5 Natural Ways To Treat Cold Sores

Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, usually appear around the lips, nose and chin. The condition is quite common as well as contagious.The problem is caused by the herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) and is highly contagious, especially when the blisters are oozing fluid. However, the virus does not always cause sores and may even stay dormant permanently.

Factors like emotional stress, fatigue, hormonal changes (especially during menstruation), fever, trauma to the skin, and exposure to strong sunlight tend to reactivate the virus and contribute to outbreaks. Here are the top 5 home remedies for cold sores.

* Ice

- Wrap an ice cube in a clean washcloth.

- Place it over your cold sore for 10 to 15 minutes.

- Repeat this every three to four hours.

* Garlic

- Cut a garlic clove into halves.

- Crush one-half and apply it on the affected area.

- Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes.

- Repeat the process three to five times a day.

* Acetone Nail Polish Remover

- Dip a cotton ball or cotton swab in 3% hydrogen peroxide solution.

- Apply it on your cold sore and leave it on for a few minutes.

- Do this every few hours.

* Licorice Root

- Mix one tablespoon of licorice root powder and one-half teaspoon of water.

- Apply it on your cold sore using a cotton swab or your fingertip (make sure your hands are clean), and leave it on for a few hours.

- Do this several times a day.

- You can also have licorice root tea or supplements.

* Lysine

- Take 1,000 to 1,500 mg L-Lysine supplements daily to help keep the herpes virus dormant. During an outbreak, take 1,000 mg three times a day. You can also use creams, but oral lysine is considered more effective.

- Include meat, milk, yogurt, cheese, soybeans, and other protein-rich foods in your diet as they are good sources of lysine.