Coldres, also known as fever blisters, are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV-1 is the most common cause of cold sores, while HSV-2 is responsible for genital herpes. These sores can appear on or around the mouth and are highly contagious.
According to research, approximately 48.1% of people aged 14-49 have an HSV-1 infection. There is no cure for cold sores, but various treatments and remedies can help manage symptoms and shorten recovery time. It is important to start treatment as soon as possible to prevent the virus from spreading and causing further discomfort.
Anyone experiencing frequent cold sores should consult their doctor to discuss medical and alternative treatment options.
Common Symptoms of a Cold Sore
- sores appear as blisters on or around the mouth or lips.
- They can break open and ooze, then crust over and last for 7 to 10 days.
- Symptoms include a tingling, burning, or itching sensation prior to the appearance of the cold sore.
- The initial outbreak can cause flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headaches, body aches, and fatigue.
- Not everyone with the herpes simplex virus (HSV) will develop cold sores.
- Approximately 2 out of 3 people have HSV-1, which is the most common cause of cold sores.
- More than 1 in 10 people have HSV-2, which can also cause cold sores.
How to Prevent Cold Sores
Preventing cold sores is essential to avoid the discomfort they bring. Here are some things you can do to keep them at bay:
- Avoid close contact with people who have cold sores.
- Wash your hands frequently, especially after touching your face.
- Do not share utensils, towels, or other personal items with someone who has a cold sore.
- Protect your lips from the sun by using a lip balm with sunscreen.
- Reduce stress levels through exercise, meditation, or deep breathing.
- Avoid acidic and salty foods that can irritate your lips.
- Boost your immune system by eating a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals.
The best way to prevent a cold sore is to keep your immune system strong.
Home Remedies for Relief
There several home remedies available for cold sore relief. While some may offer temporary symptom relief, others have the potential to make the cold sore worse.
Tea tree oil has antiseptic properties and can help dry out the cold sore, but it’s not clinically proven to treat cold sores. Rubbing alcohol and witch hazel are astringents that could help dry out the cold sore, but again, they have not been proven to heal the cold sore itself.
Petroleum jelly can help soften the skin and provide a protective layer against infection, although it won’t shorten the healing time. A warm or hot compress can help reduce inflammation, and ice can provide temporary pain relief. Remember to speak with your healthcare provider before trying any home remedies.
Lemon Balm’s Antiviral Properties
Lemon balm is an herb that contains antiviral properties and can help alleviate symptoms of cold sores. To use lemon balm as a natural treatment for cold sores, try the following:
- Apply a lip balm with at least 1% lemon balm to the affected area.
- Drink or apply a warm compress soaked in lemon balm tea.
- According to a review of scientific studies, lemon balm may help treat HSV-1 by preventing the virus from binding to cells in the body and replicating.
It’s important to note that while lemon balm may provide relief for some people, it’s not a substitute for prescription antiviral medications. Consult with your healthcare provider before trying any new home remedies.
Docosanol and Benzyl Alcohol
If you’re looking for a quick remedy for cold sores, you may want to try Docosanol and Benzyl Alcohol. These two ingredients have been found to promote faster healing and reduce the duration of cold sores.
Docosanol is a chemical compound that can be found in over-the-counter creams like Abreva. It works by preventing the virus from entering healthy skin cells.
Meanwhile, Benzyl Alcohol is an antiviral agent that can be found in some topical medications. It can help to reduce the redness and swelling associated with cold sores. Both of these treatments should be used early on in the outbreak to be most effective. So if you feel a cold sore coming on, don’t hesitate to try Docosanol or Benzyl Alcohol.
Lysine: Benefits and How to Use
Lysine is an amino acid that may help reduce the duration and severity of cold sores. Here are the benefits and ways to use lysine:
- Lysine is available in both cream and supplement form. You can apply lysine cream directly to the affected area to promote healing.
- Taking lysine supplements can also be beneficial. A study found that taking 1,000 milligrams of lysine three times a day can reduce the frequency of cold sore outbreaks.
- Lysine can be found naturally in foods such as legumes, cheese, and fish. Eating these foods can help increase lysine levels in the body.
- Lysine seems to interfere with the replication of the herpes virus.
However, it’s important to note that lysine should not be used as a replacement for antiviral medication prescribed by a doctor. Consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating lysine into your cold sore treatment plan.
Cool Foods and Compresses
When treating cold sores, using cool foods and compresses can provide relief and help diminish discomfort. Some remedies include:
- Applying a cool, damp cloth to the affected area can reduce inflammation and lessen pain. It’s important not to put ice directly on the sore, as it can cause further damage.
- Eating cool, soothing foods like yogurt or popsicles may help ease symptoms and hydrate the body.
- Cool, wet black tea bags can help to reduce the pain and swelling associated with cold sores. The tea can be applied for a few minutes several times a day as needed to help soothe the sore.
Using these natural remedies in conjunction with other treatments can help to minimize the symptoms associated with cold sores.
Alternative Therapies and Research
- Apply a cold compress or topical pain reliever like benzocaine to soothe and numb the pain.
- Antiviral medications like acyclovir, valacyclovir or famciclovir can reduce the duration and severity of outbreaks.
- Sunscreen or aloe vera gel can help prevent outbreaks triggered by sun exposure.
- Lemon balm extract and peppermint oil can be used as a natural remedy to fight cold sores due to their antiviral properties.
- Vitamin C and E supplements can inactivate the herpes simplex virus and boost immune system.
- Practice stress-reducing techniques such as yoga, meditation or deep breathing exercises to prevent outbreaks.
- Avoid habits or behaviors that trigger or spread cold sores, such as prolonged sun exposure or picking at the sores.
Applying a lip balm with at least 1% lemon balm, drinking or applying a warm compress soaked in lemon balm tea, may help alleviate cold sore outbreaks.
Also, “medical-grade kanuka honey, which is produced by bees in New Zealand, is as effective as topical medication as a treatment for cold sores.” It’s important to choose trusted and safe products, our team thoroughly evaluates recommendations based on safety standards and adherence to best practices.
Always consult with a healthcare professional before trying any new treatment for cold sores.
Covering Up a Cold Sore
When dealing with cold sores, one of the best natural cures is to cover them up. This not only helps to hide the unsightly sore, but it can also help prevent the spread of the virus to others.
Cold sores are contagious and can be spread through direct contact.
Covering them up is a smart way to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.” Some options for covering up a cold sore include using a cold sore patch, a lip balm with SPF, or a concealer that matches your skin tone. It’s important to be gentle when applying these products to avoid irritating the sore further.
