Cold Sore Cures

Cold sore remedies can either be prescribed by doctors or improvised at home.

Both remedies are effective at easing the symptoms of cold sores, which are caused by the herpes virus.

Cold sores manifest in the form of fluid filled blisters, which normally appear around the mouth area or lips. The skin surrounding the blisters is normally red, swollen and sore.

These sores are highly contagious, thus strict hygiene should be maintained so that the infection does not spread. If not treated, cold sore blisters will burst open after a few days, crust over and heal completely.

Some of the symptoms of cold sores are burning pain around the mouth or lips, sore throat, swollen glands in the neck or fever.

The herpes virus that causes cold sores is not curable, thus once a person is infected, it remains in one’s body for life. In view of this, treatment of cold sores only helps to reduce the frequency and severity. The herpes virus usually enters a persons body through broken skin inside or around the mouth. It usually spreads when a person comes into contact with a cold sore or the infected fluid from the sores. It can be spread through sharing utensils, kissing infected persons or touching the persons saliva.

Prescription Cold Sore Remedies

Prescription cold sore remedies mainly consist of topical creams which are sold over the counter. These creams normally help to relieve the pain and discomfort associated with cold sores. Lipactin gel is a good example of these topical creams.

The prescription remedies are also available in the form of ointments which contain tetracaine or benzocaine, which provide relief from certain aspects of cold sores such as itching. Campho Phenique is also a popular cold sore remedy, which helps to dry the blisters as well as fight infection, thus promoting healing. It also helps to relieve itching and soreness on the infected area. Campho Phenique also keeps them from cracking, which makes them prone to further infection.

There is also some cold sore remedies which are only available through prescription such as penciclovir. At the same time, oral medication that lessens the duration of the infection is only available through prescription. In addition to combating pain, such medication speeds up a person’s recovery process.

However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of these drugs depends on the stage of a person’s cold sores. The best results are attained when they are taken during the prodrome stage, which is the earliest stage in the development of the virus. During this stage, the sores are not visible, but one usually experiences tingling or burning sensations on the skin around the mouth or lips.

Cold Sore Home Remedies

It is essential to know how to get rid of cold sores using home remedies, given that they keep recurring. This will help to reduce the medical bills incurred, particularly since cold sore home remedies are also effective. Home made cold sore and canker sore remedies are just as effective as over the counter remedies when it comes to relieving the symptoms of cold sores.

One of the most popular home remedies for cold sores is the use of ice on them. Applying ice on them before they burst is an effective way of relieving pain. Further, ice not only eases the pain, but it also prevents them from spreading. In order to achieve this effect, a person should apply ice on the cold sores after every few minutes during the first hour of their appearance.

Applying ice to the infected area during the first hour deters the virus, which thrives in warm, moist environments. The effectiveness of the ice cubes can be enhanced if they are used together with alcohol. In this procedure, a person holds an ice cube against the sore until it melts. The cold sore is then dried with a clean towel, after which alcohol is applied to the sore using a cotton swab. If this process is repeated for thirty minutes to one hour, they will disappear within a short time.

Lysine is also a popular home remedy, which helps to inhibit the spread of the herpes virus. It is an essential amino acid, which is available in supplements or certain types of food. When lysine is consumed, it helps to replace arginine proteins in the body. Arginine proteins enable the herpes virus to multiply, thus the virus cannot thrive in a location with low arginine proteins. Consuming a diet rich in lysine such as cheese, gelatin-free yoghurt, milk and beef at the onset of the cold sores may keep them from developing. Owing to the role of arginine in the multiplication of the herpes virus, it is essential to avoid foods which are high in arginine such as nuts and chocolate.

Some people regularly take lysine supplements as a preventive measure to hinder the recurrence of cold sores. However, it is important to consult a doctor before settling on a regular intake of lysine as it may increase cholesterol levels in some people.

Final thoughts on Cold Sore Remedies

Other cold sore home remedies which can be used are lemon balm, aloe vera and salt. Lemon balm has antiviral properties, thus it promotes the healing of the cold sore blisters. If used regularly, it may also reduce the frequency of the cold sore recurrences. Applying aloe vera directly onto the cold sore also aids in its healing. The use of aloe vera may also hinder canker sores from developing.

Cold sores are normally preceded by tingling sensations on the mouth area or lips. As such, if aloe vera is rubbed on such areas, it may prevent the appearance of the cold sores. Salt is effective in drying up the cold sores when applied on the blisters.

Although this form of remedy can be quite painful, it is usually effective in shortening the duration of the cold sores. In most cases, cold sores normally take two to three weeks to heal. If the cold sores persist beyond this period even with the use of the above-mentioned cold sore remedies, one should seek medical advice.

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Free Ebooks related to Cold Sore Remedies

Prevent Cold Sores

Heal Sores Balm
Ingredients:
• 3 oz almond oil
• 2 tsp pure honey
• ½ oz beeswax
• 1 tsp tea tree oil
How To:
Melt all the ingredients together and stir while cooling.