Cold sores are caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1) and while there is no cure for this virus there are ways to treat the outbreaks caused by it and bring relief and quick healing to the affected area. You can also work with your doctor on preventative techniques and find ways to help avoid spreading the virus which can still happen even when you are not experiencing an outbreak. This article will offer five simple tips to cold sore treatment that can get you feeling better fast and feeling more confident about yourself even during an outbreak.
Reducing the swelling around the area is one of the best ways to feel better fast and make the affected area less noticeable. You can do this instantly with a cold compress and over time with an over the counter (OTC) pain reliever or topical cream or gel.
Treating the symptoms of the cold sore allow you to feel better and can also reduce the appearance of the cold sore. The most common symptoms associated with cold sores include fever, pain, redness, swelling, itching, burning and drying of the skin around the affected area. An OTC cream or gel, like Benzocaine or Lidocaine, can help with the pain, swelling, redness and itching. A light lotion with sunscreen in it can help with the drying and possible cracking of the area.
Prevent sunburn or excessive drying of the affected area around the cold sore by applying sunscreen or a lip protectant with sunscreen in it. You need to protect the area from the sun, wind and dry heat. This will help it heal faster and avoid the painful effects of sunburn over an outbreak or the excessive drying over the skin which could cause scarring.
Work to prevent outbreaks by leading a healthy lifestyle and getting plenty of rest and eating a healthy diet. Your immune system is able to work better when you eat a well-balanced diet and keep your weight under control.
Decrease the level of stress in your life, exercise and get plenty of sleep. These are the best ways to reduce the stress in your life, which is one of the top two ways to cause outbreaks when you have the herpes virus. When you take these tips into consideration you can find ways to reduce the symptoms associated with the virus and use these cold sore treatments to feel better fast and feel more confident about your appearance.
Reducing the swelling around the area is one of the best ways to feel better fast and make the affected area less noticeable. You can do this instantly with a cold compress and over time with an over the counter (OTC) pain reliever or topical cream or gel.
Treating the symptoms of the cold sore allow you to feel better and can also reduce the appearance of the cold sore. The most common symptoms associated with cold sores include fever, pain, redness, swelling, itching, burning and drying of the skin around the affected area. An OTC cream or gel, like Benzocaine or Lidocaine, can help with the pain, swelling, redness and itching. A light lotion with sunscreen in it can help with the drying and possible cracking of the area.
Prevent sunburn or excessive drying of the affected area around the cold sore by applying sunscreen or a lip protectant with sunscreen in it. You need to protect the area from the sun, wind and dry heat. This will help it heal faster and avoid the painful effects of sunburn over an outbreak or the excessive drying over the skin which could cause scarring.
Work to prevent outbreaks by leading a healthy lifestyle and getting plenty of rest and eating a healthy diet. Your immune system is able to work better when you eat a well-balanced diet and keep your weight under control.
Decrease the level of stress in your life, exercise and get plenty of sleep. These are the best ways to reduce the stress in your life, which is one of the top two ways to cause outbreaks when you have the herpes virus. When you take these tips into consideration you can find ways to reduce the symptoms associated with the virus and use these cold sore treatments to feel better fast and feel more confident about your appearance.
