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Covers for cold sores: Tips for Covering Up a Cold Sore

How to Cover Up a Cold Sore

Before you try to cover up a cold sore, there are some pretty important hygiene and application tips to keep in mind.

The herpes simplex type 1 virus (HSV-1) can cause cold sores to develop anywhere on your face, though usually, they appear on your lips and around your mouth. These painful red blisters may occur on their own or in clusters. Cold sores go through a five-stage process and usually clear up within 1 to 2 weeks.

Stick to your treatment plan to ease symptoms and speed up healing. If possible, cancel some of your engagements and take time to rest and recharge your immunity. This is especially beneficial during the initial stages since open cold sores are more susceptible to infection and less conducive to coverage.

Eventually, though, you’ll probably want to put your best face forward and confidently step out into the world. If you decide to cover your cold sore, you have a few options to consider.

Read on to learn how to conceal a cold sore with Band-Aids, medicated patches, and cosmetics such as concealer, foundation, and lipstick. You can also cover cold sores with topical creams and ointments.

Here are some tips to ensure the coverage process goes smoothly:

  • To minimize swelling, apply ice or a cold compress to the sore.
  • Gently wash your face and hands before starting.
  • Wash your hands after touching your face or using them to apply any type of product.
  • You may apply a topical cream to your cold sore ahead of time, which may help to speed up the healing process. Allow time for it to dry completely.

If you want to use makeup to cover your cold sore, it must be dry and scabbed over. Open wounds are vulnerable to infection, and it’s possible for makeup and applicators to harbor bacteria.

Research from 2020 detected bacterial contamination in around 79–90% of used cosmetic products, including lipstick, lip gloss, and makeup sponges.

To prevent contamination and spreading of the virus:

  • Use a Q-tip, a disposable applicator, or your fingertips to apply makeup.
  • Avoid double dipping your applicator into the makeup container.
  • Instead, decant a tiny amount of makeup into a small container.
  • Thoroughly sanitize any brushes or tools after use.

Makeup tips:

  • A thick, creamy consistency will offer the best coverage.
  • Choose a hydrating, full coverage, or long-wearing formula.
  • Select a shade that is the same as your skin tone.
  • Tinted moisturizers are available if you prefer lighter coverage.
  • Medicated concealers with ingredients such as zinc oxide, niacinamide, and witch hazel may offer healing benefits.
  • Green and yellow color-correcting concealers may minimize redness.
  • Keep the area dry and clean.
  • Carry a makeup kit to touch up your makeup throughout the day.
  • If your cold sore gets too dry, apply a small amount of moisturizer.
  • If it’s a long day, you may opt to clean your face and start from scratch.

To cover a cold sore with makeup:

  1. Use a small amount of oil, balm, or moisturizer to prime your skin and prevent cracking, splitting, and bleeding.
  2. Use a Q-tip to gently remove flaky skin.
  3. Allow your skin to dry for at least 1 minute.
  4. Lightly dab a small amount of cream concealer onto your sore.
  5. Apply thin layers of thick, creamy foundation to build up coverage.
  6. Tap or pat each layer into your skin, blending out the edges for a seamless finish.
  7. Lightly tap a layer of translucent powder or finishing powder over the top.
  8. Finish with a light spritz of setting spray to lock in your makeup.
  9. Remove makeup using micellar water and a cotton pad that’s only for the affected area.

If you don’t usually wear makeup, practice your coverage technique when you feel relaxed and have some time. This way, you’ll be prepared when you’re rushing off to an important event.

You can also ask a friend for assistance or watch an online tutorial. Once your outbreak fully heals, you can visit a makeup counter to receive application tips and product recommendations.

If you want to keep your cold sore covered without makeup, you can apply various gels, creams, and ointments to help retain moisture and promote healing. Keep your product with you so you can continually apply it throughout the day.

You can cover a cold sore with:

  • pure aloe vera gel
  • lemon balm ointment
  • tea tree oil
  • petroleum jelly
  • prescription antiviral cream
  • lysine cream

You can use special Band-Aids to cover a cold sore at the onset of symptoms. They provide a clean, protective layer that improves comfort and acts as a buffer between you and the elements.

Most covers are invisible or opaque, which helps to hide your sore. Some patches are medicated with hydrocolloid, aloe vera, or tea tree oil. You can add your ointment or essential oils to a regular Band-Aid.

Band-Aids may help to retain moisture, alleviate inflammation, and soothe symptoms, which may accelerate healing.

Patches can reduce contact with your cold sore, which helps to prevent contamination and transmission.

To use a bandage to cover a cold sore:

  1. Wash and dry the area.
  2. If necessary, trim the cover to make it the correct size.
  3. Apply the bandage.
  4. Smooth it down.

You can apply makeup over the bandage. Dab foundation, concealer, or lipstick onto the surface and blend it into your skin.

You can wear a Band-Aid for up to 10 hours, including during sleep for overnight protection. You’ll need to change it more often if your sore is weeping. Covers may irritate sensitive skin, so notice how your skin reacts the first few times you use them.

To cover a cold sore on your lip, you can opt for a neutral look that will blend with your concealer and foundation. To do this, follow the makeup directions above.

You can use lip gloss, satin lipstick, or matte lipstick on your lips. Decide if you prefer a neutral tone or want to go a brighter or bolder shade.

Matte lipstick may stay put longer and provide more coverage, but it tends to cake and dry out. If the matte texture is too dry, you can always add a few layers of balm, gloss, or satin lipstick.

Lip gloss and satin lipstick are more moisturizing and offer a glossy, shiny finish. However, they are sheerer and transfer easily, so your sore will be more visible, and you’ll need to touch it up often.

To use lipstick or gloss to cover a cold sore on your lip:

  1. Follow the makeup directions above to cover your sore.
  2. Hydrate your lips with balm.
  3. Use a disposable applicator or a lipstick you’ll use only when the cold sore is present, to apply thin layers of lipstick or gloss to your lips, gradually building up the color.

If you want to make your cold sore more discreet, try some of these coverage methods. While some of the techniques are not suitable during the early stages, be patient as you wait for your sore to heal.

Always practice good personal hygiene to avoid contamination and transmission. If any product causes irritation, inflammation, or worsening symptoms, wash your face and discontinue use.

How to Cover Up a Cold Sore

Before you try to cover up a cold sore, there are some pretty important hygiene and application tips to keep in mind.

The herpes simplex type 1 virus (HSV-1) can cause cold sores to develop anywhere on your face, though usually, they appear on your lips and around your mouth. These painful red blisters may occur on their own or in clusters. Cold sores go through a five-stage process and usually clear up within 1 to 2 weeks.

Stick to your treatment plan to ease symptoms and speed up healing. If possible, cancel some of your engagements and take time to rest and recharge your immunity. This is especially beneficial during the initial stages since open cold sores are more susceptible to infection and less conducive to coverage.

Eventually, though, you’ll probably want to put your best face forward and confidently step out into the world. If you decide to cover your cold sore, you have a few options to consider.

Read on to learn how to conceal a cold sore with Band-Aids, medicated patches, and cosmetics such as concealer, foundation, and lipstick. You can also cover cold sores with topical creams and ointments.

Here are some tips to ensure the coverage process goes smoothly:

  • To minimize swelling, apply ice or a cold compress to the sore.
  • Gently wash your face and hands before starting.
  • Wash your hands after touching your face or using them to apply any type of product.
  • You may apply a topical cream to your cold sore ahead of time, which may help to speed up the healing process. Allow time for it to dry completely.

If you want to use makeup to cover your cold sore, it must be dry and scabbed over. Open wounds are vulnerable to infection, and it’s possible for makeup and applicators to harbor bacteria.

Research from 2020 detected bacterial contamination in around 79–90% of used cosmetic products, including lipstick, lip gloss, and makeup sponges.

To prevent contamination and spreading of the virus:

  • Use a Q-tip, a disposable applicator, or your fingertips to apply makeup.
  • Avoid double dipping your applicator into the makeup container.
  • Instead, decant a tiny amount of makeup into a small container.
  • Thoroughly sanitize any brushes or tools after use.

Makeup tips:

  • A thick, creamy consistency will offer the best coverage.
  • Choose a hydrating, full coverage, or long-wearing formula.
  • Select a shade that is the same as your skin tone.
  • Tinted moisturizers are available if you prefer lighter coverage.
  • Medicated concealers with ingredients such as zinc oxide, niacinamide, and witch hazel may offer healing benefits.
  • Green and yellow color-correcting concealers may minimize redness.
  • Keep the area dry and clean.
  • Carry a makeup kit to touch up your makeup throughout the day.
  • If your cold sore gets too dry, apply a small amount of moisturizer.
  • If it’s a long day, you may opt to clean your face and start from scratch.

To cover a cold sore with makeup:

  1. Use a small amount of oil, balm, or moisturizer to prime your skin and prevent cracking, splitting, and bleeding.
  2. Use a Q-tip to gently remove flaky skin.
  3. Allow your skin to dry for at least 1 minute.
  4. Lightly dab a small amount of cream concealer onto your sore.
  5. Apply thin layers of thick, creamy foundation to build up coverage.
  6. Tap or pat each layer into your skin, blending out the edges for a seamless finish.
  7. Lightly tap a layer of translucent powder or finishing powder over the top.
  8. Finish with a light spritz of setting spray to lock in your makeup.
  9. Remove makeup using micellar water and a cotton pad that’s only for the affected area.

If you don’t usually wear makeup, practice your coverage technique when you feel relaxed and have some time. This way, you’ll be prepared when you’re rushing off to an important event.

You can also ask a friend for assistance or watch an online tutorial. Once your outbreak fully heals, you can visit a makeup counter to receive application tips and product recommendations.

If you want to keep your cold sore covered without makeup, you can apply various gels, creams, and ointments to help retain moisture and promote healing. Keep your product with you so you can continually apply it throughout the day.

You can cover a cold sore with:

  • pure aloe vera gel
  • lemon balm ointment
  • tea tree oil
  • petroleum jelly
  • prescription antiviral cream
  • lysine cream

You can use special Band-Aids to cover a cold sore at the onset of symptoms. They provide a clean, protective layer that improves comfort and acts as a buffer between you and the elements.

Most covers are invisible or opaque, which helps to hide your sore. Some patches are medicated with hydrocolloid, aloe vera, or tea tree oil. You can add your ointment or essential oils to a regular Band-Aid.

Band-Aids may help to retain moisture, alleviate inflammation, and soothe symptoms, which may accelerate healing.

Patches can reduce contact with your cold sore, which helps to prevent contamination and transmission.

To use a bandage to cover a cold sore:

  1. Wash and dry the area.
  2. If necessary, trim the cover to make it the correct size.
  3. Apply the bandage.
  4. Smooth it down.

You can apply makeup over the bandage. Dab foundation, concealer, or lipstick onto the surface and blend it into your skin.

You can wear a Band-Aid for up to 10 hours, including during sleep for overnight protection. You’ll need to change it more often if your sore is weeping. Covers may irritate sensitive skin, so notice how your skin reacts the first few times you use them.

To cover a cold sore on your lip, you can opt for a neutral look that will blend with your concealer and foundation. To do this, follow the makeup directions above.

You can use lip gloss, satin lipstick, or matte lipstick on your lips. Decide if you prefer a neutral tone or want to go a brighter or bolder shade.

Matte lipstick may stay put longer and provide more coverage, but it tends to cake and dry out. If the matte texture is too dry, you can always add a few layers of balm, gloss, or satin lipstick.

Lip gloss and satin lipstick are more moisturizing and offer a glossy, shiny finish. However, they are sheerer and transfer easily, so your sore will be more visible, and you’ll need to touch it up often.

To use lipstick or gloss to cover a cold sore on your lip:

  1. Follow the makeup directions above to cover your sore.
  2. Hydrate your lips with balm.
  3. Use a disposable applicator or a lipstick you’ll use only when the cold sore is present, to apply thin layers of lipstick or gloss to your lips, gradually building up the color.

If you want to make your cold sore more discreet, try some of these coverage methods. While some of the techniques are not suitable during the early stages, be patient as you wait for your sore to heal.

Always practice good personal hygiene to avoid contamination and transmission. If any product causes irritation, inflammation, or worsening symptoms, wash your face and discontinue use.

Infertility and genital herpes: signs, treatment, symptoms

According to people, herpes is sent down by Heaven as a punishment for a dissolute lifestyle, since it is usually transmitted through sexual contact. When one of the partners infects the other, it is regarded as evidence of sexual infidelity. The discovery of herpes can lead to such discord that partners turn from lovers into enemies. What kind of infection is this?

According to people, herpes is sent down by Heaven as a punishment for a loose lifestyle, since it is usually transmitted through sexual contact. When one of the partners infects the other, it is regarded as evidence of sexual infidelity. The discovery of herpes can lead to such discord that partners turn from lovers into enemies.

Herpes is called the plague of our time. Rarely resulting in death, the disease can make a person disabled or, by causing skin lesions, lead to significant cosmetic problems.

Sites affected by the virus.

While immunity is strong, viruses hide in inaccessible places, in nerve fibers. Therefore, outwardly the disease manifests itself quite rarely. But as soon as the body’s defenses decrease (during a cold, after surgery, during pregnancy), the reproduction of viruses begins and the disease manifests itself with skin rashes or damage to internal organs. In the advanced stage of the disease, herpes can affect the liver, kidneys, lungs and, which is most difficult for people to tolerate, peripheral nerves. Damage to the motor nerves leads to atrophy of the muscles that these nerves control.

A recently published report describes women who suffered years of pain and were tested for years before being diagnosed with genital herpes. Gynecologists usually suspect that women have the herpes simplex virus. A confirmed diagnosis entails active treatment that relieves the woman of pain or prevents their occurrence.

How the herpes virus is transmitted.

Herpes viruses and the infectious diseases they cause—chicken pox, herpes simplex, shingles—are as widespread today as they were thousands of years ago. The name “herpes” was introduced by ancient Greek doctors, deriving it from the word “herpein” (“crawl”), in accordance with the nature of the spread – spreading.

Genital herpes is caused by two different but related forms of the Herpes simplex virus, known as herpesvirus type 1 and herpesvirus type 2. Genital herpes is usually transmitted through sexual contact. Transmission can occur as a result of direct contact with infected genitals, by rubbing the genitals against each other, by oral-genital contact, anal intercourse, or oral-anal contact. In addition, infection of the skin of the fingers, thighs and other areas is possible in case of violation of its integrity (cuts, rashes, other injuries).

The risk of contracting genital herpes for women through sexual contact is estimated to be 80-90%. For men, the risk is estimated at about 50%.

In some cases, genital herpes spreads in a less direct way. For example, the herpes simplex virus can be transmitted by kissing, then spread by self-infection if, after the fingers have been in the mouth, a person touches their genitals with them. Several recent reports have noted that the herpes virus can survive, at least for a few hours, on toilet seats, plastics and fabrics, making genital herpes infection possible.

According to the latest data, genital herpes can be transmitted by an asymptomatic sexual partner. The problem of virus transmission is further complicated by the fact that the herpes virus, reaching high concentrations in semen, vaginal discharge, can appear sporadically. Therefore, a patient with genital herpes in the asymptomatic stage may not be afraid to infect a partner only after three crops in a row, carried out with weekly breaks, have given negative results.

It has recently been found that almost half of the patients in whom the infection was considered “asymptomatic” learned to recognize rashes on the genitals, not like the usual herpes vesicles, but in the form of a slight external irritation or small cracks in the skin on the genitals . It is very important that the patient understands that these are symptoms of herpes and that sexual intercourse should be stopped for this period.

Herpes problems for spouses and children.

Genital herpes has particular problems for the family. Since in pregnant women, the virus can cross the placenta into the fetus and cause birth defects. Fortunately, this rarely happens. It is also believed that herpes causes spontaneous abortion or premature birth, but these data are questionable. It is very dangerous to infect the fetus during childbirth, when passing through the cervix and vagina, since such infection increases the mortality of newborns by 50% or the development of severe brain or eye damage in them. Over the past 15 years, the incidence of herpes infection in newborns has increased significantly, possibly due to an increase in its prevalence in the general population. At the first attack of genital herpes in a mother, the risk of infection of the fetus during normal childbirth reaches 50%; in case of recurrence, the risk is estimated at 5%. The situation is further complicated by the fact that infection of the fetus is possible even in cases where the mother does not have any symptoms of genital herpes at the time of delivery. Therefore, in pregnant women with active genital herpes, a caesarean section is often recommended. In addition, a child can become infected after birth if the mother or father has lesions in the mouth, or get the virus in mother’s milk.

The second problem is a crisis of trust among partners. Not surprisingly, herpes sometimes leads to conflicts and suspicions between spouses or long-term partners. When one of the partners infects the other, this is regarded as evidence of sexual infidelity, which, however, is not always true. For example, a person could become infected many years before the connection with the current partner, but the virus remained in a latent state all this time, and then reactivated. One way or another, the discovery of herpes can lead to such discord that partners turn from lovers into enemies.

What is important to do if you have herpes?

In the initial attack of herpes or recurrence, non-specific measures such as taking aspirin (or its analogues) and cold wet compresses to relieve pain can often help. In addition, to ease irritation, you should avoid tight underwear or clothes, wash yourself several times a day with warm water and soap, and dry the skin with a clean towel, not rubbing, but only wetting it; do not touch the eyes after the hands touched the genitals; it is best to have a separate face towel to avoid accidentally transferring the virus from the genitals to the eyes. Towels and other linen of the patient should be kept separately from the rest of the linen, as they can be infected.

Sexual intercourse should be completely avoided from the moment of the onset of genital herpes and should be resumed no earlier than 10 days later (for the first attack) or 2 days later (for relapses) after the complete disappearance of symptoms. Unfortunately, in a number of patients, virus shedding occurs constantly, regardless of the presence or absence of skin lesions, so it is impossible to guarantee that there will be no transmission of the infection. To some extent, a condom can prevent it, but this method cannot be considered absolutely reliable, since the condom does not cover all lesions, and it is not always put on from the very beginning of sexual contact; moreover, it can cause skin irritation.

REMEMBER: Genital herpes should be treated if it occurs with frequent exacerbations and complaints, if it causes persistent candidiasis, if pregnancy is planned. Herpes, like any viral infection, is not completely cured, but is suppressed enough to not bother.

Victoria Viktorovna ZALETOVA

or call +7 495 921-34-26 8 800 550-05-33 toll-free in Russia [email protected]

Anti-herpes lip cream 10 ml SPIRULAR IN HS Creme

Spirularin HS Creme – Lip cream, a special product with glucose molecules (polysaccharides), designed to protect the skin of the lips after a permanent make-up procedure, a long stay in the bright sun, with severe stress, etc. The cream covers the lips with a thin layer and prevents the penetration of viruses with reduced aggressive factors in the barrier layer.

Due to the patented extract of Spirulina microalgae, it has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity, including cell regeneration processes (up to 26%) and retains moisture both inside the cell and in the intercellular space, taking care of the hydrolipid balance of the skin.

Labial herpes (Herpes Labialis)

This type of herpes is extremely common, which makes it a real problem of modern society – in addition to the visual negative effect, this disease has a number of extremely unpleasant symptoms (for example, itching and burning). In addition, this virus has the status of a chronic disease – once it enters the body, it remains there forever, and during periods of the most weakened immunity (“cold”, other illnesses, stress, etc.) it reminds of itself by the appearance of extremely unpleasant small blisters in the corners of the lips, which are easily take on bacteria from the outside and become covered with crusts. Spirularin HS Creme acts as a protection for healthy cells, covering them with an invisible shell that perfectly prevents the penetration and development of the virus inside them.

Thanks to this function, the cream is recommended as a care product after injections into the lip area and permanent make-up.

Care and protection

  • twice a day (afternoon and evening) and before prolonged sun exposure;
Atopic dermatitis and oral herpes
  • 2 times a day (as needed up to 5 times a day) apply to the affected area. Quick cure for herpes, reduction of pain, feeling of tension, tightness and burning, less formation of cracks and crusts, herpes marks become smooth and invisible;
Lip reshaping (LST) with hyaluronic acid injections
  • a week before injections, twice daily. After – 2 times a day (as needed up to 4 times a day).
    Reduces the formation of hematomas and accelerates healing, reducing the feeling of tension, punctures are less painful, marks disappear faster;
Permanent lip make-up
  • Apply 2 times a day a week before the procedure. After – 2 times a day (as needed up to 5 times a day). Reduced pain, feeling of tension, less crusting, accelerated healing and faster recovery of the skin of the lips.

It has no contraindications for pregnant women, nursing mothers and people with diabetes.

Can be used under decorative lipstick.

    Consists of: Spiralin®

    • protection of healthy cells from virus penetration, inhibition of staphylococcus aureus, acceleration of cell regeneration;
    • zinc – accelerates wound healing and tissue regeneration, relieving inflammation;
    • sun protection SPF 15;
    • lip care – nutrition and hydration.

    Volume: 10 ml

    Application: SPIRULARIN HS Lip Cream is suitable for use in the following cases:

    • For care and protection. For oral herpes and atopic dermatitis twice a day. If necessary, up to 5 times on the affected area. Also applied to the lips before prolonged exposure to the sun. The cream relieves the feeling of tightness, burning, pain. Less formation of cracks, crusts. There are practically no traces of herpes. Affected areas are smoothed out.
    • After injection with hyaluronic acid to reshape the lips. A week before the injection, the agent is applied to the lips twice a day. After the injection also twice a day, can be increased up to 4 times. This reduces the risk of hematomas, there is a rapid healing. Traces of punctures are less noticeable, and the punctures themselves are almost painless. The tool relieves the feeling of tension in the injection area.
    • After permanent lip makeup. The cream is applied a week before the procedure, applying twice daily – in the afternoon and in the evening. Continue to use the tool in the same mode and after the procedure. If necessary, increase the processing up to 5 times a day. This reduces tension, pain, less crusts are formed. There is a rapid recovery and healing of the skin on the lips.

    Natural cosmetics made in Germany based on spirulina algae.

    Fungal infections, plantar papules (warts), fissures, excessive sweating, dry skin… Many people know about these and other problems firsthand! It is often not possible to cope with cosmetic imperfections of the skin of the feet even with the help of cutting-edge beauty novelties.

    Spiralin natural cosmetics are unique products made from natural raw materials. It helps to solve numerous problems associated with skin diseases. Spirularin cosmetics are produced by the German company Ocean Pharma, whose history began over 40 years ago.

    Since 2005, the company’s specialists have been developing drugs, the main active ingredient of which is spirulina microalgae. Some of the strains of phytoplankton found in both fresh and salt water bodies have antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal properties to protect spirulina platensis from adverse effects.

    On guard of your health: Spiralin cosmetics

    A high level of innovation, bioactive ingredients, new approaches to solving the problems of aesthetic dermatology have allowed Ocean Pharma products to be environmentally friendly and absolutely safe for the human body to find their admirers in all corners of the world.

    • In 2013 and 2014, the cosmetics of this brand was awarded the title of “Product of the Year” according to the publication “Aesthetic Dermatology” (Germania).

    • In 2015, Spirularin cosmetics was recognized as the most effective tool in the fight against viral / fungal infections.

    Scientists have found that the microalgae exposed to the fungus produces a special enzyme – chitinase (chitonase), which destroys fungal cells.