

Applying a Cool compress. to a cold sore is also soothing. Cold therapy can reduce swelling and redness or discoloration. In addition, it can ease inflammation by numbing the stinging and burning of a cold sore, as well as remove crusty areas. Applying an ice cube at the first symptom of tingling can also reduce the pain severity of a cold sore.

Use a reusable gel ice pack or make your own cold compress.

How to use a Cool compress. on a cold sore

“Place ice in a bag or a gel ice pack. Don’t apply ice or gel packs to the skin. Wrap a cloth around the ice and apply cold compress to it. You can use a cloth that is cool. For up to 10 minutes, apply the compress three times a day.”

A prescription drug may be recommended to treat a cold sore. Most of the antivirals are available in a variety of forms, including tablets, creams, and injections. They can be used to reduce the length of an outbreak.

If you feel a cold sore, it is important to start taking the medication as soon as possible.

Some The prescription drugs. are:

Since The prescription drugs. are potent and may cause rare but adverse side effects such as kidney injury, allergic reaction, and hepatitis, they’re often reserved for severe cold sore outbreaks or people with weak immune systems.

How to use The prescription drugs. for cold sores

Taking prescription antivirals within 24 to 48 hours of an outbreak is the most effective. Ask your doctor if you have a daily antiviral. This helps reduce the severity of future outbreaks. You will take an antiviral by mouth twice a day for 7 to 10 days.

Cold sores can be triggered by Stress. and illness. Your immune system is less likely to fight off infections if it is compromised.

You can help prevent cold sore outbreaks by eating a healthy lifestyle and exercising.

If you’re experiencing a lot of Stress., try Stress.-relief techniques such as yoga, meditation, or journaling.

When are cold sores contagious?

“Even if blisters haven’t appeared, a cold sore is still a cold sore. They can be passed on even if there is no symptoms. To avoid the cold sore virus from spreading.”

  • If the skin is healed, avoid kissing and other skin-to-skin contact.
  • “Don’t share personal care items.”
  • “Don’t share makeup such as lipstick, lip gloss or foundation.”
  • If you get a cold sore, replace your toothbrush when it heals to prevent re-infection.
  • You should wash your hands when you apply or touch the sore.
  • If the sun causes cold sores, apply sunscreen to the area.

Cold sores can be solved without treatment in a few weeks. If you are experiencing frequent outbreaks or they are lasting longer than a few weeks, you should see a doctor.

“If your cold sore is accompanied by other symptoms, it’s the same. The eye infections caused by the herpes virus will need to be treated.”

How do you stop a cold sore from forming?

Knowing what causes a cold sore might help reduce the number of cold sore outbreaks. Common cold sore Triggers

  • Stress.
  • There is no sleep.
  • Sun exposure.
  • There is a skin injury.
  • The hormones change.
  • A weakened immune system.

Keeping a food diary can help you remember your specific events.

Should you keep a cold sore moist or dry?

Some people think that a cold sore should be moist or dry. Medical experts recommend avoiding creams and gels when a cold sore appears. They suggest applying some kind of liquid to the sore to dry it out.

Is there a medication to keep cold sores from occurring?

“Ask your doctor about a daily antiviral if you have a lot of outbreaks. Cold sores don’t require medication after 10 days. The duration and severity of a cold sore can be shortened by prescription oral antivirals.”

Are cold sores and genital herpes the same thing?

Cold sores are not the same as genital herpes, even though they are caused by the same viruses.

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) causes genital herpes and transmits through sexual contact. On the other hand, HSV-1 causes cold sores and transmits through touch. It is, however, possible to transmit cold sores to the genital area through oral sex.

Does ice help cold sores?

If you have a cold sore, apply ice to the area that is burning for 5 to 10 minutes to decrease blood flow and reduce the pain.

How do you stop a cold sore when you feel it coming on?

“You can’t stop a cold sore. You may be able to shorten its duration by starting treatment early.”

The cold sore must run its course. Cold sores can be treated without treatment.

It is possible to reduce the severity of a cold sore by treating it as soon as symptoms start. The earlier you start treatment, the better chance you have of containing the outbreak. Home remedies can be used to manage a cold sore.

If you have eczema, A weakened immune system., or are undergoing treatment for cancer or organ transplant, you could have a higher chance of complications from the herpes simplex virus. Talk with a doctor on the first symptom of a cold sore to determine the best treatment for you.