7. Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage the discomfort that often accompanies cold sores. These medications won’t speed up the healing process, but they can make the pain more tolerable.
8. Hydrogen Peroxide
Applying hydrogen peroxide to a cold sore can help dry it out and disinfect the area, which may speed up healing. Soak a cotton ball in hydrogen peroxide and gently dab it onto the sore, but avoid overuse, as this can irritate the skin.
