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Home Remedies for Cold Sores

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Cold sores or fever blisters are a blister or group of blisters that appear on the lip or around the mouth. According to WebMD the cause of cold sores is herpes simplex virus, once herpes simplex virus is in your body it is there to stay .

Cold sores are often confused with canker sores which are not contagious and are distinguished by a small, round white circle haloed by a sharp halo of redness.

Hygiene

The virus for cold sores can spread easily. It is important for people with cold sores to exercise excessively good hygiene. Wash hands frequently, don’t share eating utensils, glassware or tooth brushes.

Home Remedies for Cold Sores

Cover it

Covering the cold sore with petroleum jelly will protect it from bacteria and will reduce the possibility of secondary infection. Trying to cover the cold sore with makeup or concealer may aggravate the sore and is a good home remedy for cold sores. A topical anesthetic cream with benzocaine may numb the pain at the sore site and prove to be an effective cold sore treatment

Change it

Toothbrushes can harbor the virus and create more blistering. Change your tooth brush often, especially after an outbreak.

Leave it

Try not to touch the sore, wash your hands often. Touching other body areas after touching the cold sore may spread the virus to other areas, genital areas are especially vulnerable. Keep in mind that type 1 herpes simplex can be transferred to the genital area and become what is known as genital herpes. Always wash hands when you use the washroom.

Aloe Vera

Applying aloe vera when the blisters first start to emerge may soothe and reduce the impact of the cold sores.

Cool it

Cold compresses are frequently recommended as a natural treatment for cold sores. This can be a cool washcloth, a cloth dipped in cold milk, commercial cold compress products or you can rub the sore with an ice cube.

Lysine

L-Lysine is an amino acid that has been used for years to reduce the impact of cold sores and the related symptoms. Some foods will impact lysine retention in the body including chocolate, cereal, cashews, beer, foods with gelatin and peanuts.

Lemon
Apply a slice of lemon or lemon juice to the area where tingling is taking place prior to appearance of the cold sore. Once the cold sore blister appears drink water with lemon at least four times a day.

Diet

It is important to maintain a healthy immune system, as infection and fever can trigger an outbreak. Acidic and salty foods should be avoided, as well as coffee and tea. Eat a diet with vitamin rich foods especially vitamin A, C and E. Foods rich in zinc, like oysters, red meat and poultry can help reduce symptoms of cold sores. Eating dark leafy vegetables and fruits can aid in the reduction of cold sore symptoms.

Echinacea

Adding Echinacea to your diet can give your immune system a boost which may reduce triggers for an outbreak of cold sores.

Stress and Fatigue

Find ways to minimize stress through walking, meditation, visualization or other relaxation techniques. Stress is strong trigger for the outbreak of blisters in cold sores and relaxation can be a powerful cold sore remedy.

Fatigue is also a trigger for outbreaks, getting enough sleep can be a healthy and natural treatment for cold sores.

Article Last Modified Tuesday, November 3, 2009

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Home Remedies for Cold Sores

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