Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Home remedies
• Method 2 of 3: Over-the-counter and prescription treatments
• Method 3 of 3: Prevent a cold sore
• Tips
• Warnings

Cold sores are caused by the herpes virus and are very common. It is estimated that about 60-90% carry the virus; however, many of these will not know or experience the symptoms. Those who do experience the symptoms know that a cold sore can be very painful and quite unsightly. While there is no cure for the virus, there are several ways you can relieve the pain and make the cold sore look less unsightly.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Home remedies

1. Use ice. Treating the cold sore immediately with ice can limit inflammation and relieve pain. Apply an ice cube to the area two-three times a day - this may shorten the recovery time.
   • You can also use an ice pack or a cold compress.
   • You can also eat an ice cream for a nice variety. Do not share this ice cream with anyone!
2. Use petroleum jelly. Covering a cold sore with petroleum jelly will speed up the recovery process. In addition, it protects against a secondary bacterial infection. Dab some petroleum jelly on the cold sore with a cotton swab and let it sit overnight.
   • Petroleum jelly keeps the cold sore moist, preventing oxygen from reaching and allowing it to heal.
   • Some home remedies swear by keeping cold sores dry, rather than dry. However, there are success stories for both treatments. See what works best for you.
3. Dab some milk on it. Soak a cotton ball in milk and apply this cotton ball over the area to relieve the pain. In fact, do it already when you start to experience that tingling sensation that precedes the cold sore. This can speed up the recovery period even before the cold sore is well and truly present.
   • The milk contains immunoglobulins and l-lysine fatty acids - these promote the treatments of the herpes virus.
   • The cold milk will also relieve pain, redness, and tingling.
   • Whole milk works best.
4. Try vanilla extract. Vanilla is said to have anti-inflammatory properties. This way you will get out of the viral infection faster and you will experience less pain. Apply a few drops of pure vanilla extract on the cold sore with a cotton ball or cotton swab. Do this about three or four times a day.
   • Only use 100% pure vanilla extract. Do not use artificial vanilla, as it does not have the same properties as real vanilla.
5. Eat licorice. Research has shown that glycyrric acid, an ingredient of licorice, can nip the virus cells in the bud - so chew on some licorice. Just make sure you eat real licorice, and not one of the many licorice candies on the shelves these days.
   • The glycirinic acid comes from licorice root - so if the licorice does not contain liquorice, it will have no effect.
   • You can also try buying licorice lace and sprinkle it over the blisters. Or you can make a paste by mixing the licorice powder with vegetable oil and apply it to the lip.
6. Apply tea tree oil. Tea tree oil has antiseptic, antibiotic, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties that can almost halve the duration of the cold sore - thus minimizing blisters within a day. Try applying some drops of tea tree oil to the cold sore twice a day with a cotton ball.
   • If you have sensitive skin, you can dilute the oil with water or petroleum jelly.
   • Tea tree oil is also sold under the name "tea tree oil" or "melaleuca oil".
7. Take herbaceous lysine tablets. Lysine is an amino acid that cannot be found naturally in the body, but is obtained through nutrition. Lysine has been proven to limit the growth of the cold sore virus. Research has shown that lysine supplements can reduce the frequency and intensity of cold sores.
   • If you're looking for a lysine supplement, try to find one made from pure lysine. They are preferable to synthetic variants. Also look for a supplement that contains other beneficial nutrients, such as zinc, vitamin C, and bioflavanoids.
   • Foods that are high in lysine include: vegetables, fish, chicken, cheese, milk, beans, and baker's yeast.
8. Harness the power of tea. Several teas have antiviral properties that are useful in the treatment of cold sores. The simplest solution is to drink tea, but that method is probably not the fastest. Another solution is to treat the cold sores with a warm, moist tea bag a few times a day. Its antiviral properties provide immediate pain relief and can shorten the duration of the cold sore.
   • Black, green, and white teas also contain tannins - these are also said to have antiviral properties. The antioxidants in tea also promote the immune system, making your body better able to deal with cold sores immediately, and to do so in the future.
   • Some herbal teas also have antiviral properties. The most important of these are peppermint and chamomile teas.
9. Rub some garlic on it. Applying a fresh clove of garlic to the area two or three times a day can shorten the recovery process by three to five days. Just be warned about the stench!
   • An alternative to this is to take a garlic supplement twice a day. Start with 1000mg per day before increasing the dose.
   • Applying raw garlic to the cold sores can hurt because garlic is slightly acidic.
10. Try some essential oils and tinctures. Certain essential oils can be applied to the blisters. This causes the blisters to dry out and the recovery process is accelerated. Such oils include, among others: balm oil, lavender oil, calendula tincture, turmeric tincture, and myrrh tincture.

Method 2 of 3: Over-the-counter and prescription treatments

1. Try an over-the-counter docosanol cream. Docosanol soothes the discomfort of cold sores and is said to help the blisters heal more quickly. Apply the medicine gently, rubbing it on the areas up to five times a day.
   • The recommended amount depends on how strong the cream is. Consult the packaging for this.
   • The treatment works best if you start applying the cream as soon as the symptoms appear.
2. Use a prescription antiviral ointment. If you need something stronger to treat the blisters, consider seeing your doctor. He / she can prescribe an antiviral ointment. Examples of such drugs are penciclovir and acyclovir - these are extremely effective in treating cold sores.
   • Apply the cream as soon as you feel the blisters appear. If you get it early enough, the cream can prevent it from blistering.
   • You can also apply the cream to open blisters. Within a day or two, the blisters should clear.
   • The same antiviral ingredients are also available in pill form.
3. Try an anesthetic cream or ointment. If your cold sores are causing you a lot of pain, you could try an anesthetic cream or ointment. These agents usually contain benzocaine or lidocaine and can temporarily numb the affected area, relieving pain.
   • These are often marketed as anti-itch creams. They are usually available in pharmacies and drugstores.
4. Get a prescription for antiviral oral medications. If your cold sore is extremely painful or bothersome, your doctor can prescribe an oral medication that will help the recovery process and prevent recurrence. The antiviral medications available include acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir.
   • These oral medications are most effective if you start within 48 hours of the cold sore outbreak.
   • Valacyclovir is more expensive, but is better absorbed by the digestive tract - and is therefore more reliable.
5. Use a styptic pen. Stopping pens are used to treat small cuts - such as razor wounds. The alum in these pens causes the blood vessels to contract, promoting recovery. Use a styptic pen to “draw” over the blisters once, twice a day.
   • Know that using such pens often hurts a bit when applying. However, the pain subsides, limiting the amount of pain and irritation associated with a cold sore.

Method 3 of 3: Prevent a cold sore

1. Avoid stress. A cold sore outbreak can be caused by stress. You may notice that you get more cold sores when you have exams or during other stressful times. Limit the chance of a cold sore breaking out by taking good care of yourself during stressful periods.
   • Try stress-relieving activities such as exercise, meditation, yoga, or reading.
   • Get plenty of sleep. Everything is more stressful when you are tired, so make sure you get enough sleep.
2. Boost your immune system. Cold sores usually break out when the immune system is compromised. You will see them appear when you have a cold or are unwell for any other reason. Keep your immune system up in the following ways:
   • Get enough vitamins and nutrients. Eat balanced meals; make sure you eat plenty of green leafy vegetables, fruits, and other vegetables. Take vitamin supplements if you are concerned about not getting enough nutrients.
   • Make sure you are properly hydrated. Drinking plenty of water ensures that your body can get rid of diseases faster.
   • Take precautions against the flu and cold. Wash your hands regularly when the flu and cold are prevalent. Consider getting a flu shot if you often suffer from cold sores.
3. Use sunscreen. Apply sunscreen to the lips and around the mouth. This will help you avoid getting cold sores caused by the sun. Look for a sunscreen that has been specially developed for the lips and is at least factor 15. Or opt for a lipstick / lip balm that contains sunscreen.
4. Don't touch it! Don't squeeze, pick, or pick your cold sores. These actions can cause a bacterial infection. Wash your hands regularly, especially if you've touched your cold sores.
5. Do not rub your eyes after touching your cold sore; you could develop an ocular herpes infection - this, if left untreated, can lead to blindness.
   • Do not touch your genitals after touching your cold sore; if you do, you can develop genital herpes.
   • It's a good idea to always have a hand gel with you, in case you've touched your cold sores and there isn't a sink nearby.
6. Avoid acidic foods. Avoid acidic and salty foods such as chips and citrus fruits. These can further irritate the cold sores and contribute to the pain.
7. Don't try to share. Cold sores are extremely contagious. So try not to share any of your things with anyone else. Think of cups, cups, towels, cutlery, razor blades, and make-up. Also, don't kiss anyone if you have a cold sore or anyone else who has one.
8. Replace your toothbrush. If a blister has formed, you should change your toothbrush once it has disappeared. Toothbrushes can transmit the virus.

Tips

• Active yogurt cultures help protect your body against viral infections. This is because they improve the natural mouth and intestinal flora.
• Vitamin E and echinacea are said to treat cold sores.
• Do not touch or squeeze the blisters. If you do, chances are that the blisters will continue to inflame.
• Aftershave dries out the blisters and speeds up the recovery process.
• When you eat, try to have smaller bites. This will limit the extension of the area around the lips.
• The juice of aloe vera is said to help fight the pain as well. It can also limit tearing around the lips.
• Add milk or vanilla to it.

Warnings

• You cannot cure the cold sore virus; you can only try to relieve the symptoms.