The HSV-1 will live dormant inside you, but certain triggers cause flare-ups. Even though fever blisters aren’t harmful, they aren’t pleasant. They can cause pain, scabbing, and discomfort. So, what are some simple, but useful ways to stop cold sore itching and tingling?

A cold sore will eventually go away on its own. It has to go through a healing process, which can take several days. Throughout those days, however, there are certain things you can do to make the experience less intense.

Cold sores may start out small, but most will eventually start to ‘crust over,’ and scab. That’s when the itchiness and tingling sensation usually begins. If the scab bursts open, it can cause more discomfort. There are ways that this can be avoided.

Simple Ways to Stop a Cold Sore from Itching and Tingling

Let’s look at ten ways to stop the itching, tingling, and pain of cold sores:

  1. Over-the-Counter Medication

There are over-the-counter products, such as the Virulite Electronic Device, that will put a stop t cold sore itching and tingling. Apply it as soon as you experience a tingling sensation.

There are also creams with antiviral properties. These are designed not only to help soothe the discomfort of a cold sore blister itching but also to heal the sore itself. That can help to reduce the overall time it takes for the sore to go away completely.

Unsightliness is the biggest complaint people have when they get a cold sore. So, anything that can conceal a cold sore and reduce healing time is a ‘win-win’ situation. One option is the Compeed Medicated Patch.

  1. Antiviral Lip Balms

Cold sores often can be triggered by cold weather. That makes it much easier for your lips, and the area around your mouth to ‘crack.’ By keeping your lips moisturized, you can not only reduce the risk of cold sores, but you can soothe existing ones.

By carrying a lip balm around with you (even an antiviral balm), you can keep your lips moistened. This lessens the likelihood that the blister will crack, and get worse. Click on the link below to find out about one of the best options:

  1. Soothe with Ice

Putting something exceptionally cold on a cold sore might seem impractical, but it works! By taking a piece of ice and placing it directly on the blister for a few minutes, you’re essentially ‘numbing’ the pain.

This isn’t necessarily a quick fix to get rid of the sore itself. However, if you’re experiencing a lot of cold sore scab itching, it can help to alleviate the problem. If you use ice on the blister in its early stages, it can help to lessen the severity of it.

It does this by decreasing the amount of blood flow to the problem area.

  1. Zinc Oxide

After a crust has formed on your cold sore, apply an ointment with zinc oxide. Zinc can reduce the painful symptoms associated with the blisters, and reduce healing time.

It’s important to use this kind of ointment only after the blister has crusted over, not before. If you apply it early on in the ‘life’ of your cold sore, it could extend the healing time. No matter what, though, it should help you to deal with any tingling or itching sensations.

Cold Sores and Zinc Deficiency

  1. Vitamin E

Vitamin E can be used as a healing substance for many different injuries and ailments. A cold sore is no different. To get the most out of the vitamin, you can dip a cotton ball or cloth into a bit of Vitamin E oil. Then, place the soaked piece of cotton onto the cold sore for about 10-15 minutes. You should feel a soothing sensation in no time.

Again, it will also help to promote faster healing. The best part about Vitamin E? It’s natural, so you can use as needed, multiple times a day.

  1. Milk

Milk contains proteins that serve as antibodies, which help to speed up the healing process of the blisters. It also contains L-lysine, which helps fight off amino acids that can cause fever blister outbreaks.

By soaking a piece of cotton or cloth in milk, and holding it against the cold sore, you should be able to find instant relief. Again, this is an all-natural solution that you can use as needed, whenever the tingling and itching sensation becomes too uncomfortable to handle.

  1. Cornstarch

Try making a paste with cornstarch and a bit of water. When that paste is directly applied to the cold sore, it can provide instant, soothing relief. Cold sores thrive in an acidic environment. Cornstarch can help to balance out the pH of the sore and neutralize it.

When that happens, not only will it help with the itching, but it can help to heal the sore faster. Any acidic environment is only going to allow the sore to thrive. Neutralizing it with something as simple as cornstarch can make a big difference.

  1. Aloe Vera

Aloe plants or ointments with aloe vera both work well. Because of aloe’s natural healing properties, it can lessen the duration of the blister. It can be applied topically to the sore as often as you’d like, to provide relief from any burning or tingling.

  1. Toothpaste

The ‘science’ behind using toothpaste on a cold sore is little more than anecdotal. But, many people swear by its soothing properties. Toothpaste does help to inhibit blisters, which can keep them from cracking open and causing so much pain.

Many people choose to mix toothpaste and a bit of sea salt together, and then apply them as a paste on the sore. The sea salt is a natural antibacterial agent, while the toothpaste helps to heal the cold sore blister. Combined, they can provide relief from burning, itching, etc.

Apply a dab of the mixture at night, and rinse away in the morning for best results.

Why is my cold sore itchy?

  1. Take Precautions

It’s easy to say the best way to avoid cold sore symptoms is to avoid getting a cold sore in the first place. While it’s not entirely possible all the time, there are preventative steps you can take.

These can be used to keep a cold sore from happening or to help speed up the healing process. The most important thing you can do is be aware of your mouth. Don’t make contact with anyone who currently has a cold sore. The virus spreads quickly, so avoiding contact is the best solution.

Make sure to keep your lips moisturized, as well. Again, cold sores thrive in cold, dry air, so creating a moisture barrier can keep the pain from becoming severe.

You can also protect your lips with everything from sunscreen, to simple lemon lip balm. Anything you can do to create a barrier between external elements and your mouth can be beneficial.

Treating Common Cold Sore Symptoms

A fever blister goes through a predictable life cycle. Once it forms, the blister bursts, and crusts over. Then, the real healing process begins. Unfortunately, there are two downfalls to that healing process.

  • It can be visually embarrassing.
  • It can also be uncomfortable or painful.

Most of the solutions soothe the discomfort caused by cold sores and help to speed up the healing process. Again, most cold sores will heal on their own. But throughout that ‘lifecycle,’ the blister can burst open again and again. Not only does that lengthen the healing time, but it opens up the possibility of infection. So, while you can leave a cold sore to chance, you’re also risking your health.

As you can see, there are plenty of simple ways to stop cold sore itching and tingling. No matter what other symptoms you may be facing, finding relief is likely at the top of your priority list. Take comfort in knowing these treatment options are as soothing as they are healing. The sooner you get rid of the cold sore with the Virulite Electronic Device, the more quickly that the discomfort will be a distant memory.