Treating a cold sore naturally

If you’ve ever had a cold sore, you know the signs. It starts with tingling, then the edge of your lip or the corners of your lips start to burn. Then, it is the epidemic: An ugly red cracked herpes appears. A few days later, it opens and forms a crust.

Cold sores are caused by the “Herpes simplex” virus. This virus affects around 85% of the population. Doctors believe it is the most common disease after the common cold. They are characterized by the appearance of a tiny red, painful spot on the lip or at the corner of the mouth. These pimples blister before they form a scab.

Whatever name you prefer for those pimples that tend to grow on the lip or around the mouth, you can assign them to the herpes simplex virus, generally type 1. The virus, also known as HSV-1, is the cause of these blisters or ulcers, which can be painful and unsightly.

However, there is no need to be embarrassed if you notice one on your mouth. A lot of people get cold sores. Chances are, you know someone who has had one before, or you have had one too.

HSV-1 is the most common viral infection. In fact, more than half of Europeans between the ages of 14 and 49 are carriers of this virus.

Cold sores usually go away within two weeks in healthy people, that is, those who have a healthy immune system and who do not suffer from other underlying illnesses, such as eczema.

Unfortunately, nothing can cure a cold sore overnight. But certain medications and treatments can shorten the lifespan of a cold sore and make you feel better, too.

10 home remedies to cure herpes (cold sore)

This crust persists for 1 to 2 weeks. Cold sores are transmitted by direct contact, a kiss or a hug, for example. Here are 4 natural remedies to perform as soon as cold sores appear:

1 – Vitamin E a natural anti-herpes

Many doctors advise treating a cold sore with vitamin E, they generally recommend applying 20,000 IU (about 13 mg. To the tip of the index finger) for 15 minutes, 3 times a day. This treatment relieves and eliminates pain in less than 8 hours. In many cases, the cold sore heals within 2 to 24 hours. According to Dr. Nead, a dentist in California, the success rate of this treatment is almost 100% guaranteed.

2 – To cure a cold sore, freeze it!

This old remedy is really useful, according to many doctors, applying ice cube directly to the cold sore for 45 minutes is still the best treatment. It is therefore more effective and less expensive than any other treatment. Cold sores treated with ice dry out in 1 or 2 days, according to a doctor.

3 – Lysine against herpes

You can also treat a cold sore with the help of an amino acid, lysine, according to research. Lysine appears to hinder the proliferation of herpes. In one study, 25 patients with regular cold sores were administered 800 to 1000 mg of lysine per day, depending on the subject, lysine reduced pain, accelerated healing and reduced frequency. cold sores. You can find lysine at health food stores.

4 – The cold sore does not like yogurt!

A grandmother’s old remedy is to treat cold sores with the help of yogurt. This is because yogurt contains lactobacillus acidophilus (or lactobacillus bulgaricus). these bacteria have the virtue of chasing herpes from the body according to some doctors. In addition, large doses of B-complex vitamins and plenty of fluids are recommended.

5 – Tea tree oil

If you like the smell of tea tree oil, it could be your cold sore remedy. Although research is limited, tea tree oil shows promise in the fight against the herpes simplex virus.

As with apple cider vinegar, it must be diluted before applying it to the skin.

6 – Peppermint oil

Laboratory tests show that peppermint oil is effective in fighting both HSV-1 and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2).

If you want to try this remedy, apply some diluted peppermint oil to the pimple as soon as you feel the tingling of a cold sore developing.

7 – Other essential oils

While the evidence for this home remedy is anecdotal at best, you can add these essential oils to your list of complementary therapies to consider:

• ginger
• thyme
• hyssop
• sandalwood

Research shows that they might even be effective treatments for drug-resistant versions of the herpes simplex virus.

Essential oils should never be applied directly to the skin without first being diluted with a carrier oil.

8 – Manuka honey

Honey already has a reputation for helping wounds and skin lesions to heal. A recent study published in the journal BMJ Open found that manuka honey, which comes from manuka in New Zealand, may also be helpful in treating cold sores.

In fact, the large randomized clinical trial found that a medical grade version of this honey appeared to be as effective as acyclovir.

9 – Propolis

Like honey, propolis is another bee product that shows promise for healing wounds and skin lesions. The antiviral properties of propolis could make it a candidate for curing your cold sores a bit faster.

10 – Lemon balm

Research from 2006 suggests that applying lemon balm cream, an herb in the mint family, to a cold sore may help the healing process.

Lemon balm is also available in capsule form and is used for various other therapeutic purposes.

What you should not do

When you have a cold sore it is very tempting to touch or bite it. Try to resist the temptation to do this and anything that might hinder the healing process:

• Touch the cold sore. Anytime you touch the open gallbladder and don’t wash your hands immediately after, you risk spreading the virus from your hands to someone else. In addition, you could introduce bacteria from your hands into the wound if you touch or bite it.
• Try to burst the wound. A cold sore is not a pimple. If you squeeze it or try to pop it, it won’t get any smaller. You can simply squeeze the viral fluid out and drop it on your skin. You could pass the virus on to someone else unintentionally.
• Scrape off the crust. You may find yourself scratching the scab without even realizing it. But try not to touch her as much as you can. The scab will last for a few days and then it will go away on its own. If you tear it off, it can leave a scar.
• Wash aggressively. It would be nice if you could just wash off a cold sore, but unfortunately vigorous rubbing will only irritate your already fragile skin.
• Have oral sex. If you still have a cold sore, it’s best to avoid intimate contact with your partner that involves your mouth. Wait until it wears off before resuming sexual activity.
• Eat acidic foods. Foods with a high acid content, such as citrus fruits and tomatoes, can cause a burning sensation when they come in contact with a cold sore. You may need to avoid them and opt for bland foods for a few days.