Home Remedies for Cold Sores
Treatments and Symptom Relief for Fever Blisters
They show up at the worst possible times, those red, painful sores on or near your mouth. Unsightly and irritating, mouth ulcers are relatvely harmless.
What causes cold sores? Fever blisters, or cold sores, are caused by the same thing, a virus called herpes simplex. Once infected, the sores can emerge at any time, often lying dormant for years. Transmission occurs through many means, kissing or sharing utensils, drinking glasses, wash cloths or towels, for example. Times of stress, sun exposure,infections like colds, hormone fluctuation, and a depressed immune system can trigger an outbreak.
Note: Canker sores are different from cold sores. They are usually on the lip or inside your mouth and are caused by bacteria or trauma. Unlike cold sores, canker sores are not contagious.
To ease discomfort:
15 minute intervals with an ice pack on the infected area will reduce pain as well as redness and swelling.
In your cupboard:
- Ointments containing zinc can be used at the first sign of a developing sore: tenderness, tingling, itching.
- Tea Tree Oil has antiseptic properties and can be used to reduce inflammation.
- Witch Hazel is often recommended for drying up cold sores.
- Petroleum Jelly will keep the sore area and skin around it from cracking.
- Eucalyptus Oils, like the kind you put under your nose and on your chest with a cold, may speed healing and reduce pain.
Vitamins and Nutrients:
- Lysine is one of the most important things to use when you have a mouth sore. The amino acid fights the virus and can be taken in any form, but not for more than six months at a time.
- B vitamins are important for stress, a common trigger.
- Vitamin A and Essential Fatty Acids help heal skin.
- Vitamin C heals and helps with connective tissue
- Zinc Fights viruses and stimulates immune system function.
Over the counter
If you do purchase a medicine, look for one containing phenol, which will numb the sores and make them more bearable. Look for ointments containing zinc and/or vitamin E, which will speed healing.
To avoid spreading the virus:
- Don't kiss anyone who has a cold sore or share utensils, towels or razors, etc.
- Wash your hands after touching your face
- Replace your toothbrush after an infection or outbreak
To prevent outbreaks or reduce severity:
The ration of two amino acids can affect infections. Arginine seems to help the virus flourish and Lysine will fight off herpes.
- Avoid foods with arginine (chocolate, nuts, seeds and caffeine)
- Eat foods high in lysine (milk, fish,potato, split peas, corn, chicken)
Finally, don't touch your eyes after touching your cold sores. The virus can transfer to the eyes and cause serious corneal infections.
