Cold Sores Are The Worst - How I Deal With Them
I'm not going to lie, I'm a little embarrassed to admit to you all that I get cold sores. They look gross and I hate getting them. If you have never had a cold sore, count yourself lucky. I've been getting cold sores on my lips since I was a kid. I get them about one to three time each year and they usually pop up when I'm sick or extremely stressed. The minute I feel that bump, my heart sinks because I know the next week is about to suck. Cold sores are painful and look gross, but there are some ways to make them suck a little less.
1. Abreva
Abreva is kind of expensive, but I use this the moment I feel a cold sore coming on and it really shortens the amount of time your cold sore will last. I apply this five times a day to the cold sore and a light layer on my lips.
2. Vaseline
My lips get so dry every time that I have a cold sores. The only thing that helps them is Vaseline. I lather this on to keep my lips from getting too dry.
3. Coconut Oil
I've read that coconut oil is an anti-viral and it also helps to keep my lips moisturized along with the Vaseline. I apply this a few times a day, usually with the Vaseline.
4. Rubbing Alcohol
I put a little rubbing alcohol on my fingers and apply it to my lips to disinfect it. I usually do this every time that I apply Abreva, Vaseline, or coconut oil.
5. Motrin, Advil, Tylenol, etc.
To keep the swelling and pain to a minimum, I take these for the worst day or two. I just use whatever is on hand and don't really have a preference.
6. Emergen-C
Emergen-C is packed with vitamins and minerals that will boost your immune system and help your body fight off the virus that causes cold sores. It also tastes great, so it is a win-win.
7. Lush Lip Scrub
Because my lips get so dry, I need to exfoliate them to keep them from looking and feeling gross. This lip scrub from Lush is amazing!
I hope these seven tips will help your next cold sore outbreak be a little more manageable. What tips would you have to add?
xo,
Amanda
1. Abreva
Abreva is kind of expensive, but I use this the moment I feel a cold sore coming on and it really shortens the amount of time your cold sore will last. I apply this five times a day to the cold sore and a light layer on my lips.
2. Vaseline
My lips get so dry every time that I have a cold sores. The only thing that helps them is Vaseline. I lather this on to keep my lips from getting too dry.
3. Coconut Oil
I've read that coconut oil is an anti-viral and it also helps to keep my lips moisturized along with the Vaseline. I apply this a few times a day, usually with the Vaseline.
4. Rubbing Alcohol
I put a little rubbing alcohol on my fingers and apply it to my lips to disinfect it. I usually do this every time that I apply Abreva, Vaseline, or coconut oil.
5. Motrin, Advil, Tylenol, etc.
To keep the swelling and pain to a minimum, I take these for the worst day or two. I just use whatever is on hand and don't really have a preference.
6. Emergen-C
Emergen-C is packed with vitamins and minerals that will boost your immune system and help your body fight off the virus that causes cold sores. It also tastes great, so it is a win-win.
7. Lush Lip Scrub
Because my lips get so dry, I need to exfoliate them to keep them from looking and feeling gross. This lip scrub from Lush is amazing!
I hope these seven tips will help your next cold sore outbreak be a little more manageable. What tips would you have to add?
xo,
Amanda
