How to Make a Cold Sore Heal Faster

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cold sore prevention

Cold sores are ruthless in during outbreaks; painful, long-lasting and unsightly, anyone who suffers from recurring cold sore outbreaks knows the struggle. Often we look for ways of stopping cold sores before they happen, or shorten the duration of a cold sore outbreak however we can – but figuring out what works and what doesn’t work can be a hassle. We’ve compiled an up-to-date list of potential treatments to reduce the duration of your outbreak.

The first tell-tail sign of a cold sore is the tingling. Once a spot on the lip starts tingling, a cold sore is not far behind. If you have not yet taken advantage of controlled heat therapy to prevent the cold sore from occurring, contagious blisters start forming, it’ll take up to three weeks for a scab to form and the blister to subside. You can cut down on the healing time with some of these strategies:

🧴 1. Start Treatment Immediately

  • Antiviral creams (best if applied at the first sign, like tingling or itching):

    • Docosanol (Abreva) — OTC.

    • Acyclovir or Penciclovir — prescription topical antivirals.

  • Oral antiviral medications (more effective than creams, prescription required):

    • Acyclovir, Valacyclovir (Valtrex), or Famciclovir.

    • Take within the first 48 hours for best results.

🌿 2. Use Supportive Natural Remedies

  • Cold compresses: Reduce pain, swelling, and redness.

  • Aloe vera gel: Has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.

  • Lysine supplements: Some evidence supports its use to shorten outbreaks (consult your doctor first).

  • Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis): Topical creams may help reduce healing time.

🚫 3. Avoid Irritants & Triggers

  • Don’t touch, pick, or scratch the sore.

  • Avoid acidic, salty, or spicy foods that can aggravate it.

  • Protect your lips with SPF — sunlight can worsen cold sores.

💤 4. Support Your Immune System

  • Get plenty of sleep.

  • Stay hydrated.

  • Manage stress (stress is a major trigger).

  • Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins (especially B, C, E, and zinc).

📉 What to Expect

  • Without treatment: cold sores usually heal in 7–10 days.

  • With treatment (especially antivirals): may reduce to 4–5 days and lessen symptoms.

 

Cold Sore Prevention

Cold sore outbreaks can also be prevented entirely. Using the Thermal Therapy Technology found in InterceptCS™ during the tingling stage, a cold sore outbreak can be avoided entirely. Discover living without cold sores now with InterceptCS™!

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