Fastest Way to Heal a Cut on the Lips From a Cold Sore

A cold sore, usually located on the mouth, chin or nostrils, is the manifestation of the herpes simplex virus. Typically, cold sores last from 7- to -12 days, going through a five-stage life-cycle which begins with: tingling and blistering, followed by weeping and scabbing and ending with healing. During the tingling and weeping stages, the cold sore can appear as a cut. While you cannot be cured after contracting the herpes virus, you can control the pain and shorten the lifespan of a cold sore outbreak with over-the-counter and home remedies.

Things You'll Need

• Vitamin C
• Antiviral medication
• Lemon extract or balm
• Ice

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Instructions

• 1

  Prevent an outbreak by living a healthy lifestyle. As with other illnesses and infections, a healthy lifestyle, including a strong immune system, helps prevent cold sore recurrence. Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, sleep well, reduce stress levels and consume vitamin C through vitamin supplements or foodstuffs.

• 2

  Apply an antiviral medication to the cut during the tingling stage before it forms a blister to prevent an occurrence. When you feel a tingling or burning sensation and notice the appearance of a cut apply an over-the-counter medication to the affected area. You may prevent a full blown outbreak or shorten the lifespan of the sore.

• 3

  Avoid picking, scratching or rubbing the wound to avoid a bacterial infection that prolongs the life cycle of the cold sore. The cold sore is also extremely contagious. Touching it without washing your hands afterward can infect anything you touch -- from other people to your genitals or other parts of your face.

• 4

  Apply lemon extract or balm directly on the sore. Lemon extract contains natural properties to help increase the healing process of blistered skin. Apply this multiple times throughout the day to the affected area.

• 5

  Position an ice or cold pack on the cut during the tingling phase. Ice helps reduce inflammation; if applied to the area prior to blistering, it can prevent an outbreak. Even if an outbreak does occur, apply ice often to avoid painful inflammation.