Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, normally appear on the lip or around the mouth area. These are often caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Apart from being unsightly, these can be very painful. In this article we discuss about home remedies for cold sores.
No one is immune to it as male and female adults and children alike can become infected with it. When you have a cold sore, it isn't something for you to be embarrassed about. Rather than hide it and not take action, it's best for you to see a doctor get it treated right away. There are also many blisters around your lip area that you may mistakenly assume are cold sores but could be something else entirely, so it's best to get a doctor's diagnosis.
Home Remedies For Cold Sores
Here are six methods you can look into:
1. Apply Over-The-Counter Medication
The moment you notice a cold sore coming on, check your medicine cabinet and look for any pain reliever or antiviral cold sore medication you may have. If you do this as soon as a cold sore appears, you may just be able to speed up its healing. Your cold sore cream should contain benzyl alcohol or docosanol for best results. It's fine if you don't have such topical treatments readily available in your home because you can easily purchase them at the drugstore without a prescription.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a well-loved household remedy for certain discomforts and illnesses. Many choose to use it for the reason that it's said to have properties that fight off germs, bacteria, and viruses. However, be careful not to use pure apple cider vinegar as this may be too strong for your cold sore. You have to dilute it before using. Apart from mixing apple cider vinegar with water, here are other mixtures you may want to opt for:
- Apple cider vinegar and tea tree essential oil as the latter may help reduce inflammation
- Apple cider vinegar and honey because honey may also have good antibacterial properties
Apple cider vinegar for cold sores is best applied at least once in the morning and one more time in the evening. This one is the best home remedies for cold sores.
Read Also: What Are The Effective Treatment Options for Cold And Flu?
3. Cold Compress
Applying a cold compress can also do wonders if you have a cold sore. All you have to do is to wrap ice with a clean towel and dab it on the affected area. This simple cold compress treatment may help reduce inflammation. Also, it can minimize any swelling and redness on the affected area. If your cold sores start to get itchy, don't scratch them as you're only going to worsen their condition. Whenever you get tempted to do so, you may want to apply a cold compress instead. This one is the best home remedies for cold sores.
Also Read: 10 Best Cold Medicines for Runny Nose in India
4. Tea Tree Oil
For those of you who love essential oils and have a stash at home, you'll be glad to know that some of those oils might also be effective in treating cold sores. One of these is tea tree oil, which can possibly reduce inflammation in the area and may also help fight off the herpes simplex virus. This one is the best home remedies for cold sores. Many people consider using tea tree oil for cold sores because of its potential antiviral properties and soothing effects.
Some individuals believe that applying diluted tea tree oil on a cold sore overnight can help expedite the healing process and alleviate discomfort. When you use tea tree oil, however, be sure to dilute it first with a carrier oil. On its own, tea tree oil is quite a strong substance, so it may further inflame the cold sore.
Tea tree oil is sometimes explored as a natural remedy for fever blisters due to its potential antiviral and soothing qualities. Typically, a good ratio would be to mix only two drops of tea tree oil with 12 drops of any carrier oil such as jojoba oil. Apart from tea tree oil, there are other essential oils that might just be as effective. These include:
- Peppermint oil, which have compounds that can possibly kill certain viruses
- Lavender oil, which has substantial anti-inflammatory properties
- Clove oil, which are said to have antiviral and pain-killing properties
- Oregano oil, which has high amounts of carvacrol, may possess antiviral properties
- Thyme oil, a potent agent that might have antiviral effects against the herpes simplex virus
- Chamomile oil, which can be very soothing on the skin
- Eucalyptus oil, which may reduce the severity and duration of cold sores
5. Moisturizer
It's highly likely that you already have moisturizers at home, one being Vaseline or petroleum jelly, which you may use for keeping the affected area of your lips moist. You can also use any lip balm you may have whenever your lips get dry. However, it's best to wait until the cold sore has dried out before you start moisturizing the affected area.
Keep in mind that cold sores love moist and warm environments, and this is what you may create on your lip and mouth area if you keep on slathering it with moisturizers. Applying a moisturizer or lip balm once the sore has dried out can also prevent it from bleeding, which aids in faster healing at that stage. This one is the best home remedies for cold sores.
Read Also: What Causes Joint Pain in Cold: Try These 7 Tips To Get Relief
6. Sunscreen
If you haven't gotten into the habit of using sunscreen, then now's the best time for you to do so. Sunscreen doesn't only protect your cold sore while it's healing, but it also prevents the condition from occurring in the future. For some people, direct exposure to the sun is one of the factors that trigger cold sores, so if this is the case for you, it's best to develop the habit of protecting your skin against the sun. When shopping for sunscreen, be sure to choose one that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. This one is the best home remedies for cold sores.
Also Read: Is catching a cold more common in winters?
Conclusion
All these considered, the most important takeaway for you to remember is that there isn't an overnight cure for cold sores. While the ones mentioned above are potentially effective home remedies, they aren't medical miracles. And take note that the suggestions here aren't meant to be a substitute for sound medical advice. It's still advisable for you to contact a doctor to ensure proper treatment and recovery. Cold sores can get worse if left untreated, so you should find solutions to Home Remedies For Cold Sores as soon as possible instead of hoping that they'll heal on their own.
Read Also: How Do I Treat Common Cold & Cough?
Frequently Asked Questions
Does apple cider vinegar help with cold sores?
Apple cider vinegar may help with cold sores due to its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
Does tea tree oil help cold sores?
Tea tree oil may help cold sores due to its antiviral and soothing properties, but it should be used with caution and diluted to avoid skin irritation.
How often should i put tea tree oil on my cold sore?
Apply diluted tea tree oil to a cold sore 2-3 times a day until it heals, but discontinue if irritation occurs.
How to dilute tea tree oil for cold sores?
Dilute tea tree oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil, at a 1:3 ratio before applying to a cold sore.
Is tea tree oil good for cold sores?
Tea tree oil has potential benefits for cold sores due to its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, but use it cautiously and diluted.
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