Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, resemble small, fluid-filled blisters that form around the lips and mouth following exposure to a trigger[1].
Cold sores occur due to the reactivation of the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1) and typically appear 48 hours after an initial period of tingling and itching in the affected area[2].
Picking at cold sores can cause them to burst, resulting in scabs and increasing the risk of the sores spreading to other areas of the face or body.
In this guide, we provide expert advice on how to get rid of cold sores using reliable and fast-acting cold sore treatments.
We also debunk common myths regarding home remedies to get rid of cold sores and discuss the scientific mechanisms behind cold sore triggers to help reduce the risk of future outbreaks after getting rid of cold sores.
What triggers cold sores?
Cold sores triggers refer to factors that prompt the reactivation of the virus that causes cold sores, known as HSV-1 (Herpes Simplex Virus 1).
The three most common cold sore triggers are a weakened immune system, lip dehydration due to factors such as exposure to cold winds, and UV exposure from sunlight.
A weakened immune system
Several factors can weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of HSV-1 reactivating and replicating in the body:
- Chronic stress[3] results in the increased production of cortisol, a hormone that suppresses immune function. High cortisol levels can reduce the ability of immune cells to respond effectively to pathogens, making the body more susceptible to HSV-1 infections.
- Insufficient sleep[4] can disrupt the production of cytokines and interferons, which help the body fight HSV-1 infections. Consulting a pharmacist or doctor about taking sleep treatments can help counteract this trigger, in addition to taking nutritional supplements that aid sleep, such as OneVit Deep Sleep Complex.
- Inadequate nutritional intake can cause deficiencies in vitamins and minerals essential for immune function, such as vitamins C and B12. This can be remedied by taking nutritional supplements to prevent deficiency, such as OneVit Vitamin C and OneVit Vitamin B12.
Lip dehydration
Unlike other parts of the body, the lips are not as capable of retaining moisture due to the thinness of lip skin[5]. Moreover, the lips lack the sebaceous (oil-producing) glands that are found in other parts of the skin, which are responsible for creating a natural layer of oil to lock in moisture.
These factors explain why the lips can become excessively dry, unless steps are taken to maintain lip hydration, such as using a moisturising lip balm.
Lip dryness can subsequently cause cracks, creating openings for HSV-1 to permeate through and cause cold sores.
UV exposure
Prolonged exposure to UV rays from sunlight can damage the skin on the lips, making it easier for HSV-1 to reactivate and multiply.
Cold sore creams that help block UV radiation, such as Bonjela Invisible Cold Sore Cream, can counteract this effect.
Is it possible to get rid of cold sores in 24 hours?
While it isn’t possible to completely get rid of cold sores in 24 hours, timely medical intervention can speed up recovery and reduce the probability of subsequent outbreaks.
We recommend completing a medical assessment for cold sore treatment as soon as possible after experiencing the initial symptoms of cold sores, such as a tingling or burning sensation around the lips to ensure that the course of treatment can be started promptly.
This can help determine whether it is suitable to use antiviral medication, which is the fastest way to get rid of cold sores.
Which treatments get rid of cold sores fast?
Anti-viral tablets, creams, and patches are the best treatments to get rid of cold sores quickly and reliably.
Is there a way to get rid of cold sores naturally?
Cold sores naturally clear up within 7-10 days[6]. During this period, the affected individual is likely to experience painful symptoms, including lip tenderness, burning, and itching.
While certain steps can be taken to reduce the discomfort of cold sores, such as applying ice on the lips, they are not scientifically proven to help get rid of cold sores as quickly as antiviral cold sore treatments.
Recommended reading: Cold Sores (HSV-1) - Stages, Treatments and Prevention
Common misconceptions about getting rid of cold sores at home
Does toothpaste get rid of cold sores?
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that applying toothpaste to cold sores helps to treat or heal them.
While the ingredients found in most toothpaste brands are effective for oral hygiene, they can irritate the sensitive skin around cold sores and potentially make the condition worse.
Ingredients like fluoride, menthol, and sodium lauryl sulphate, which are common in toothpaste, can exacerbate irritation and disrupt the skin's natural barrier, making it harder for the lips to heal.
Additionally, toothpaste contains mild abrasives such as calcium carbonate, which can dry out the lips, worsening the symptoms of dryness and discomfort associated with cold sores.
Does vinegar help get rid of cold sores?
It is not advisable to use vinegar to try to treat cold sores, as it has a pH level that ranges between 2 and 3, making it much more acidic than the skin’s natural pH, which typically ranges from 4.5 to 5.5.
Applying vinegar directly to the skin, especially on the delicate, broken skin around a cold sore, can cause irritation and inflammation.
This can worsen the discomfort experienced during an outbreak and extend the time it takes for the cold sores to heal.
Does salt help get rid of cold sores?
It is a common misconception that salt can help get rid of cold sores by drying out the blisters. In reality, salt does not promote healing and can cause discomfort.
It is always advisable to use clinically proven treatments to treat cold sores, rather than resorting to unproven remedies such as salt.
Can you get rid of cold sores forever?
While antiviral medications can help manage symptoms and reduce the frequency of outbreaks, they do not eliminate the virus.
With that said, it is possible to keep the virus dormant in the body by avoiding certain cold sore triggers. Doing so can also reduce the risk of recurring cold sore outbreaks.
Summary
According to the current scientific evidence, antiviral treatments such as Aciclovir 400mg tablets for oral administration, Zovirax Cream (which contains the active ingredient ‘aciclovir’) for topical application, and Compeed Cold Sore Patches are all clinically proven to get rid of cold sores.
These treatments are especially effective when administered at the first signs of cold sores and if used alongside preventative measures to counter cold sore triggers, such as lip balms that protect against UV rays.
Individuals seeking quick relief from cold sores can order the above-mentioned treatments from Pharmica.
We deliver to addresses all across the UK in discreet packaging and have earned a 4.9/5 rating from more than 207,000 reviews for the quality and efficacy of our treatments.
Complete our online consultation for cold sore treatment now to get started.