Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, which has no cure. This means that cold sores can flare up occasionally throughout your life. Since they can cause itching and burning, they are a serious source of discomfort if left unmanaged.
However, you can reduce discomfort by using these methods to manage a cold sore.
Avoid Acidic Foods
Citrus fruits, tomatoes, and other highly acidic foods can irritate cold sores. In addition to causing you pain, they can make it harder for cold sores to heal. Stick to plainer foods until your cold sore heals.
Stay Out of the Sun
Sun exposure can aggravate cold sores on the lips and skin. Avoid the sun and use a hat or sunblock designed for the face’s delicate skin. Make sure the sunscreen is alcohol- and fragrance-free.
Use Ice
Ice can help alleviate the swelling and pain associated with cold sores. Some people prefer to chew or suck on ice chips to deal with pain inside the mouth.
Take Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen
Taking over-the-counter pain medication may help relieve the burning and pain associated with cold sores. It’s only a temporary measure and doesn’t reduce the appearance of the cold sore, but it’s a good stop-gap measure when other treatment methods need time to work.
Lower Your Stress Levels
Stress is often a trigger for cold sores, so try to reduce your stress levels if possible to prevent a cold sore outbreak elsewhere on your body. Meditation and deep breathing exercises can help to alleviate stress.
Try First Aid Gel
FaceDoctor’s First Aid Gel uses silver nano-crystals that penetrate the skin more deeply than many other treatment methods. This eliminates triggers for a wide variety of inflammatory skin conditions, so it’s perfect for helping acne, psoriasis, and other skin conditions heal.
