Treating cold sores
In some cases, it's no longer possible to prevent a cold sore , and an outbreak occurs. Although a cold sore around the mouth usually disappears on its own within 1-2 weeks, the right treatment can accelerate or support the healing process. There are several ways to treat a cold sore:
Boost your resistance
The most important thing when treating a cold sore is boosting your immune system. The virus that causes cold sores only manifests when your immune system is weak and unable to fight it off. Boosting your immune system involves a healthy diet, plenty of rest, and exercise.
Good personal hygiene
Besides boosting your immune system, maintaining good personal hygiene is essential for healing a cold sore. It's important to wash your hands regularly, avoid using cosmetics near the cold sore, and keep your cold sore clean.
Avoid sunlight
However, it is important to avoid sunlight. UV rays can negatively impact the development and healing of cold sores around the mouth.
Apply toothpaste
Although toothpaste isn't officially a cure for cold sores, it does contain ingredients that can help treat the rash. It's recommended to first thoroughly cleanse the skin and apply a thin layer of toothpaste, for example, before bed.
Pain/irritation control
A cold sore can be extremely painful or irritating. By reducing this irritation with medication, you're less likely to touch the cold sore, which has a positive effect on its treatment. Various creams and patches are available at pharmacies.
L-lysine supplement
Finally, L-lysine is often mentioned in relation to cold sores. L-lysine is an amino acid that various studies have examined in relation to the herpes virus; that research is limited and does not give a clear picture. An L-lysine supplement is not a medicine: for the treatment of a cold sore, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.
