A cold sore appears as a blister that is filled with fluid beneath the skin surface on the lips or around the mouth. This source can break open and ooze. Sometimes it can last up to ten days, and during these days feeling uncomfortable and excess pain is common.
How to get rid of cold sores?
Cold sores are a symptom of the herpes simplex virus, even though HSV-2 also causes cold sores. When you first contract the virus, you will experience a break out in a few days, and sometimes the breakout is accompanied by a sore throat, headache, fever, as well as aches and pains. If the virus doesn’t leave your body after that initial breakout, it remains dormant in the nerve cells. Due to this, flare-ups occur at any time, and they can be triggered by surgery, hormonal fluctuation illness, fever, sun exposure, and stress. Although cold sores are unavoidable, you still have some things you can do to shorten the cold sore breakout duration. Listed below are some of the best cold sore remedies you can consider to help you get rid of cold sores.
Tea tree oil
One of the best cold sore treatments is tea tree oil because it contains strong antiviral properties capable of killing the HSV-1 and can fasten the healing process. Take a cotton swab, and apply some tea tree oil then apply it on the sore directly. Make sure you repeat this process several times throughout the day before you retire to bed. This will dry up the sore and make it disappear.
Ice
Ice is a remedy that works wonders for most simple irritations. It reduces the swelling and makes the cold sore heal. To get relief, rub an ice cube on the sore, and this will reduce the itching and swelling. Make sure you don’t scratch it. Repeat this several times during the day to get the best results.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is one of the best cold sore remedies because it’s an excellent antimicrobial agent. The oil contains triglycerides like oleic and lauric acids, which can kill the virus that causes cold sores and eliminate the blister quickly. All you have to do is apply coconut oil on the sore using a cotton swab then leave it on. Make sure you repeat the application after every hour.
Apple cider vinegar
Also known as ACV, Apple cider vinegar is a popular antimicrobial agent that is effective in killing viruses that causes a sore infection. ACV will give you a quick relief once you apply it on the cold sore using a cotton swab. Be sure to repeat the process 3 times a day until you get relief.
Peppermint oil
This essential oil is rich in antiviral substances and properties that get rid of cold sores. It contains methanol, an excellent healing agent and is easy, efficient, effective and safe to use. By applying this oil regularly with a cotton ball, you will get the relief you need. Apply the oil 3 times a day, and the sores will disappear.
Hydrogen peroxide
This solution contains antibiotic properties that are effective in clearing marks on the skin and cleaning it. This means it can kill bacteria that are in or around the cold sore. Put some hydrogen peroxide on a cotton swab and apply it on the blister. Other than stopping any bleeding, this solution will dry out the sore and shrink the ulcer. Reapply after every 3 hours.
Garlic
Garlic has many wondrous properties including antiviral, healing, and antiseptic properties. Garlic is known for its effectiveness of healing different complicated human illnesses. Take a garlic clove and crush it. Apply the paste on the sore for relief. You may also eat raw garlic early in the morning on an empty stomach for best results. Apply the paste at least 2 times a day.
Lemon balm oil
Thanks to its antiviral properties, lemon balm oil can heal wounds. It eliminates the infection that’s caused by the virus hence healing the sore quickly. Apply some lemon balm oil directly on the sore with cotton and leave it for some time. Repeat this 3 times a day to get the best results. You may also brew lemon herbal tea and drink it.
Vanilla
Vanilla is one of the best cold sore remedies you can rely on. The pure vanilla extract has medicinal value and is rich in alcohol levels that make it hard for viruses to grow and thrive. This means it will be effective in treating the cold sore. Soak a cotton piece in vanilla extract and then apply it on the sore. Hold the cotton in place for some minutes. Be sure to apply the extract 5 times a day for quick healing.
Try out any of these outlined remedies for the cold sore, and you will be impressed. If symptoms persist, be sure to seek medical attention.
