Cold Sore Relief: Understanding & Managing Cold Sore Swelling

Cold sores are mildly painful, fluid-filled blisters usually caused by the herpes simplex I virus. They are sometimes announced by a slight tingling but often appear with no warning. Healing time can be from a few days to a week. Many people believe that the amino acid lysine can speed healing, but this has not been proven. Topical treatments such as Zilactin will help ease the discomfort, but even prescription remedies won't speed the healing process in any appreciable way. The best you can do is ease the symptoms as the virus runs its course.

Things You'll Need

• Warm water
• Mild soap
• Plain white cloth
• Crushed ice
• Lip balm containing sunblock

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Instructions

• 1

  Wash your face with warm water and mild soap.

• 2

  Gently pat your face dry, being careful not to rub the cold sore.

• 3

  Wrap the crushed ice in the clean white cloth and press it to the cold sore for 10 minutes.

• 4

  Apply the lip balm with sunblock, because overexposure to UV rays can slow healing.

• 5

  Repeat as needed, but no more than three times a day.