Natural Cold Sore Remedies
Nowadays, there are a number of natural cold sore remedies available to respond to the every growing number of individuals who experience them.
Cold sores and fever blisters are primarily caused by the herpes simplex virus. Cold sores on the lips and nearby areas are manifestations of oral herpes or herpes labialis, caused by the type 1 virus (HSV-1). They appear as red, fluid-filled blisters accompanied by pain, itching and burning sensations, and can be very unpleasant-looking and uncomfortable.
Home Remedies For Treatment of Cold Sores
Home treatments for cold sores have been increasingly popular as they have been seen to be more effective in not only giving cold sore quick relief, but also in speeding up the healing process, preventing further recurrence and preventing others to contract them. Here are some cold sore remedies you can try within the comforts of your home:
- Keep the cold sore clean and dry. Never try to conceal it with make-up or touch it every now and then as doing so would only worsen the blisters.
- Replace your toothbrush and don’t keep them in your bathroom. Your old toothbrush will most likely contain the virus for days and will likely reinfect you after your cold sore heals. Also, never keep them inside the bathroom as there is no ideal place like it for moist-loving virus to propagate.
- Use small toothpaste tubes. Remember that toothpaste can also transmit those unwanted virus.
- Protect the area with petroleum jelly. Covering with petroleum jelly quickens healing and prevents further spread and infection. Make sure that you wash your hands afterwards or use a cotton swab instead.
- Put zinc on it. Applying water-based sink solution several times a day has been seen to speed up healing time as zinc binds with the virus on a molecular level to keep it from replicating.
- Take lysine supplement. Lysine supplements and intake of lysine-rich foods such as potatoes and dairy products have been found to alleviate and shorten the duration of cold sores.
- Identify what triggers your fever blisters. Know exactly what happened to you before you got this cold sore, the last one before this, and the one prior to that. Identify the pattern and figure out what triggers your cold sores, then avoid them by all means!
- Apply ice. Cold compress should be applied on the area when the first tingling is felt. Ice helps decrease the inflammation and severity of the cold sores.
- Dab on some alcohol or witch hazel. Many patients have claimed that as soon as the sore break, dabbing on alcohol or witch hazel can help dry the sore.
- Soften the area with emollient. Putting on some emollient will help reduce cracking and will help in softening the scabs that form.
- Protect the area from the sun or the wind. Always protect your lips from potential trauma caused by bright sunlight and wind exposure as these are usual triggering factors.
- Avoid foods rich in arginine. The herpes virus feeds on arginine so avoid them as much as you can. These include chocolate, grain cereals, cola, peas, peanuts, gelatine and beer.
- Perfect that coping mechanism. Stress is one of the common activating factors of fever blisters. Make sure that you learn to deal with stress to prevent further outbreaks.
- Relax and stay healthy. There is no cure that is better than prevention. Avoid recurring blisters by relaxing, staying healthy and exercise. You should allow your body to have the best immune system you can ever have to defend you against viruses.
Correct That Misconception
Cold sores and oral herpes are not very pleasant to have. But if you have it, do not wallow in misery and make things worse for yourself. Instead, try a few of these natural cold sore remedies and step over any negative perceptions you may have.