Cold sores are a very painful and unsightly problem that is triggered by the herpes simplex virus, which often remains dormant for long period of time within our bodies. People who suffer from cold sores often find the problem to be a recurring one, in spite of using antiviral medications prescribed by their doctor or those that are available over the counter.
A cold sore will usually disappear after about two weeks, but the fact is that they almost always return, regardless of what you do to prevent them. Many people become discouraged with this state of affairs, and that’s when they start looking for home remedies for cold sores that will permanently cure the condition.
List of Home Remedies:
Salt: Salt acts as an anti-inflammatory and therefore it arrests cold sores very effectively, sometimes in only a matter of a few hours. What it does is draw out the fluids in the cold sore, causing it to become smaller and heal faster.
You need to put a small quantity of salt directly onto the cold sore using a cotton swab or your (clean) finger, and leave it on for about 10 minutes, holding it there with your finger if necessary. If the cold sore isn’t moist enough for the salt to stick, add a little water. Repeat this two or three times a day.
Peppermint Oil: Peppermint oil acts as a natural treatment for cold sores because it slows down the progress of the herpes simplex virus which is what causes the sores to form. Consequently, it prevents your cold sore from becoming any larger. Many people find that applying a small dab of peppermint oil to a cold sore minimizes sensitivity and eases their discomfort.
Put a few drops on a cotton swab and press it against your cold sore for about 30 seconds to a minute. Your lip will feel refreshed, free of pain, and nice smelling too. It also appears to have the effect of making the cold sore shrink a bit, although only temporarily.
Ice Compress: Ice is considered by many to be an effective treatment for cold sores. It’s believed that it works by preventing the herpes virus, which is responsible for cold sores, from traveling from the nerve to the skin.
Ice is also effective at treating a cold sore once it has actually appeared. Wrap an ice cube in a cloth and hold it against the outbreak for as long as you are able to, but preferably for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Repeat three or four times each day for a couple of days or until the cold sore is gone, which should be faster than it would be otherwise.
Lemon Balm: Lemon balm is an organic substance that has been utilized to get rid of cold sores for a long time now. It works because it has antiviral properties, which means that it fights the infection that is causing the cold. Lemon balm contains a high concentration of polyphenols, which appear to minimize herpes outbreaks.
All you have to do is apply the lemon balm straight onto the affected area. Make certain that you reapply regularly throughout the day if you want to completely eliminate your cold sore. It can be applied topically in cream form or you can brew it up as a tea and drink it.
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