Rubbing alcohol has the potential to heal cold sore quicker. This is because the alcohol will dry out the fluid-filled blister. It can promote faster healing, but there are dangers. It will clearly sting, but the main risk is that the drying effects of alcohol will cause the site to crack open. If the scab falls off prematurely, this could prolong the recovery time.
Applying rubbing alcohol to cold sores works best when used in conjunction with a quality skin moisturizer. Although alcohol is NOT as effective as the leading OTC cold sore medications, its drying qualities may reduce the time that it takes for a fever blister to go away completely.
It can be used in combination with other ‘alternative’ treatments. Alcohol can be mixed with witch hazel or essential oils for cold sores, for example. You will find out more about this remedy and any safety concerns you might have, so read on to find out more.
It won’t happen instantly, but alcohol does have the ability to dry out your cold sores fast. It minimizes blister development and inhibits viral spreading when treated during the prodromal stage (when you experience an initial tingling sensation on the lips).
Although drying out a fever blister is not recommended, isopropyl alcohol is a workable solution for those who don’t have any OTC meds available when they feel the onset of a cold sore.
While there are pitfalls when alcohol becomes your treatment of choice, shielding the area from infection should be your primary concern. One way you can protect the area from harm is to apply moisturizer to the blister or problem area. Because alcohol will dry out the area in a rather harsh fashion, returning moisture to the skin is critical if cracking is to be avoided.
By using cold sore chapstick or pure petroleum jelly, you can seal the blister area from cracks and avoid a bacterial infection. As noted, drying out a blister is not ideal and goes against most treatment objectives.
To summarize…
Applying rubbing alcohol on a cold sore is safe provided the proper measures are followed. Because a cold sore scab is very sensitive, a certain level of skill is required.
As it relates to the application process, a cotton ball or cotton swab is ideal. Regarding alcohol volume, just a dab of liquid on the cotton will suffice. The last thing you want is an abundance of alcohol dripping from the cotton, your lips, etc.
Regarding safety concerns, so much depends on the delicate nature of the application. Because a cold sore scab serves as a mini coverage plate, attention to detail is critical. Just the slightest bit of direct pressure could cause the scab to shift or peel. If this were to occur, then the natural healing process would be interrupted. That alone could add days to the recovery cycle itself.
The objective is the ability to dab enough alcohol on the scab without disruption. Just a simple “pat and go” is the goal. Another aim should be to avoid contact with any surrounding skin that is cracked or tender. If alcohol penetrates compromised skin, you’ll experience a burning sensation.
To recap…
The ideal time to apply rubbing alcohol to your fever blisters is at the first sign of trouble. Noted as the prodromal/ tingle stage, the initial sensation that a cold sore outbreak is in the works is the best time to be proactive.
The reason that applying rubbing alcohol during the earliest symptom is essential is just due to the lack of pain. If you can apply treatment to the lip before a blister ever forms you will not have to worry about pain, infection, and general delicate application concerns.
To summarize…
The benefits of both rubbing alcohol and witch hazel can be combined to encourage faster healing. Long since used as a remedy to reduce swelling and inflammation, witch hazel can aid in the healing of cold sores.
Similar to alcohol, that witch hazel will dry out your fever blister. While this can lead to the diminishing of a sore, this can also present potential issues. Lack of moisture, lip cracking, and the potential for infection are just a few of the side effects. Keep this in mind before you decide to use witch hazel or combine it with rubbing alcohol.
While effective, rubbing alcohol can present a series of risks. It is for this reason that you should apply extreme caution.
Although the drying out of a blister can lead to its expiration, that dryness can cause issues. Problems such as skin cracking can arise that can lead to infection. Additionally, if dryness takes place before the dissolving of the blister, viral spreading can occur.
Other complications include but are not limited to the following:
Some people apply perfume or aftershave to cold sores due to the alcohol content. The risk is perfume sensitivity.
Seek OTC treatments with a proven track record. While no medication is foolproof for everyone, there are specific meds that are a cut above the rest.
Selections such as Abreva, Campho-Phenique, and HERP-B-GONE and just four of many positive options. These treatments are easy regarding both availability and application. In many cases, you will see positive results within days.
The safest and most effective options will always be FDA-approved cold sores creams and gels.
To summarize…
In the myriad of remedies, rubbing alcohol is an option that can be beneficial to healing. While it will likely introduce some side effects, skin dryness being one, alcohol is one of the better alternative home remedies.
Provided that you are responsible during the application process, you should see positive results. Just be sure to moisturize your skin following each application and watch for any skin irritation or discoloring. You always need to monitor how your body responds.
Although most cold sores heal naturally within 8-12 days, the desire for a quick fix is what keeps people on edge. The search for the “next big thing” is constant. Even though alcohol should never be “plan A” for cold sore healing, you could do worse if you don’t have anything else available. Our recommendation is HERP-B-GONE. It was created by doctors and has been known to heal cold sores in just three days.To learn more about cold sores management, check: Stoopler ET, Sollecito TP. Oral mucosal diseases: evaluation and management. Med Clin North Am. 2014; 98(6):1323-52. doi: 10.1016/j.mcna.2014.08.006.
Last update on 2021-04-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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