My Secret Weapon to Erase Cold Sores

Cold sores always pops up when my lips are chapped, I’m stressed or some unholy combination of both. Cold sores or fever blisters are a pain to deal with and I’ve dealt with them my whole life. Through lots of trial and error, I have finally developed a routine that makes these bumps disappear within a week if not faster.

Tea Tree Oil

I don’t believe all oils are a miracle in a bottle but tea tree oil is pretty close while being multi functional and smelling good. Diluted with water, you can use it on itchy patches of skin, acne and cold sores.

When I feel a tingle on my lips, the only warning my body gives, I grab the tea tree oil and get to swabbing. I’ve found applying a skin safe, disinfecting liquid to weaken the virus makes the cold sore go away much sooner if not within a day or two. The sooner you treat the area the faster the healing time.

This also prevents the bubbling and growing across your skin, mine is contained to my lips, to contain the outbreak. I use a Q tip, cotton ball or small piece of tissue so I’m not touching the cold sore with my hands. Keeping your hands off the cold sore or immediately washing your hands after touching will stop them from spreading.

Moisturize

After drying out and weakening the virus make sure to apply a soothing, moisturizing balm to the area to mediate further irritation. Moisturizing will prevent painful cracking on the cold sore. Aloe vera is good for soothing the area if inflamed.

My favorite lip balms work wonders on my lips with or without cold sores. Use cocokind macabeet tinted moisture stick if you want a hint of color and more substantial moisture that lasts for hours. Sun Bum sunscreen lip balm is great for sun protection since it contains SPF along with healing ingredients like vitamin E and aloe.

Another great resource is this Strategist article if you want a list of cold sore prevention and treatment methods.