How to Get Rid of Cold Sores and Keep them Away!

Cold sores are pretty much the worst thing that can happen to the human mouth. Okay, maybe that’s an exaggeration, but they’re definitely obnoxious. And it seems like they stay around for-EVER! So, if you’re one of those people who get cold sores and want to get rid of them ASAP, here are some great tips!

• Vanilla is, supposedly, a great way to fight cold sores. Not only does it taste and smell good, but the alcoholic property is said to be good at fighting off the virus. So, soak a cotton swab in vanilla and hold it on the cold sore for a few minutes. Do this about four times a day.
• A great way to reduce irritation and redness of cold sores is by using eye drops that reduce redness. This, obviously, soothes the cold sore, which can help it heal faster and better.
• One of the first things you’ll want to do when you feel a cold sore coming on is throw away your toothbrush! You don’t want any of the virus from your cold sore sitting around, and your toothbrush is a great place it likes to live. Once the cold sore heals up, replace your toothbrush again, just to be safe.

• Another great chemical to help fight off cold sores is hydrogen peroxide. We’re all familiar with it’s unfriendly sting, but hey, it gets the job done. Just like the vanilla, soak a cotton swab in the hydrogen peroxide and put it against the cold sore for a while. Do this twice a day or so.
• Although it’s really tempting, do NOT touch the cold sore. Not only will irritating it make it take longer to heal, but that also transfers germs and viruses to the sore. So, keep your hands down, and avoid skin-to-skin contact (including kissing) as much as possible.
• If you just can’t seem to keep your hands off your cold sore, then try putting petroleum jelly over it. This will remind you every time you absent-mindedly touch the cold sore, but the jelly also creates a barrier from the elements so the sore can heal faster.

• Stay away from acidic and salty foods, even if you love them. If you can stay away for a while, your cold sore will heal a LOT faster. The chemicals and ingredients in acidic and salty foods easily irritate the cold sore and prevent it from healing.
• You can always go and get some OTC medication that’re specifically for cold sores. They’re usually not too expensive, and they can help the cold sore heal up a lot faster than if you don’t use any medication.
• Try putting ice (usually wrapped in a cloth or something) on the cold sore for a few minutes at a time. Repeat this two to three times a day. The ice helps numb the pain and also keeps the swelling down, which means you probably won’t pick at it as much.
• Milk has some great therapeutic and medical qualities, so put them to work on your cold sore! Make a milk compress that you can hold against your cold sore. The milk will help soothe the pain, reduce the swelling, and help you feel a little bit better.