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Cold sores, also known as “fever blisters”, are small and fluid-filled blisters caused by the herpes known as “simplex virus”. A cold sore generally appears on lips, chin and gums. Sometimes they may appear on genitals, nostrils and fingers too.Cold sores are highly contagious and the infection can spread through even slightest of contact. The infection may very easily spread through sexual contact with an infected individual. Even chances are that infection can get transmitted trough oral sex. If you get exposed to the virus, you get the infection and the risk of developing cold sores increases. However, cold sores can easily be treated at home with simple and effective home remedies without any side effects.
14 Home Remedies For Cold Sores
1. Raw Onions
Onions have properties that boost the immune system. Take a sliver of raw onion and put it onto the cold sore. Hold it in place for few minutes. This remedy would accelerate the process of healing.
2. Lemon Balm Heals Cold Sores
Lemon balm contains antiviral properties. According to a research conducted in Germany, Lemon balm promotes the healing of cold sores. Use lemon balm cream regularly on the affected region. It heals the sores and even lessens outbreaks of the herpes.
3. Peppermint Has a Direct Impact On The Virus
Peppermint is anti-viral in nature and prevents cold sores. Consume one cup of peppermint tea regularly to prevent the outbreaks of cold sores. If you do not like the tea, consume it in capsule form. The dosage should be 2 capsules a day. Peppermint also has positive effects on the digestive system and helps to relieve gas.
Studies conducted in University of Heidelberg show that peppermint oil is highly penetrative on skin and has a direct impact on the virus that causes cold sores. It is also active against the virus and eliminates the chances of it recurrence. You can use peppermint oil but physician guidance for application is recommended. Peppermint oil penetrates very easily and if not taken under guidance can be toxic to the skin. Peppermint oil is not for ingestion.
4. Garlic, The Natural Anti-Viral Agent
Garlic is also popular for its anti-viral properties. It is a natural anti-viral agent, treats all kind of infections, and helps to improve your immune system. Cut a clove of fresh garlic into tiny pieces. Now blend the pieces with a cup of water and drink. You healing process would start internally. Alternatively you can also apply a thin garlic slice directly on the affected region. Don’t hold it for long as it may irritate your skin a little.
5. Cold Milk
Milk has soothing properties that provide relief from the pain and encourage healing. Soak a cotton ball in cold milk and apply on the affected region. Keep the compress in place for 10 minutes and rinse off. Alternatively, you can dab cold milk gently on the sore.
7. Baking Soda, Beneficial For Its Alkaline Nature
Cold sores virus cannot survive in alkaline condition. Baking soda is known for its alkaline properties. Mix baking soda with water and apply the paste directly onto the cold sore. You may leave the mixture overnight and wash off the next morning with warm water.
Also Read
Foods that Cure Cold Sores
7 Herbal Remedies For Treating Cold Sores
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8. Tea Tree Oil Is Antiseptic In Nature
Tea tree oil performs as an antiseptic and prevents the cold sores from getting infected. Dilute tea tree oil and rub onto the cold sore with a cotton ball.
9. Petroleum Jelly To Cover The Cold Sore
It is recommended to cover the cold sore with petroleum jelly. It prevents the cold sore from catching any secondary infection. Any anesthetic ointment containing “benzocaine” can also be applied on the cold sore to ease the pain.
10. Lysine, Ointment Or In Natural Form
Lysine is typically known to be an essential amio acid which is used to make protein. Human body doesn’t have the capability to make this essential acid of its own. So it needs to be supplied by supplements or food. Lysine has properties that can prevent the spread of virus that cause cold sores. Lysine helps to produce antibodies, hormones and enzymes that prevent infections in our body.
Lysine can be obtained from foods such as fish, yeast, milk, eggs, wheat germ, cheese, and red meat. Include these foods in your diet to increase the amount of lysine. Lysine can also be obtained from supplements and the recommended dosage is 1000mg to be taken thrice in a day. It helps to cure cold sores faster. It is also obtained in ointment form which needs to be applied directly onto the cold sore. Studies have found that the ointment is safe and no side effect is reported.
11. Ice Cubes Helps To Ease The Pain
Ice cubes work proficiently to ease the pain of cold sores. When the cold sore starts to appear, chafe an ice cube directly on the sore. Do it for few minutes and repeat after every ten minutes. It will numb the area and ease the pain. You may also do it every time you feel any irritation or burning.
12. Zinc Lozenges
Cold sores are often triggered by stress. The best way to combat this is by sucking zinc lozenges. These lozenges help to boost the immune system and fights off cold sores virus. Suck on zinc lozenges when you feel stressed out.
12. Warm Tea Bags
Tea is anti-oxidant and helps to fight off infections. Consider pressing a warm tea bag onto the blisters for half an hour. It will reduce the blisters.
13. Honey
Despite having high moisturizing and soothing properties, honey is also antiviral in nature. This makes honey a natural agent to cure blisters and prevent the spread of infections. Dab a small amount of honey on the affected region and leave overnight.
14. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is very effective in treating infections. Soak a cotton ball in hydrogen peroxide solution and apply on the infected region. Hold in place for few minutes. Repeat this home remedy quite a few times in a day. After sometimes you will find scab forming in the region. Apply zinc ointment to the region to soften the scab.
