Although cold sores or fever blisters as they are otherwise known, normally appear after a fever, cold or flu and hence the name; they can also manifest as a result of stress or fatigue. Cold sores are also known to appear during the menstrual cycle of a girl or when a person is deficient in calcium.
Caused by a highly contagious virus (herpes simplex type I and type 2) that attacks the body when its immune system is vulnerable, cold sores appear as tiny red blisters filled with fluid. Painful to endure, these blisters, which can last for two weeks, develop in the regions along the outer edges of the mouth or on the lips and nose.
So what can you do to tackle the problem of these sores should you or your loved one be afflicted by them? Some of the techniques are very simple- as simple as applying ice for five to ten minutes once every hour when the sores have first shown up. This ensures against the sores developing further.
They say tea has many medicinal properties that can be put to use for several ailments and conditions. Here is one such application wherein the tannic acid found in tea, which is known to have antiviral properties, helps to treat the sores. Application procedure is the same as in the case of ice. Pressing a warm tea bag on a cold sore for about 30 minutes makes the sore vanish in less than a week.
Diet is the root to a person’s wholeness irrespective of the medical condition. In the case of cold sores, while foods with salt and acid content should be avoided, intake of coffee and foods containing amino-acid arginine should be reduced. As is the case with many minor ailments related to colds and fever, supplementing the diet with B-complex and B12 vitamin is highly recommended.
Other simple applications for cold sores include Witch Hazel, aloe juice or gel, cornstarch paste, lemon balm extract and spirit of camphor.
Using these simple home remedies, the problem of cold sores can be easily overcome, irrespective of the reason for its manifestation. However, if the problem persists for more than two weeks and you are unable to ebb the further development of the sores, please consult your physician.
Home Remedy For Cold Sores
Looking for a good home remedy for cold sores? While you will hear about all types and kinds of a home remedy for cold sores, there are a few that have been shown to work. For anyone who has suffered with a cold sore you know how painful it can be. And since they will typically last from 10-14 days, finding relief becomes a priority. Give one of these tips a try the next time you, or someone you know, develops a cold sore.
Ice - When you start to feel a cold sore coming on, take an ice cube and wrap it in a thin cloth. Apply it on the spot where your sore is starting to hurt and keep it there for as long as possible. Continue to do this 3-4 times a day. What the ice will do is deaden the blister that is trying to appear. This method will work if you begin doing the moment you start feeling a cold sore is coming on. If you wait until it already has appeared, it's too late.
Aloe Vera - This home remedy for cold sores will work if you your cold sore does blister on you. Take a leaf from an aloe vera plant and rub the liquid from it onto your cold sore blister. It may sound strange, but it gives results. Do this a few times a day and at night. Within a day or two your cold sore will be gone. I know people who will grow aloe plants in their home just for this very reason.
Vitamin B - Taking vitamin B supplements has been shown to help get rid of a cold sore. Vitamin B-12 works especially well.
Tea Tree Oil - Many people say this is the best home remedy for cold sores. This is a drink that contains tea tree oil, herbal sage, and violet. These ingredients are mixed together with a couple sage leaves and ginger powder, and put in with a cup of boiling water. Drink this 2-3 times a day and within a couple of days your cold sore will be gone.
Coconut Oil - Take 100ml of coconut oil, 2ml of dettol, and 3ml or carbolic acid and mix them together. Apply twice daily directly on your cold sore. Some people say this formula also works on boils and mosquito bites.
Other Home Remedy For Cold Sores - Witch hazel, spirit of camphor and lemon balm extract are said to work.
There are also some foods that you do not want to eat when experiencing a cold sore. These foods will only make the problem worse. Avoid eating chocolate, oatmeal, seeds, peas, nuts, and any wheat products. Why? Because arginine is in these foods and they are a cold sores friend. Other salty foods, and even coffee can cause a cold sore to linger.
The next time you feel a cold sore coming on, give one of these tips a try and see if it doesn't give you the relief you're looking for. Finally, a good home remedy for cold sores.
Both Alva Sovte & Terry Edwards are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.