Cold sores are not only unsightly, but also pretty painful. They occur when a person comes in contact with the herpes simplex virus. There is no permanent cure for cold sores, since once you come in contact with the virus, it plants itself in your body and lies dormant, often bouncing back due to stress, anxiety or excess exposure to the sun. But, there are a number of home remedies which can reduce the discomfort and help the sores heal faster.
Here are a few home remedies for cold sores:
Ice
Ice is the most easily available ingredient for cold sore remedy. Since the virus needs moisture and a warm environment to thrive, applying ice on the cold sore keeps the area cold and therefore, inhibits the growth of cold sores. So the next time you have a cold sore, just take out some ice from the freezer and apply it directly on the sore for a few minutes. Repeat this process several times a day to keep the area cold.
Salt
Salt is an effective remedy for healing cold sores rapidly. It reduces the swelling and dries up the cold sore in no time at all. Although this is a painful process, it ensures quick healing. Just moisten some salt and apply it on the cold sore. Let it stay on for about 10 minutes and rinse off with water later. The cold sores will dry up and disappear in just a few applications.
Milk
Milk is rich in proteins which fight the virus and help in healing the sores. It also soothes the skin and reduces inflammation and discomfort caused by cold sores. All you need to do is, apply some cold milk on the cold sores directly, with the help of cotton and let it stay on for 10 minutes. Rinse off with water afterwards. Repeat this process 2-3 times a day for rapid relief and quick healing.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch is a good remedy for cold sores, since it balances the PH level of skin to inhibit the growth of the virus. It also soothes the skin and reduces itching and pain in the cold sore. Simply mix some cornstarch with water to form a paste. Apply this paste on the cold sore directly and let it stay on for about 10-15 minutes. Rinse off with cold water and repeat this process several times a day. It will not only shorten the life span of sore, but also provide quick relief.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is known for its medicinal properties. It is one of the best remedies for any kind of skin problems, and is widely used all across. It soothes the skin and reduces the inflammation, providing you relief and healing the sore. All you need to do is take some fresh aloe vera gel and apply it on the affected area, several times a day. In case you don’t have an aloe vera plant at home, you can use the store bought aloe vera gel.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is another effective and easy home remedy for cold sores. It cleans and dries up the sore, thereby providing relief from the discomfort. Mix some baking soda with water to form a paste and apply this paste on the cold sore, twice a day. Let it stay on for 5 minutes and rinse off with cold water later.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil if applied to the cold sores kills the virus outside the cells of your body. It fights the virus and inhibits the growth or spreading of infection. Just clean the cold sore with water and later apply some peppermint oil, slightly diluted with water. It might cause some irritation on the skin, but if you do this twice a day, you will be able to get rid of cold sores quickly.
Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly is a lesser known remedy for cold sores. But it relieves you of all the pain and discomfort caused by cold sores. Also, it forms a thin protective layer over the sore, inhibiting the growth of bacteria or the spreading of infection. Simply dab some petroleum jelly on the cold sore, 3-4 times a day to ease the inflammation and accelerate the healing process.
Lemon
Lemon works like an anti-septic and fights the virus. This results in the reduction of pain and acceleration of healing process. It also helps dry up the cold sores faster to provide you quick relief. Simply dab some lemon juice on the cold sores directly, with the help of cotton. Repeat the process 2-3 times a day for best results.
