Doctor reveals clever $8 trick that will make your cold sores vanish quicker

With the extreme dip in weather and stress of new tasks in the new year, you might notice a cold sore or two.

The tiny blisters, which appear around the mouth, are a sign of the herpes simplex virus, which is contagious and carried by 90 percent of people.

It is usually harmless, but in cold wind, hot sun or if you’re immunity is low, it can come out in the form of unpleasant cold sores.

Another potentially contributing factor is letting your lips get dry and cracked, and failing to keep them very well moisturized with a dedicated lip balm. 

Not only are they unsightly, but they can be sore and irritated, and sometimes bleed.

Thankfully, one doctor has taken to TikTok to share a science-based way to get rid of the blisters.

 The physician, who goes by the name Dr Michael on the video-sharing platform, says his hack stops the absorption of a substance that helps the herpex virus replicate. 

By limiting the proliferation of the virus, the cold sores ‘go away a bit quicker’. 

The supplement that has the effect is lysine, he explains  – an amino acid that is found in meat, fish, dairy, and eggs, but can also be bought in capsule form for $7.99 at CVS.

Dr Michael, who has 400,000 TikTok followers, explains that the supplement comes in 1000 milligram tablets- and you should take no more than three per day.

However he caveats that those with chronic medical conditions should consult their doctor before taking any supplement.

Other over-the-counter remedies include ibuprofen, which calms the inflammation associated with cold sores. 

The CDC recommends prescription antiviral medications like acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir.