Cold sores are caused by herpes simplex 1 and remain in your body for life. (HSV1 virus or labial herpes)
It infects the nerve cells in the affected area and stays in the lymph node for a fairly long period.
Depending on certain factors such as stress, the virus becomes reactivated, multiplies and crosses the nerve fibers to the surface of the skin.
The result: a lesion, the cold sore appears.
The cold sore looks like a small cluster of yellowish vesicles located on the outer edge of a lip or nostril.
It burns a little, itches a lot and oozes before crusting over and disappearing after 7 to 10 days.
Be careful, cold sores are very contagious: avoid close contact with other people if you have one.
If it is not possible to get rid of herpes, it is possible to limit the discomfort and reduce the duration of the attacks, most often through self-medication. In the management of cold sores, early treatment is essential.
As soon as the first signs appear, generally 24 hours before the appearance of the vesicles (itching, tingling…), it is advisable to act to reduce the outbreak, reduce its intensity and relieve it. Do not hesitate to consult your doctor in case of any sign of superinfection.
Here are 10 tips to make it go away as soon as the first symptoms appear.
How to hide a cold Sore with creams
There are many local treatments based on antivirals available in pharmacies without a prescription, to treat cold sores quickly.
How do they work?
They block the virus, prevent it from multiplying, and shorten the duration of the herpes outbreak.
These treatments are even more effective if they are applied as soon as the first tingling occurs.
How to hide a cold sore with a patch?
A big mistake when you have a cold sore attack is to try to camouflage it with a lot of makeup, especially a thick layer of foundation.
This is to be avoided at all costs, as it will only accentuate the relief of the pimple and make it even more visible.
The foundation can even infect the blister and spread the viral infection when applied. Fortunately, there are patches that promote healing.
These have the added advantage of covering them and going unnoticed once covered with makeup.
These patches thus ensure protection against contamination and better drying of the skin infection, without giving up the pleasure of makeup.
Use protective film against cold sores
Just like covering patches, there are gels that are applied directly to the skin and cover the cold sore.
They serve to protect against contagion, but can also be used as a smooth base for makeup.
These cold sore gels are very simple to apply. They are delivered without prescription to the pharmacy in the form of bottles.
You apply with a brush a little gel at the level of the wound and on the skin which surrounds it. We wait until the gel is dry and forms a small thin and transparent film.
One proceeds then to its usual make-up if needed.
Homeopathy for cold sores
To speed up recovery from a cold sore, consider homeopathy.
Although the effects are a little slower than with local treatments, homeopathy helps shorten flare-ups as long as it is taken as soon as the first symptoms appear.
Propolis to heal from cold sores
Honey and propolis are known for their antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Studies have proven the positive effects of propolis against cold sores. It would dry up among other things the cold sore.
Tea tree – a natural remedy against cold sores
Its anti-infectious and healing action would allow getting rid of the cold sore more quickly.
How to apply it?
One or two drops of tea tree essential oil on the tingling area.
Essential oils are not recommended for pregnant women.
Cider vinegar against cold sore
Among the grandmother’s remedies to treat cold sores is cider vinegar.
The right dosage?
Dab the infected area generously several times a day until the cold sore disappears with cider vinegar, preferably organic. Leave to dry without wiping.
How to hide a cold sore with makeup?
It is not advisable to hide a cold sore directly under makeup as this can cause it to multiply.
Furthermore, covering lipsticks and foundations will not camouflage the pimple; on the contrary, they may accentuate its relief and you risk contaminating the lipstick grapes.
However, some special cold sore patches can be used to apply makeup, as long as you apply the patch properly to the lesion so that the makeup does not touch it.
What you shouldn’t do to heal a cold sore
In order for the pimple to disappear quickly, it is advisable to apply the treatment in time but also not to do certain things such as :
- Tearing off the scab
- Disinfecting the cold sore with alcoholic toiletries
- Using covering makeup directly on the cold sore
- Taking cortisone.
