What can you do about cold sores? Here you will find the best tips against cold sores
Worried that you might develop a cold sore/lip herpes? Cold sores are fluid-filled blisters caused by the HSV-1 or HSV-2 virus. For most people, lip herpes outbreaks are a major nuisance and, above all, uncomfortable. You simply don’t feel at ease in your skin. The discomfort and itching are usually significant. Below you will learn how to best combat lip herpes. The key to stopping cold sores quickly is to treat them as soon as you notice the symptoms. It is rare to completely prevent a cold sore. Treating a cold sore before it develops into a larger ulcer, however, is a good way to limit its spread. It usually begins with itching or tingling in the lip area. If you have had lip herpes before, you will find it easier to recognize this sensation than someone who has never been affected.
What can trigger cold sores?
Cold sores are typically triggered by stress, illness, sun exposure, hormonal fluctuations or fatigue. If you are affected by any of these factors, you should pay particular attention to the possible warning signs of cold sore development.
Transmission of cold sores
Transmission usually occurs in childhood through contact infections such as saliva or the fluid when a cold sore has ruptured. Herpes can also be transmitted via droplet infection, for example from sneezing, or via contaminated glasses/cutlery.
Nutritional recommendations for herpes
If a herpes episode is imminent, you should ensure you take the amino acid lysine. Taking lysine can sometimes prevent or limit the spread of lip herpes. Foods rich in lysine include muscle meat, eggs, cheese, cow’s milk, etc. Lysine is also available in high-concentration chewable tablets at the pharmacy. Please note that the amino acid lysine has an antagonist: arginine. People affected by herpes should therefore avoid foods high in arginine (for example nuts, chocolate, tuna, oats, etc.). To support the immune system, make sure you take sufficient vitamin C, zinc and magnesium.
What must you absolutely observe during a herpes infection?
No kissing
Avoid physical contact, especially kissing! Do not scratch or pick at the cold sores, as they can then burst and spread. If you touch a cold sore, you also increase the risk of transmitting the virus to other people. In addition, touching can irritate the cold sore, worsening its appearance and prolonging the time to healing.
Pay attention to good hygiene
If you accidentally touch a cold sore, even at an early stage, wash your hands thoroughly as soon as possible. It is best to avoid touching the cold sore. Cold sores contain infectious fluid that can spread to other body parts. If you touch an open cold sore, this fluid can easily transfer to your fingers. This increases the risk of transmission to your eyes, genitals or other body parts. Additional tip: Drink only from your own glass. Towels and dishes should be washed or rinsed at a minimum of 60 degrees Celsius.
Avoid spicy foods
It is best to avoid spicy foods or hot liquids (such as hot tea or coffee), as they can sting when they come into contact with an open cold sore. It is also recommended to avoid salty foods and citrus fruits. Which home remedies you can use for cold sores are described below.
Home remedy No. 1 for cold sores: ice cubes
If you already feel the first tingling/itching on your lip, you can cool the area with an ice cube. Cold makes it harder for herpes viruses to multiply. Please ensure you never place the ice cube directly on the lip, but wrap it in a kitchen towel. Cool the affected herpes area several times a day for a few seconds.
Home remedy No. 2 for cold sores: black tea bag
Black tea contains tannins that can have antiviral and antibacterial effects. Brew a black tea bag with hot water. Let the black tea bag cool and then press it onto the affected area. Repeat the procedure several times a day.
Home remedy No. 3 for cold sores: aloe vera gel
Apply a little aloe vera gel to the herpes blisters/wound. This may accelerate the healing process.
Home remedy No. 4 for cold sores: high-proof alcohol
Obtain high-proof alcohol from the pharmacy and dab the herpes site to disinfect it.
Home remedy No. 5 for cold sores: lemon balm
Lemon balm is available as lemon balm oil or cream. The active compounds in lemon balm can help reduce swelling and redness.
Home remedy No. 6 for cold sores: cloves
Cloves contain antioxidant and antiviral compounds. Crush a clove and apply the juice of the crushed clove to the affected area.
Home Remedy No. 7 for Cold Sores: Garlic
Garlic is generally known to disinfect „from the inside and the outside.“ For this, press 1–2 garlic cloves 3 times daily. Dab the paste onto the herpes blisters. Leave it on for about 15 minutes. Then rinse the area with lukewarm water.
Home Remedy No. 8 for Cold Sores: Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil can be used not only for pimples but also for cold sores. Mix one teaspoon of tea tree oil with three teaspoons of water. Apply the mixture to the cold sore using a cotton pad.
Home Remedy No. 9 for Cold Sores: Manuka Honey
Manuka honey, due to its antibacterial and antiviral properties, is a popular remedy for skin issues, coughs or throat complaints. Apply Manuka honey to the cold sore blisters with a cotton swab 3–4 times daily.
Home Remedy No. 10 for Cold Sores: Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a true all-rounder. It has antibacterial effects and can help dry out lip blisters if applicable. Dab a cotton swab soaked in apple cider vinegar on the cold sore blisters several times daily. Recommendation: Preferably use organic apple cider vinegar.
CONCLUSION
As you can see: there are many home remedies for cold sores. Which of the remedies mentioned here actually relieve symptoms can be highly individual. Please refrain from using several different home remedies at the same time. Why? It can lead to interactions and skin irritation. Further note: Unfortunately, the remedies mentioned do not make your cold sore blisters disappear instantly. They can only support the healing process and possibly alleviate symptoms. If the home remedies show no effect, you should seek advice at a pharmacy. If the outbreak is very extensive and persistent, consult a physician. Additionally: pay attention to a healthy lifestyle. Lack of sleep, excessive stress and poor nutrition can weaken overall health and slow the healing process of cold sores. And as already mentioned, you should avoid any activities that could transmit the cold sore to other people. Avoid skin contact such as kissing until the blister has fully healed. If you have a visible cold sore, do not share items such as cutlery or tissues with others. When cold sores are treated early, they usually do not grow as large and the healing process is shortened.
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