How To Treat Cold Sores

Limit Exposure To Triggers

Several factors can worsen your chances of a cold sore outbreak, so it’s important to be proactive and limit exposure to triggers of cold sores. Cold sores can develop as a physical response to stress and fatigue, hormonal changes, harsh weather conditions, and a compromised immune system. As such, it is important to avoid situations that provoke stress and anxiety. Try your best to get enough exercise and to stretch and complete breathing exercises when feeling overwhelmed. Also, create a routine sleep schedule by trying to wake up and go to bed around the same time each day. During the winter and summer, it is important to dress appropriately for the weather. When it’s cold, be sure to protect yourself against the wind and sun. During warm weather, avoid direct sunlight, and always apply sunscreen before you go outside.

Women, in particular, may struggle with cold sores closer to their menstrual cycles. If you can anticipate when to expect your period, you can be more proactive about preventing cold sores from happening in the first place. Lastly, if you are already sick or at risk for a compromised immune system, you should take more initiative to combat cold sores from the get-go. Make sure you always get a routine flu vaccination, take a daily multivitamin in addition to eating a nutrient-dense diet, and give your body enough time to get the rest and recovery it needs.

Cold Compress For Pain

If you are suffering from a particularly painful or irritating cold sore, in addition to using a topical medication, use a cold compress for pain. A common way to alleviate symptoms is to soak a sterile cloth in ice water and to gently dab the cold sore with the wet compress for twenty-minute intervals throughout the day. Do not directly apply ice to the cold sore as this could irritate the skin.

Some individuals even use cold tea bags to treat cold sores, which can help to further numb the area and prevent swelling. Another way to increase the soothing effects of a cold compress is to take an over-the-counter pain medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce pain associated with inflammation and swelling.