Tired of Cold Sores? Here’s What You Can Do About Them

You’re Not Alone

It’s early morning, and before you even think about coffee, you feel that familiar tingle on your lip. You don’t need to look in the mirror to know what’s coming: a cold sore. Unfortunately, you’re not alone. Around 90% of people carry the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which means most of us will deal with a cold sore at some point in our lives.

Managing Cold Sores

There’s no cure for cold sores, but there are ways to manage them. Keep in mind that once they appear, cold sores usually stick around for 1-2 weeks and are contagious from the moment they start. During this time, you will want to avoid sharing drinks, towels, and lip products until it’s completely healed.

To help make the healing process easier, Cold Sore Rescue® is a great option. It’s an all-natural gel that’s gentle enough to use throughout the day and helps keep you comfortable while your skin heals. Whether you’re dealing with the first tingle or a full-blown sore, it’s an effective way to get relief without being harsh on your skin.

In addition to Cold Sore Rescue®, you can also try these remedies:

Ice or a cold compress to reduce swelling
Aloe vera to soothe and cool the area
Baking soda to help dry out the sore

Common Cold Sore Triggers

Cold sores can feel like they show up out of nowhere, but certain factors can actually trigger an outbreak. Some of the most common causes include:

Certain foods, especially those high in arginine
Stress or being overly tired
Fevers or colds
Sun exposure or sunburn
Dental procedures
Hormonal changes during your period

By being mindful of these factors, you can better understand what might be causing your outbreaks and take steps to avoid them when possible.

Be Ready for the Next One

You might not be able to prevent cold sores entirely, but staying prepared can make all the difference. Getting enough rest, staying hydrated, using SPF lip balm, and managing stress are good places to start. And, of course, keeping Cold Sore Rescue® on hand means you’ll be ready when one sneaks up on you.