How to Get Rid of Cold Sores

Cold sores are painful, uncomfortable, and not very aesthetically pleasing. While you can’t cure the virus that causes them, you can use some remedies to ease your condition and speed up the healing process. 5-Minute Crafts has prepared a list of things you can try to make sold sores disappear from your face as fast as possible.

Consult a doctor first before using any home remedies. The doctor may prescribe some antiviral medications and painkillers.

1. Apply garlic.

Garlic is known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties, and it can speed up the healing time of blisters. Take a clove of garlic, cut it in half, and apply it to the cold sore for 10 minutes, 3-4 times a day.

2. Use tea tree oil.

Tea tree oil may help you treat a cold sore thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. Pour some pure tea tree oil onto a cotton swab and apply it to the cold sore. If you have sensitive skin, dilute the tea tree oil with any carrier oil. This way, it won’t be too harsh on your skin.

Be careful and don’t apply tea tree oil more often than twice a day as not to damage your skin.

3. Try aloe vera.

Aloe vera is great for relieving inflammation and preventing bacterial infections from developing in the sore. Take a part of the aloe vera leaf and peel back its skin to get the gel. Apply the leaf to the cold sore several times a day. If you don’t have a plant on hand, just use aloe vera gel from the store.

4. Use lemon balm.

Thanks to its antiviral properties, lemon balm is great for removing swelling and redness. You’ll need to find a lip balm with at least 1% of lemon balm for it to be effective against cold sores.

You can substitute lemon balm with lemon balm tea infusions. Just steep the tea for 10 minutes, moisten a cotton ball in it, and apply it directly to the cold sore.

5. Apply cold compresses.

Ice can’t shorten the healing time, but it’s a great remedy to reduce pain and inflammation. But don’t apply ice directly to your skin. Make a cold compress instead.

6. Use propolis ointment.

Propolis contains a lot of antioxidants and has antiviral properties. It may help to relieve pain and speed up the healing process. Apply an ointment containing 0.5% to 3% of propolis to the blister up to 5 times a day.