3. Apply Pure Vanilla Extract
HSV is an inflammatory virus that affects the skin. As your cold sore infection progresses, you’ll notice that the skin around the blisters gets more and more inflamed each day. By the time the blisters burst, the affected area will be bright red and feel like it has a pulse of its own. Inflammation is responsible for the heat and pain emanating from the blisters.
As mentioned, ice is a great way to soothe the effects of inflammation, but it does little to penetrate the skin and stop the virus from spreading. When you feel the onset of a cold sore, soak a cotton ball in some vanilla extract and apply it to the affected area. Vanilla has potent anti-inflammatory properties and helps to reduce infection time and aid in healing after the blisters burst.
Soak your blister with vanilla for a few minutes three times a day. This remedy smells fantastic as well.