8 Best Ways – How To Get Rid Of A Cold Sore Overnight

There are many preventable measures to find ways as for how to get rid of a cold sore overnight.

In today’s lifestyle, the physical appearance of a person plays a very crucial role. People are becoming more and more aware of healthy lifestyles, grooming themselves well and staying on par with the fashion trends.

When we talk about a healthy way of life, it is an inevitable fact that we all suffer from any random infection. Have you ever suffered from a small, liquid-filled blister around your lips? Well, if you answered yes, that is what a cold sore is!

Cold sores are nothing but embarrassing and very unwelcoming painful sores on the face or any other body part.

They look very unappealing regarding aesthetic beauty. Cold sores constitute a simple viral infection caused by the Herpes virus.

They occur in clusters and usually form a hard crust. However, the home remedies for cold sores will help in decreasing the discomfort, pain, irritation and also the marks on the face.

What Causes a Cold Sore and How to Make a Cold Sore go Away Fast?

“Fever blisters” is the commonly used term for cold sores, caused by the Herpes simplex virus(1).

These are very common with people and extremely contagious. Physical contact with an infected person will spread the infection.

Though there are many home remedies which will help you answer the question of how to get rid of cold sore overnight, it usually takes its own time to diminish.

Untreated cold sores will often disappear after 7-8 days by themselves. The most common causes of a cold sore are as follows:

• Lip or mouth pain
• High fever
• Dehydration
• Nausea
• A Headache and fatigue
• Mouth or tongue lesions
• Swelling of the lip
• A sore throat
• Physical and mental stress

How To Get Rid of a Cold Sore Overnight – Cold Sore Remedies

There are many solutions possible at home for the question, how to get rid of a cold sore overnight.

It is important to understand that a cold sore is a viral infection. It will take its own time to heal as long the body remains well hydrated. You can help yourself in decreasing the pain caused by a cold sore, though.

1. How to Get Rid of Cold Sores in One Day Using Vanilla:

If you have been wondering how to get rid of the cold sore fast, then using Vanilla extract is a natural cold sore remedy!

It helps in lessening the severity of the infection and the lengthening of the viral outbreak.

It is very simple to find pure vanilla extract in the market these days. You can also go with the organic vanilla extract that can be conveniently found in most groceries these days.

You Need…

• Cotton swab/ cotton pad
• Pure vanilla extract

How to Make a Cold Sore Go Away Fast?

Soak the cotton pad into vanilla until it is completely wet. This is to be applied directly onto the sore. The cotton must be held tightly for a minute or so at least four times in a day for best results.

Using Vanilla extract for cold sores is the best remedy since 

2. Slash Licorice:

A natural remedy for a cold sore is the use of liquorice. It has natural anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties which help in diminishing the sore quickly.

It is most effective to use the powdered form of liquorice and make a cream with it.

You Need…

• 1 tablespoon of liquorice powder or extract
• ½ teaspoon of fresh, clean water
• 2 teaspoons of petroleum jelly

Things To Do…

You need to mix the liquorice powder with either water or petroleum jelly. You can add it as per the consistency of the cream or paste you want to make.

It is important to keep in mind to mix the ingredients in small portions for proper mixing. This cream can be either applied overnight or for several hours during the day.

3. How to Get Rid of Cold Sores Quickly Using Milk:

A whole milk wrapping on the cold sore will aid the healing process. Milk is composed of large quantities of immunoglobulins, which act as natural antibodies.

It is helpful in preventing the virus from growing further and thereby accelerating the healing process.

You Need…

• ½ cup whole milk
• Cotton balls

Things To Do…

All you need to do is to soak the cotton ball in a tablespoon of milk. This must be applied directly to the cold sore and kept for few minutes.

Using room temperature or chilled milk for the compress might help in making the area numb and easing the irritation.

Use a clean towel or a soft tissue moistened with some water to clean the sore.

4. Use Hydrogen Peroxide:

The thought of using hydrogen peroxide, a commonly used disinfectant, on the cold sore might seem very traumatic and unpleasant.

However, hydrogen peroxide aids in speeding the healing process by disinfecting the cold sore which prevents the condition from worsening.

It will keep the sore clean and free from other infections, thereby making it diminish faster.

You Need….

• 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide
• Cotton pads/ soft tissue

Things To Do…

You need to simply soak a cotton pad in a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide till it is completely saturated.

The cotton pad must be held tightly onto the sore which might give a very sharp sting but holding it on for a few seconds is paramount.

It efficiently soothes the pain and diminishes the sore and is the quickest way to get rid of a cold sore.

5. Peppermint Freshness for Cold Sore:

Peppermint oil is effective in killing viruses especially those found in an erupted sore.

The quickest way to get rid of a cold sore overnight is the application of peppermint oil over it.

Ingesting peppermint oil won’t be effective in treating the cold sore. Direct application on the cold sore will aid in healing it faster.

You Need…

• Peppermint oil
• Cotton swab
• Freshwater

Things To Do…

The cold sore must be cleaned with pure water so that the oil can seep well into the cold sore.

The cotton swab must be dipped into peppermint oil and then into the clean water.

The dilution is needed so that the oil doesn’t irritate the sore; this must be done twice daily for best results.

6. Echinacea Tea:

Drinking a mug of Echinacea tea is very useful in boosting the immune system.

It is helpful in making the defences of the body high. Viral infections occur when the body is very feeble and hence susceptible to catch diseases.

Strengthening the body’s defence mechanism is the only way to guard off the infections which will result in a cold sore treatment fast.

You Need…

• Bag of Echinacea tea
• 1 cup freshly boiled water

Things To Do…

You will need to place the tea bag in a mug and pour hot, boiling water over it. Cover the cup with a plate and allow it to settle for about 10 minutes.

The bag must then be squeezed and removed from the mug. Drinking the tea will help in boosting the immune system of the body in a few weeks.

7. Cornstarch Paste to Get Rid of a Cold Sore Overnight

Cornstarch is well known for its silky and smooth texture. The fastest way to get rid of a cold sore is by using a cornstarch paste over it.

The itchy and burning sensation caused by the cold sore can be relieved to a great extent by the application of cornstarch(1).

The pH content of the cold sore can be neutralized considerably by using cornstarch.

You Need…

• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon of fresh water

Things To Do…

Add a spoonful of cornstarch in a small bowl and mix a teaspoon of fresh, clean water.

The quantity of water to be added depends upon the consistency of the paste you need.

Application of a dab of the paste on the cold sore at bedtime is needed. It can be rinsed off gently in the morning with fresh water.

8. Spirits of Camphor and Nail Polish Remover – Best Way to Get Rid of a Cold Sore

Though Spirit of camphor and nail polish remover is strong and it seems stingy to apply, they are effective in treating cold sores.

It is an excellent disinfectant which will keep the sore clean and tidy. Secondary bacterial infections would only make the condition of the sore worse.

Hence, it is imperative to cleanse the cold sore well for helping it diminish soon.

You Need…

• Nail polish remover
• Spirit of camphor
• Cotton swab

Things To Do…

You can dip the cotton swab in Spirit of camphor or nail polish remover. The cotton swab must then be held at the cold sore as often as possible.

The duration of holding it depends upon your capability to tolerate the tight feeling. The results will be extremely pleasing right after the first application itself and are basically the fastest way to get rid of a cold sore.

Precautions to Be Taken to Get Rid of a Cold Sore Overnight

By keeping in mind a few practical preventive measures, your cold sore will heal faster.

Viral infections are contagious and therefore you must be neat and tidy to make sure it doesn’t spread across the face.

After the viral outbreak has occurred, it is also crucial to understand that you can only help in decreasing the discomfort and pain caused by it.

The cold sore will heal whether treated or untreated in a week’s time.

9. Use your Toothbrush

Well, bizarre it might sound, but it is a very effective way to get rid of the painful cold sore to use a toothbrush over it!

However, it is important to change the toothbrush lest you might end up with a greater outbreak of the virus by causing it to spread.

10. Hands off the Blisters:

It is very obvious that a pimple or a boil mustn’t be touched. It is almost impossible for anyone to resist themselves from touching and picking the uncomfortable crust formed by the infection.

Once the crust starts shrinking, it is a sign that it is about to heal and bothering it at this stage might end you up in a secondary bacterial infection.

If you have always wondered how to get rid of cold sores overnight, then stop touching it.

Moreover, viral infections being contagious, you might end up with an infection in other parts of the face.

11. Vitamin E and Vitamin C:

Vitamins are good for guarding off the cold sores and other viral infections. Vitamin C boosts the count of the white blood cells in the body, thereby making the body’s immune system stronger.

Proper diet with adequate vitamins in it will be helpful as the best cold sore remedies overnight. Vitamin E, for topical application, is known to be effective in decreasing the discomfort and irritation.

Foods Rich In Vitamin C

• Kiwi
• Red berries
• Tomatoes
• Broccoli
• Bell peppers (red and green)
• Spinach

Foods Rich In Vitamin E

• Green leafy vegetables
• Nuts
• Avocadoes
• Whole grains

12. Protecting Your Lips With The Sun Screen!

Frequent exposure to the strong UV rays of the sun might be a contributing factor for viral outbreaks.

The lips need sunscreen too just like the face, neck and other exposed parts of the body!

A lip balm with an SPF value of 15 and above is what is needed as the best way to get rid of a cold sore overnight.

The moment you sense a tingling sensation near your lip, it is a sign of a cold sore erupting on your face(2).

Since there is no complete cure for a viral infection like a cold sore, you need to be careful and always follow the precautions.

The home remedies can act as great ways to get rid of cold sores fast by decreasing the discomfort and pain considerably. 

13. Aloe-Vera Gel for Cold Sores

Aloe-Vera gel is anti-viral and anti-inflammatory in nature which makes it the best remedy for cold sores.

One best reason why Aloe Vera gel can be considered as the best remedy for cold sores is that it can fight a group of virus called Herpes.

Aloe-Vera gel can either be extracted from the plant or can be brought directly from the medical stores.

You can rub the gel directly on the sore at least 3 times a day to obtain a relief from the pain, However, one must also take care of his/her diet in order to get rid of the cold sores within no time.

Consuming more of vitamin C and Vitamin E foods, antioxidant-rich foods can help you in faster healing

14. How To Get Rid Of A Cold Sore Overnight Using Cold Compress?

Cold sores are the most annoying due to the excruciating pain that they cause! The best way to combat the pain is to treat the sores with a cold compress!

To apply and easy and quick cold compress, you can wrap some ice cubes in a clean and soft cloth and press this against the sore.

Follow the remedy at least 3-4 times in a day to get instant relief from the pain.

Bottom line 

Cold sores are common blisters that cause pain and inconvenience. They are not however dangerous.

A few home remedies which include some best foods and some best self-care tips can heal your sores quickly. 

Vanilla extract, hydrogen peroxide, aloe-vera gel, cold compress, proper protection from the sun, cornstarch paste, echinacea tea, peppermint, spirits of camphor, nail polish remover, milk and liquorice are the best remedies one can follow to treat the cold sores quickly.

Ensure that you load your plate with antioxidant-rich foods, vitamin C rich foods and vitamin E foods for treating yourself from inside. 

Following the remedies without fail can fetch you a proper result within no time!