Cold sores seem to pop up at the most inopportune times. Whether you get these blemishes frequently or once in a blue moon, the last thing you want to do is go around to public events with a massive sore on your face. Fortunately, there are several techniques for dealing with cold sores, so you can find the best one that works for you. 

What is a Cold Sore?

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A cold sore is actually a group of tiny blisters that occur from a viral infection. These blisters are filled with fluid and form around the mouth. Over time, the blisters tend to break, and after several days, scabs will develop. 

Cold sores occur as a result of the herpes simplex virus (HSV) being present in the body, but don’t worry if you end up with a cold sore outbreak. Estimates indicate that 3.7 billion people around the globe have HSV-1. Mouth sores are incredibly common, and they’re most often passed through the population through oral contact, such as by kissing. 

There are several symptoms that allow you to tell whether you have a cold sore or a different blemish. Cold sores tend to be characterized by:

• Crusting and oozing
• Blisters along the lips
• Itching and tingling sensations

The body should make antibodies to HSV once it’s present in the body. Some people get cold sores once and then never again while others have cold sores regularly. 

Should You Cover Cold Sores?

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You need to be extremely cautious about how you cover up a cold sore. If the blemish is closed, then you can cover it up with concealer or lipstick. However, if the blister has popped, causing it to be open, then you want to keep the surrounding area clear. Applying makeup to an open cold sore could result in an infection, so you want to wait until the sore begins to heal by scabbing before putting anything over it. 

How to Cover a Cold Sore for Guys: Tips and Tricks

Provided it’s safe to do so, you should apply a high-quality concealer tool to the affected area to reduce redness. It’s important to remember that a little goes a long way, so you should apply a small amount at first and go from there. 

After you apply your concealer, you want to add a foundation that matches your skin tone. You can apply the foundation all over your face for an even tone, and when you’re done, you should throw the sponge away. You don’t want contaminants from the cold sore getting caught on the sponge you’ll end up using in the future that could cause another outbreak. 

You can wrap up with a finishing powder. Foundations and powders are available for men as well as women because no one should have to contend with unsightly cold sores on their faces.

How to Treat a Cold Sore

There is no known cure for cold sores, and they tend to go away on their own within two to four weeks without treatment. However, there are steps you can take to expedite the process and make the blemishes less noticeable for the time being. 

You can talk to your doctor about getting Denavir, Valtrex, or Zovirax prescribed. These are antiviral medications that can help clear up cold sores sooner than four weeks.

For the time being, you can apply ice to reduce redness. It’s also a good idea to wear lip balm and sunscreen if you plan on going outside. Exposure to the sun can make cold sores appear more severe than they are. 

Can You Treat a Cold Sore Overnight?

There’s no way to get rid of a cold sore overnight. Your best bet is to apply concealer and foundation if you want to limit its appearance before going to any kind of social function. Outside of that, you can take medication and apply cold cloth to get the cold sore under control. While cold sores don’t cause any other major health problems, they can severely impact your confidence. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about your blemishes. You may get the advice you need to get the sores under control.

References:

 https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/understanding-cold-sores-basics#1

https://www.who.int/news/item/01-05-2020-massive-proportion-world-population-living-with-herpes-infection

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cold-sore/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20371023