7 Highly-Effective Remedies For Cold Sores
Cold sores are small blisters around the mouth and on the lips that usually last for up to 10 days. Here’s how to cure them faster.
Commonly known as fever sores and medically known as recurrent herpes labialis, cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).
They appear as small blister-like lesions around the mouth, on the lips, or edges of the lower lip. The fluid-filled blisters can even cluster around the lips.
Furthermore, they can recur, (mostly at the same site) when the virus lying dormant in the nerve cells is reactivated.
It is believed that cold sores are likely to recur in almost 14 to 40 percent of the individuals who are infected with the herpes simplex virus.
The condition is highly contagious and can even be accompanied by pain, itching, and a burning sensation.
Plus, before the onset of a cold sore outbreak, you are likely to feel a tingling sensation around the area where it is going to develop. This usually happens a day or two before the appearance of the sore.
What Causes Fever Sores?
Outbreaks of cold sores are often triggered by:
- Stress;
- Overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays;
- Menstruation;
- Fever;
- Fatigue;
- Trauma to the skin;
- Dental work, etc.
The virus causing cold sores is quite common and most people acquire it early in childhood when kissed by someone who is already infected.
The virus generally spreads through coming in contact with a cold sore or even the saliva of an infected individual.
Cold sores are often confused with canker sores. However, unlike canker sores, cold sores do not develop in the soft tissue in the mouth.
7 Simple Ways To Get Rid Of Cold Sores
Most cold sore outbreaks tend to heal on their own within a week or so. Nonetheless, you can take advantage of the following 7 remedies to decrease the duration of the outbreaks and reduce the discomfort:
1. Ice And Petroleum Jelly
Applying ice to the affected area is one of the most popular home treatments for cold sores.
Thus, you can rub an ice cube on the sore for a few minutes, several times a day, to alleviate the cold sore. After using ice, dab a little petroleum jelly.
Preferably, follow this remedy at the beginning of the cold sore outbreak to help delay it.
2. Tea Tree Essential Oil
This is another common cure for cold sores as it dries out fluid-filled blisters.
You need to apply the oil to your cold sore three times a day.
If you have sensitive skin, you can dilute it with an equal amount of water and then apply it.
3. Pure Vanilla Extract
Put a few drops of pure vanilla extract on a cotton ball and dab it on the affected area three to four times a day to get rid of cold sores quickly.
This simple remedy also helps relieve the pain and inflammation caused by the condition.
4. Licorice
Licorice can be taken internally as well as applied topically to treat cold sores naturally because it has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Hence, you can take licorice root tea or licorice capsules.
For topical application, you may mix a tablespoon of licorice root powder and half a teaspoon of water. Leave this mixture on your skin for a few hours, or overnight.
Besides, herbs like lemon balm and St. John’s wort, too, have anti-viral benefits.
5. Lysine
It is believed that the amino acid lysine helps heal cold sores as it represses the metabolism of another amino acid called arginine which facilitates the replication of the herpes simplex virus. Thus, you can take L-Lysine supplements (500mg two times a day).
You can increase the dosage when you feel an outbreak coming on. In addition, you can take vitamin C, zinc, and iron supplements.
6. Milk
Drinking whole milk and applying it to the affected area facilitates the process of healing a cold sore because it contains proteins that work as antibodies that fight the infection causing this problem.
In addition, it contains lysine that suppresses the symptoms of cold sores.
Moreover, applying cold milk to a cold sore helps soothe the pain and the burning sensation.
7. Antiviral Creams
Over-the-counter antiviral creams can prove useful in reducing the duration of cold sore outbreaks.
These creams, however, are most effective when applied as soon as the initial signs like tingling sensation are observed.
You can apply a thick layer of an antiviral cream containing acyclovir or penciclovir up to five times a day. Follow the treatment for four to five days.
Tips To Prevent Cold Sores
A weakened immune system tends to increase the chances of developing recurrent cold sore outbreaks and further complications. Hence, strive to strengthen your immune system.
Avoid sharing personal belongings like towels, razors, lip balms, and even food items, beverages, and eating utensils with an infected individual with an active lesion.
Stress is the most common trigger for cold sore flare-ups. So, it is suggested to keep your stress levels down. You can try practicing deep breathing and relaxation exercises.
As already mentioned, amino acid arginine is believed to promote cold sores whereas lysine tends to regulate the uptake of arginine. Thus, consider following a diet that is high in lysine and low in arginine.
Include more milk, cheese, beans, avocados, brewer’s yeast, chicken, fish, etc. in your diet. At the same time, steer clear of coffee, chocolates, gelatin candies, peanuts, pecans, and so forth.
Avoid prolonged sun exposure, particularly on the lips. Make sure you wear lipstick or lip balm containing sunscreen.
Dos And Don’ts
Start the treatment for a cold sore as soon as you experience the initial signs of an outbreak.
Do not touch a cold sore again and again. When you do touch the sore, make sure you wash your hands thoroughly.
Avoid direct contact with cold sores and do not pick or pop them.
Do not put makeup on a cold sore as it can irritate the fluid-filled blister.
The Takeaway
Cold sores are easily preventive and manageable if you’re following the advice above.
Use any of the seven simple remedies for fever sores to speed up the healing process which usually takes more than a week.
Make sure to visit your doctor if the condition does not subside within two weeks.
