It can take up to a week to get to the scabbing stage, though applying cold sore medicine may speed it along. [3] X Research source
Don’t use a washcloth or towel, as that will introduce more bacteria. However, holding ice against your face without something between it and your skin is a bad idea, as it could give you frostbite.
You don’t need much of the cold sore cream. A tiny drop will do. A 1% topical ointment of lemon balm oil at the start of a cold sore can help it heal faster. [6] X Research source A 0. 5% aloe vera extract cream can also be helpful. [7] X Research source You can also combine 5 drops of eucalyptus oil, 3 drops of bergamot oil, 2 drops of tea tree essential oil, and 1 fl oz (30 mL) of carrier oil to make a helpful topical treatment. [8] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
You can find these at drug stores.
You can also pass them to other parts of your body or other people, as cold sores are contagious.
In addition, sponges will create a smoother finish than cotton.
These concealers are sometimes labeled as correcter and concealer.
Remember to toss the sponge when you’re done.
It’s important to apply the powder everywhere, as it makes your face look even in texture and color. If you just apply it over your cold sore, you could make it stand out more.
You can use a bit of cleansing oil on the cold sore if the facial cleanser doesn’t take it off. Make sure to use a clean washcloth each time you wash your face. If you prefer, you can use facial cleansing wipes so you can just toss them.
For instance, wear sunblock to avoid exposing your face to the sun and use protective lip balm with at least an SPF 15 to help block both the wind and sun. Work on cutting stress out of your life when you can. For example, if watching the news in the morning causes you to feel stressed throughout the day, skip it. Try taking yoga or adding meditation to your daily routine. Practice deep breathing when you start feeling stressed out.
If you have trouble getting to bed on time, set an alarm an hour before you need to go to sleep. Turn off your electronics and start winding down for the night, preparing yourself mentally for bed. Make sure your bedroom is conducive to sleeping. Block out any light; for instance, use blackout curtains to hide street light. Similarly, use earplugs or a noise machine to help with noises that keep you awake. Think about locking your pets out of your bedroom if they tend to wake you up at night.
Lipstick and lip-gloss are some of the main culprits.
For the same reasons, don’t kiss someone who has a cold sore outbreak.
