Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Treating the cold sore through lifestyle changes
• Method 2 of 3: Oral agents
• Method 3 of 3: Topical treatment
• Tips
• Warnings

Herpes Simplex, also known as cold sores, cold sores, or cold sores, is a painful condition that often appears around the lips, chin, cheeks, or nostrils. The blisters usually turn into yellow-crusted sores and disappear within a few weeks. Unfortunately, a cold sore caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 recurs in many people and is very contagious. While there is no medicine or vaccine, there are things you can do to relieve pain and speed healing, and to keep it from spreading further.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Treating the cold sore through lifestyle changes

1. Make sure you have a cold sore. A cold sore is the same as a cold sore, but it is not the same as a aft. Canker sores are mouth sores. Although a cold sore can sometimes form inside the mouth, it is usually smaller than a vent and starts as a blister. Canker sores are not contagious and are not caused by a virus, so they should be treated differently than cold sores.
2. Recognize the signs of an impending outbreak. Before you can see a cold sore, you usually already feel a tingling or burning sensation near your mouth where the cold sore will break out. The earlier you recognize the outbreak, the sooner you can take action to speed up healing.
   • You may feel a lump or hardening in the skin in addition to the tingling sensation.
   • Other early symptoms include itching of the lips or the skin around the mouth, sore throat, swollen glands, pain when swallowing, and fever.
3. Protect your cold sore from the first sign of an outbreak. The herpes simplex virus is highly contagious, so avoid kissing or other contact with your mouth during an outbreak. Also, don't share cutlery, cups, or straws with other people, and wash everything you've used with a disinfectant soap. Gently washing your bladder with mild soap and water can also limit further spread.
   • Wash your hands regularly, and try not to touch the blister. After touching the vesicle, you can transfer it to other people or other parts of your own body, such as your eyes or genitals.
4. Treat the fever. Like the name cold sore suggests, it is often accompanied by fever, especially in young children. If a fever is involved, use a fever reducer such as acetaminophen and take the temperature regularly.
   • Fight the fever with lukewarm baths; cold compresses on the inner thighs, feet, arms and neck; warm tea; popsicles; and enough sleep.
5. Relieve the pain. Over-the-counter cold sore remedies reduce pain, as do pain relievers such as aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen. It is important to note that young children should not take aspirin because of the risk of Reye's Syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal syndrome.
6. Seek medical attention if you have a weakened immune system, or if you have a very severe outbreak, a fever that won't go down, an outbreak lasting more than 2 weeks, or eye irritation. Sometimes an outbreak can be serious.
   • People with weakened immune systems are especially at risk for long-term complications, and can even die from herpes.
   • Herpes infection in the eyes can cause blindness, so be very careful not to transfer the infection to your eyes. If you get irritated eyes during an outbreak, see a doctor right away.
7. Prevent an outbreak using different methods. Although there is no cure for herpes simplex yet, you can try to prevent an outbreak by:
   • Use sunscreen on lips and other sensitive areas. Zinc oxide can help people who often get outbreaks from the sun.
   • Wash your towels, clothes and bedding in hot water after use.
   • Not having oral sex if you have oral herpes. It can spread to the genitals, even if you don't see any blisters or sores yet.
8. The patience. If you don't do anything about it, a cold sore will disappear within 8 to 10 days. Until then, there is little you can do. Don't squeeze or pick it, it will only heal more slowly.
9. Reduce stress. Stress is associated with a herpes outbreak, so relaxation exercises can help prevent an outbreak or speed healing.

Method 2 of 3: Oral agents

1. Use licorice root. A main component of licorice root has been shown to speed up the healing of cold sores. Eat licorice root regularly (pure licorice root, not anise) or take a licorice root supplement. You can also make a paste of licorice root powder and water and apply it directly to the cold sore several times a day.
2. Eat more lysine. An important protein of the hepatitis virus can be controlled with a protein found in dairy products - lysine. Eat cheese, yogurt and milk or take lysine supplements.
3. Avoid arginine. Some studies have linked herpes outbreaks with the amino acid arginine, found in chocolate, cola, peas, peanuts, cashews and beer, for example. The evidence is not conclusive yet, but if you often have problems, you can try to leave those resources alone for a while.
4. Use an antiviral. There are over-the-counter remedies such as Zovirax and Vectavir that speed up the healing process. These agents do not cure herpes and are not effective in stopping an outbreak. They are usually most effective if you start using them as soon as you feel the first signs of a cold sore.
   • If you suffer from cold sores very often, your doctor may prescribe these remedies for daily use, even if you have no symptoms, to prevent another outbreak. This method of symptom suppression works in some people, but there is no evidence of widespread success yet.
   • Herpes virus antivirals work by affecting the virus's replication rate. The longer it takes for the virus to reproduce, the longer your immune system has to fight the outbreak.

Method 3 of 3: Topical treatment

1. Keep the cold sore cold. Ice creates an environment in which the virus cannot survive and can relieve the pain. Use an ice pack rather than ice cubes, don't put ice directly on the skin, and keep it moving. Don't hold the ice pack against your cold sore for more than 10 to 15 minutes.
2. Use tea tree oil. Tea tree oil can be used as a topical antiviral. Put a little tea tree oil in some water and apply it on the spot before a blister has formed and repeat it regularly. This can help prevent a blister from forming or getting worse.
3. Put some milk on it. The proteins in milk help heal the cold sore and the cold soothes the pain. Dip a cotton ball in the milk and rub it on the cold sore a few times a day. Start this as soon as you feel the first signs of a cold sore.
4. Cover it with petroleum jelly. Make sure the cold sore is covered with a layer of petroleum jelly to prevent other bacteria and viruses from getting in. Spread a generous amount of petroleum jelly on the cold sore to keep it protected and hydrated at all times. Do this with a clean cotton swab or with well-washed hands so that you do not smear other bacteria into the blister.
5. Try apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar dries out the vesicle, kills bacteria and balances the pH of your skin. If you put apple cider vinegar on an open blister, it can sting. Use a cotton swab to apply apple cider vinegar to the blister several times a day.
6. Use hydrogen peroxide. This old home remedy is antibacterial so that it kills the bacteria that can inflame the blister. It also dries out the skin. Apply a little with a cotton swab a few times a day.
7. Put a tea bag on it. The nutrients and antioxidants in green tea can work wonders for cold sores and significantly speed up the healing process. Make a cup of green tea and place the tea bag on the cold sore once it has cooled. You can also put the bag in the fridge or freezer first, then you can relieve the pain or itching a little more.
8. Chop some garlic. Garlic is a home remedy that helps with all kinds of ailments. Make a paste of finely chopped or crushed garlic and put it on your cold sore for 15 minutes. Garlic's antibacterial properties help to disinfect the area and speed healing. Be careful, because garlic can be very strong and can sting if you spread it on.
9. Put some salt on it. Although it stings, salt can help speed up the healing process. Apply the salt directly to the cold sore and leave it on for a few minutes. Then rinse it off and spread some pure aloe vera on it. This will soothe the irritated cold sore and relieve the pain caused by the salt.
10. Dab a cotton ball in pure vanilla extract. Do this four times a day until the cold sore has disappeared. Alcohol is used in the production of vanilla extract, which could be why vanilla extract helps to combat cold sores.
11. Smear an antiviral on it. Topical antiviral medications such as docosanol (over-the-counter) or thromantadine (prescription only) can help control an outbreak. Although doctors don't yet know exactly why docosanol works against the herpes simplex virus, they do know that it can enter the cytoplasm of cells. Tromantadine works by changing the composition of the surface of skin cells.

Tips

• Some women get cold sores during or just before their period.
• Stress is associated with an outbreak of herpes, so relaxation exercises can help prevent an outbreak.
• A weakened immune system can trigger an outbreak, so be as healthy as possible by eating well, exercising, and avoiding allergens, drugs, and excessive alcohol.
• To temporarily hide a cold sore, you can put a little liquid plaster on the blister and let it dry well. Apply some more plaster spray and let it dry again. This will cover the blister so that you have a smooth surface to put some lipstick on and prevent further infection. When it is dry you can apply a layer of lipstick with a brush (sterilize well in boiling water).
  • Make sure the blister is completely covered with liquid band-aid, otherwise the lipstick could make it even more irritated.
  • Make sure the lipstick is dark enough to hide the blister.
  • To remove it, wash it gently and dry the blister as much as possible with alcohol.
  • Do not use this or any other method that seals the bladder too often, as it will take longer to heal.
• Hormonal changes can also trigger an outbreak. So don't be surprised if your birth control pill gives you an outbreak.

Warnings

• Applying alcohol to a blister that has already broken can cause scarring.
• An outbreak can still be contagious after the blister has healed. Herpes can still be transmitted 1 week after the blisters have disappeared.
• Herpes simplex 1 causes most cold sores, but herpes simplex type 2 can sometimes cause them too.
• This article is a general guide and is not intended to replace medical advice from your doctor. Herpes simplex 1 can be a very serious disease and it is important to see your doctor.
• If you search the internet for cold sores you will find all kinds of home remedies, from vitamin supplements to toothpaste! As with any condition, home remedies can work effectively, but sometimes they can also be dangerous. Use your common sense and consult your doctor if in doubt.