Home Remedy For Cold Sore

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Cold sores can be a nightmare, but here you will find examples of an effective remedy for cold sore outbreaks (also known as fever blisters). Cold sores can often be prevented, and they can be healed if they still occur.

What Is A Cold Sore?

A cold sore or fever blister appears around the outside of the mouth in people who have contracted the herpes simplex virus. This is related to but not exactly the same as the virus that causes genital herpes.

There is currently no cure for the virus. If you have it, you will have it for the rest of your life, unless medical research comes up with a cure in the future. It is highly contagious and you should not kiss anybody, share toothbrushes or pass somebody a cup that you have drunk from if you have a cold sore.

The first sign of a cold sore is usually a tingling, itching or burning sensation. Once formed, the sore is painful and unsightly. It may weep a clear liquid. After a few days a scab will form and it will slowly heal.

Cold sores should not be confused with impetigo which forms between the nose and lips and contains a cloudy, honey-colored liquid, rather than clear.

Cause Of A Cold Sore

A cold sore will usually appear when your immune system is low. That's why they are associated with colds and fevers. They are more likely during any type of illness, including chronic conditions and cancer, or if you are run down, or have a poor diet.

A cold sore may also occur at other times, especially after exposure to the sun, during menstruation or when you are stressed. Sometimes it is hard to pinpoint the reason.

Healing The Sore

One of the best remedies for cold sores is gel from the aloe vera plant. You can buy this, or even better, keep aloe vera plants and simply take a leaf when you need it. Break the leaf open and rub the gel onto the sore.

If you use aloe gel as soon as you feel the tingling sensation, you may be able to stop the cold sore from appearing. If not, keep using the gel. It can keep the sore small and help it to heal fast, often without forming a full blister.

If the blister still forms, you can pop it so that it will drain and begin to heal. Use a tissue to absorb the liquid, and always wash your hands after touching the sore.

Zinc is also an effective treatment. Apply zinc cream to the sore to help it to heal more quickly.

It can also help if you change your toothbrush as soon as you feel the first tingling signs of an approaching cold sore. Change it again after the blister pops, and again when the sore is gone.

Native Americans used a herb called Chapparal to treat viruses and cold sores. There is now a commercial product called Larreastat based on this herb which can be taken as capsules or used as a spray. The spray is very good for relieving the pain of a cold sore.

How To Prevent A Cold Sore

Diet is often a factor in cold sore outbreaks. Sufferers are often low in zinc, calcium or vitamin B. The balance of these vitamins and minerals is important, so before going ahead with supplementation you may want to take a test to check which supplements you need.

Eat a little natural live yogurt every day. Be sure to buy yogurt that is marked live or bioactive. This contains acidophilus which appears to be very effective in stimulating the immune system and preventing cold sores.

Foods high in arginine should be reduced or eliminated from the diet where possible. This includes chocolate, nuts, seeds, peas, wheat and other grains. If you are vegan, or cannot reduce these foods for other reasons, you can take a L-lysine supplement to counterbalance the arginine as a short term measure. Amino acids should not be taken for long periods, or if you are pregnant.

When exposed to the sun, use sun protection factor 15 or higher all over and around your lips.

Consult a qualified health practitioner before using any home remedy for cold sore outbreaks, to check that it is suitable for you.