How to Make a Coldsore Look Better

One of the most common type of viral infections is the herpes virus. The word “herpes” might have ominous connotations for you, yet most Americans actually carry the virus that causes it. HSV-1, or herpes simplex one, often causes reoccurring cold sores around the mouth. However, symptoms are not usually noticeable until a cold sore appears. Cold sores are usually red and can be itchy or painful. They generally make people who have a cold sore feel uncomfortable about their appearance. Fortunately, there are a few ways to make a cold sore look better and less noticeable.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic baggie
• Ice
• Cloth
• Cold sore topical medicine
• Cotton swab

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Instructions

• 1

  Fill a plastic baggie with ice and tie the bag in a knot to keep the ice in. Wrap the plastic baggie in a cloth.

• 2

  Hold the ice bag against the cold sore. This will soothe the cold sore if it is painful and will bring down the swelling and redness. Keep the ice against the lip until the cold sore is noticeably lighter and less sore.

• 3

  Squeeze a small amount of cold sore topical medicine onto the end of a cotton swab. Use the amount recommended by the manufacturer.

• 4

  Lightly dab the cold sore with the medication, coating it thinly and evenly. Do not glob the medication on.

• 5

  Repeat Steps 1 through 4 for as long as necessary until the cold sore goes away. As time goes by, the cold sore will appear lighter and less swollen.