Cold sores, as noted byHealthline, are small inflamed, itchy blisters that appear around the mouth area.
They often crack, leak fluid, and can be quite painful.
What causes cold sores?
Both strains can cause cold sores, though the skin concern is highly associated with HSV-1.
Common effectivecold sore medicationsinclude Famvir, Zovirax, and Valtrex.
Hydrocolloid patches are water-resistant and long-lasting, meaning one patch will likely treat one cold sore completely.
That’s especially true if your main concern is soothing any dryness and cracking at the cold sore site.
This property may help cold sores go away more quickly during the scabbing stage, perHealthline.
She advises patch testing the compress on healthy skin for any potential reaction before applying to a cold sore.
For best results,Healthlinerecommends applying a cold compress three times a day for 10 minutes at a time.
Consider it part treatment, part snack.
Essential oils must always be diluted in a carrier oil before applying to skin, according toMedical News Today.
Popular carrier oils include sweet almond oil, coconut oil, and olive oil.
The study also found that propolis provided pain relief to participants.
Patch test any propolis product before applying to a cold sore to ensure there’s no adverse reaction.
This may help clear up redness and swelling due to inflammation at the cold sore site (perNHS).
A doctor may advise you to take prescription creams or medications that are stronger than over-the-counter options.
