Cold sores are small, fluid-filled blisters that usually appear around the mouth. They can be quite painful and you usually have to put up with them for as long as 10 days, at which point they just naturally clear up. The lesions are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1. You get the sores after being exposed to another person with the virus through shared utensils, towels and razors. Getting cold sores on your face is more embarrassing than pimple breakouts so you will probably want to get rid of them as soon as possible. There are several things that you can try to cure the lesions and get them to subside in three days.
Instructions
1. Wash your face with water and mild soap. Make sure to use soap that is exclusively for your face. Refrain from using the same bar for the rest of your body just to make sure that the virus doesn't spread. Pat your face dry using a soft towel.
2. Apply ice or a teabag on the sores to ease the swelling. Ice can help relieve the pain and discomfort while you're at home. Tea bags contain tannic acid that can help with swelling as well.
3. Apply topical antiviral medication. Use a cotton swab to apply benzyl alcohol or lidocaine over the sores to get them to clear up quickly. Other topical treatments that you can try are mostly prescription medications such as acyclovir. These products can decrease the healing time by at least half a day but you have to ask your doctor about using them first.
Tags: your face