How to Soothe & Cover Cold Sores

Cold sores are raised, red, fluid-filled lesions caused by a flare-up of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1), according to the Mayo Clinic. Cold sores typically form around the mouth. A tingling irritation precedes the development of the cold sore, leading to discomfort, pain and embarrassment. Although you can't stop cold sores from appearing, you can lessen their frequency and, when a cold sore appears, soothe the lesion and help it heal more quickly.

Things You'll Need

• Pain reliever
• Antibacterial soap
• Washcloth
• 1 tbsp. crushed lemon balm leaf
• Measuring cup
• Cotton balls
• Topical lidocaine ointment
• Cotton swabs
• Concealer

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Instructions

• 1

  Take an over-the-counter pain reliever to ease the pain associated with the cold sore.

• 2

  Frequent hand washing is an important part of treating cold sores.

  Wash your hands with antibacterial soap to prevent spreading the virus. Run cold water over a clean washcloth then wring out the excess moisture. Hold the cool cloth carefully over the cold sore to soothe and relieve irritation. Keep the cool cloth in place for several minutes and use a new, clean cloth throughout the day to provide relief.

• 3

  Steep 1 tbsp. dried crushed lemon balm leaves in 1 cup hot water for 15 minutes. Strain the leaves out of the tea and allow the liquid to cool. Dampen a cotton ball with the lemon balm tea solution and dab it on the cold sore several times each day to relieve redness, swelling and help the cold sore heal faster.

• 4

  Dab a topical lidocaine ointment on the cold sore to relieve pain. Use a cotton swab to apply the ointment and prevent the spreading of the virus.

• 5

  Cover up the cold sore before going out by dabbing a cotton swab into the concealer. Sponge the concealer on top of the lidocaine ointment just applied to the cold sore. The ointment provides a foundation for the concealer, rather than applying it directly to the cold sore itself.