While there’s no complete cure, finding the best cold sore treatment routine for you can significantly shorten an outbreak. Read on to discover how to get rid of a cold sore fast!

Wedding tomorrow?

First date tonight?

Important presentation?

Holiday you've been planning for six months?

Naturally, your cold sore has decided this is its moment.

First: don't panic.

There may not be a magic overnight fix, but acting quickly and looking after the affected area can help you manage the outbreak and make the whole experience a lot less stressful.

Here's what to do.

1. Take your antiviral treatment ASAP

The earlier, the better.

If you feel that familiar tingling, burning or sensitivity and you have prescribed or pharmacist-recommended antiviral medication, follow the directions for use as soon as possible.

Antiviral treatments are generally most effective when started during the earliest stage of an outbreak, ideally when you first notice that familiar tingle and before a blister has fully developed.

If you're prone to cold sores and have a big event coming up, speak with your doctor or pharmacist ahead of time about appropriate treatment options so you're prepared if one appears.

2. Try a cold compress or ice

If the area feels hot, swollen or uncomfortable, a cold compress can provide temporary soothing relief.

You can also use ice, but don't place it directly onto your skin.

Wrap an ice cube or cold pack in a clean, soft cloth and gently hold it against the area for short periods.

Avoid rubbing or applying excessive pressure.

And always use a clean cloth to avoid introducing bacteria to already compromised skin.

3. Don't attack it with every DIY remedy on the internet

We understand the temptation.

You've got an event tomorrow and suddenly you're searching:

How do I get rid of a cold sore overnight?

Unfortunately, there's no proven way to completely eliminate an established cold sore in 24 hours.

Be cautious with aggressive DIY remedies that could irritate or dry out already compromised skin.

More irritation is the last thing your lip needs right now.

4. Whatever you do, don't pick it

Don't pop it. Don't pick it. Don't peel it.

Even if your event is tomorrow.

Picking or popping can further irritate the affected area, potentially introduce bacteria and interfere with the natural healing process.

Let it do its thing.

5. Keep the lip area hydrated

As a cold sore progresses, the affected area can become dry, tight, flaky and prone to cracking.

Gentle hydrating and conditioning lip care can help make stressed lips feel more comfortable, particularly as the cold sore begins to crust.

Look for ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid and Panthenol to help hydrate and condition dry, stressed lips.

Our Lysine Lip Healing Patches contain 5% Lysine + 25% Hyaluronic Acid in ultra-fine dissolving NanoDOTE™ nanofibres.

Apply one directly over the targeted area, activate with a little water, allow the nanofibres to dissolve and remove the backing.

There's no traditional patch you need to keep wearing on your lip throughout the day.

6. Make your daytime routine discreet

This is exactly the situation we had in mind when we created the rest of the range.

Because having a cold sore before a big event is stressful enough.

Caring for it shouldn't make you feel even more self-conscious.

Keep Flare-Up Rescue Mist with you throughout the day for invisible, touch-free hydration.

Mist directly onto the lip area and allow it to absorb naturally.

No fingers. No rubbing. No white residue.

Then use Lysine Healing Lip Serum whenever your lips feel dry, tight or stressed. Choose:

• Clear for completely sheer lip care.
• Cherry for a subtle cherry tint.
• Toasted Honey for a sheer, warm brown.

The tinted shades can also help visually soften the appearance of redness while hydrating and conditioning stressed lips.

7. Going to the event? Take your routine with you

Cold sores don't only need care while you're standing in your bathroom.

Put your essentials in your handbag so you can look after your lips throughout the event.

• Before you leave: Follow your appropriate antiviral treatment and use your targeted lip care.
• Throughout the day: Mist as needed for touch-free hydration.
• Before the event: Apply your Clear, Cherry or Toasted Honey Lip Serum.
• During the event: Reapply whenever your lips feel dry or tight.

Then get back to enjoying yourself.

And remember...

Having a cold sore can make you feel like every person you speak to is looking directly at your lip.

But cold sores are incredibly common.

So take your antiviral treatment early.

Ice it if you need some temporary soothing relief.

Keep your lips hydrated.

Pack your lip care.

And go to the wedding.

Take the meeting.

Get on the plane.

Go on the date.

Your cold sore doesn't get to cancel your day.

This article provides general educational information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always follow the directions for your antiviral medication and speak with your doctor or pharmacist about appropriate cold sore treatment.