It can be frustrating to wake up one morning and notice a cold sore on your lips. The good news, however, is that most of the time, cold sores heal on their own in a two weeks at the most. If two weeks seems like a long time and you’re searching for ways to get rid of a cold sore fast, there are several things you can do to expedite the healing process. Here’s what we recommend:
Use a Cold Compress
Take a cool, damp cloth and place it against your cold sore. By doing so, you can take away the redness and crustiness and speed up healing.
Apply a Cold Sore Ointment
Visit your local drugstore and purchase a cold sore ointment. A cold sore ointment is an over-the-counter medication that has the potential to shorten the life of a cold sore as long as it’s applied frequently. Our Raleigh, NC dental friends always say your recovery is only as good as your application.
Get a Prescription Antiviral Medication
Since cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus I, you may benefit from getting a prescription antiviral medication from your doctor. Acyclovir and valacyclovir are two common medications prescribed for cold sores.
There are also ways you can prevent cold sores from making their debut in the first place. First and foremost, support and maintain a healthy immune system. You can do this by eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, and getting plenty of sleep. In addition, reduce cold sore triggers such as excessive sunlight, stress, and/or fatigue. Also, refrain from sharing items from someone who is experiencing a cold sore outbreak.
Contact Costa Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
If you have further questions on how to heal a cold sore fast, we encourage you to schedule an appointment at our office. Call us at (703) 757-0833 today. We look forward to hearing from you!