What Happens:
You know that tingling or itching feeling you get around your mouth? That’s the first sign a cold sore is on its way. It might feel like a tight or uncomfortable sensation in the area.

Duration:
This stage usually lasts 1-2 days.

What to Do:

• Act Fast: As soon as you feel that tingle, apply Coverology and take antiviral medication if necessary. Early treatment can make a big difference.
• Hands Off: Resist the urge to touch or scratch the area to avoid spreading the virus.

What Happens:
Small, fluid-filled blisters start to pop up, usually in clusters. The skin around them may become red and swollen.

Duration:
This stage can last 2-4 days.

What to Do:

• Keep It Clean: Gently wash the area with mild soap and water to prevent infections.
• Cool It Down: Applying an ice pack can help reduce swelling and discomfort.

What Happens:
The blisters burst, leaving behind painful, shallow sores. This is the most contagious stage of a cold sore.

Duration:
This stage can last 1-3 days.

What to Do:

• Pain Relief: Use Coverology for pain relief to ease the pain and lessen symptoms for up to 12 hours.
• Avoid Spreading: Stay away from kissing, sharing utensils, or close contact to avoid passing the virus to others.

What Happens:
The sores start to dry out and form a scab. The scab might crack and bleed, which can be pretty uncomfortable and itchy.

Duration:
This stage can last 3-5 days.

What to Do:

• Moisturize: Continue to use Coverology for natural plant moisturizing, as well as lip balm or ointment to keep the scab soft and reduce cracking.
• No Picking: Avoid picking at the scab. It might be tempting, but it can delay healing and cause scarring.

What Happens:
The scab falls off, revealing fresh new skin underneath. The area might still be a bit red or pink but will slowly return to normal.

Duration:
This stage can last several days to a week.

What to Do:

• Keep It Up: Continue keeping the area clean and moisturized until it fully heals.
• Sun Protection: Use lip balm with SPF to protect the new skin from UV rays, which can trigger another outbreak.

While there’s no cure for HSV-1, there are things you can do to reduce how often cold sores appear and how severe they get:

• Manage Stress: Stress can trigger cold sores, so try out stress-busting activities like meditation, exercise, and getting enough sleep.
• Boost Your Immune System: Eat a healthy diet, stay active, and keep your immune system strong.
• Know Your Triggers: Be aware of triggers like too much sunlight, hormonal changes, and getting sick.