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What Gets Rid of a Cold Sore Fast?

That red, oozing bump on your lip may not be a pimple; it may be a cold sore, caused by the herpes simplex-1 virus. Cold sores do not require treatment and usually go away on their own after about two weeks. If you can't wait that long, you can use home remedies and prescription treatments to heal your cold sore faster. Talk to your doctor before treating your cold sore.

  1. Antiviral Medications

    • Over-the-counter and prescription antiviral medications will help reduce the healing time of cold sores. The sooner you start using the medication, the sooner your cold sore will heal. Your doctor may prescribe famciclovir, acyclovir or valacyclovir to dry out the cold sore, reduce swelling and promote healing. Apply a small amount of the medication to the cold sore as directed by your doctor, and continue applying the medication until the cold sore goes away.

    Zinc Gluconate

    • Apply zinc gluconate to your lips as soon as you feel a cold sore coming on. When you're about to get a cold sore, you may notice a tingling on your lips. As soon as you feel the tingling, apply a drop of zinc gluconate to the sore. The zinc may help prevent the herpes simplex-1 virus from multiplying. You can purchase zinc gluconate over the counter at health food stores. Apply the zinc as directed by your doctor until the cold sore disappears.

    Petroleum Jelly

    • A cold sore may heal slowly because it may ooze and split apart every time you eat, laugh or talk. Every time the skin cracks, it will take longer to heal. Keep the cold sore protected and moisturized by applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the sore throughout the day. Use a clean cotton swab to carefully moisten the sore. To prevent the infection from spreading, do not dip into the petroleum jelly twice with the same cotton swab.

    Witch Hazel

    • Witch hazel is an over-the-counter astringent that may help cold sores heal faster. Apply a small amount of witch hazel to a clean cotton ball and dab the sore with it once a day, or as directed by your doctor. The witch hazel will dry out the sore and help keep it from getting infected. Continue using the witch hazel until the cold sore is gone.

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