Natural Remedies for Preventing and Treating Cold Sores

Cold cores are a common infection that more than 40% of people worldwide are suffering from. It is characterized by the blistery, painful and itchy bumps caused by the herpes simplex virus. Besides, cold sores can be highly contagious through direct skin contact. Kissing or contacting with an infected person can make the virus spread to others. Sharing foods and personal items like towels and cups can also contribute to cold sore contagion.

Commonly, people who are infected with the virus will develop a cold sore within 1 to 2 weeks. But in some cases, they may not experience any symptoms despite having the virus. And, cold sores can come and go due to many reasons. For example, an infection, stress or menstruation (period) can trigger a cold sore. If you have ever had a cold sore, you may have chances of getting recurrent ones. This can be an absolute nightmare for frequent cold sore sufferers. But it’s possible that you could get out of that nightmare easily. You can reduce swelling, fight flare-ups and even avoid the virus in the first place. Plus, if you already have a cold sore, you can treat it by following these simple tips.

Natural remedies for preventing and treating cold sores.

To avoid having a cold sore

1. Take a closer look at your partner’s lips.

As mentioned above, cold sores can be easily spread through kissing. If you contact with someone who has them, you may get the virus too. So, look at your partner’s lips. If he or she has a cold sore, avoid lip locking. Moreover, stop sharing drinking glasses and other utensils with an affected person. If you touch the infected areas, immediately wash both your hands.

2. Reduce stress.

If you’ve had a cold sore, the herpes simplex virus is still in your body. In fact, it will always be in your system. When meeting a perfect condition, the virus may reactivate and trigger an outbreak. You can stop it from recurring and developing by lowering stress.

3. Stay out of the sun.

Cold sores can be problematic during any season of the year, especially in the winter and the summer. Cold weather with freezing winds and artificial heating may lead to more outbreaks. And, our lower levels of resistance to the virus during the winter can make it thrive. In hot weather, excessive sunlight also weakens your immune system. This means that you’re far more vulnerable to the virus. If you’re tired and run down, the disease is even worse. So you need to stay out of the sun. When you’re outside, wear a hat and apply a lip balm or an all-over face cream.

4. Improve your immune system.

A weakened immune system can also be a cold sore trigger. Thus, you need to keep it in tip-top shape to avoid getting cold sores. To do this, you should manage your stress and get plenty of sleep. Furthermore, you should add these super-foods to your diet to boost immunity. These may include garlic, oats and barley, yogurt, beef, sweet potatoes and tea.

5. Have a dermatologist cool it.

Some cosmetic procedures like peels and lasers are said to cause an outbreak. Thus, you should see a dermatologist for a prescription of Acyclovir. This drug is normally prescribed for genital herpes treatment.

6. Avoid the lip-liner.

If you have a cold sore, you should hold off on the lip-liner. In fact, you can use any lip products until the sore is gone. You’re also recommended to throw out the contaminated lip liner, lip gloss, lip balm, and lipstick. This will help prevent the cold sore transmission.

If you already have a cold sore

7. Apply topical antiviral cream.

Prosurx is one of the most effective creams used to treat a cold sore. You can use a cotton swab and apply the cream directly on the affected areas. Then relax while the outbreak is healing. Repeat this 2 to 3 times daily until the cold sore is gone (about 4 days).

8. Sleep upright.

This will help blisters drain and fluid not settle overnight. To sleep upright, you should elevate your head by using extra pillows.

9. Apply licorice extract.

Licorice extract is a great natural remedy for preventing and treating cold sores. You can:

• Create a mixture of 1 tablespoon of licorice extract with ½ teaspoon of petroleum jelly.
• Apply this solution on the site of the outbreak for a quick recovery.

10. Stop touching infected areas.

Doctors say that touching the sores can dry them out and cause bacterial infections. This may worsen the disease and slow down the healing process. So, you’re advised not to touch these cold sores.

11. Apply ice.

Applying an ice pack can reduce the swelling and redness on the affected skin.

12. Take small bites.

An open sore could spread the virus to the rest of your lips. Thus, do not open your mouth extra wide. This will help prevent your cold sore from aggravation.

13. See a doctor.

In most cases, cold sores can be treated with topical antiviral creams. But sometimes, in severe cases, you need to see a doctor for a prescription medication. For example, Zovirax oral can be recommended to fight the virus.

By keeping healthy, reducing stress and using these home remedies, you can lessen the pain and prevent future breakouts.