Home Remedies for Cold Sores
If you’ve ever had a cold sore, you know that they’re not only unsightly, but they can be incredibly painful too. That’s why when most people notice those first signs of a cold sore brewing, they want to get rid of them as quickly as possible. Often, this means seeing your doctor, getting over-the-counter supplements and medications, or trying at-home remedies to vanish your cold sore quickly.
Below, we’ll go over what a cold sore is, what the symptoms are, and some wonderful home remedies to try to help treat your cold sore symptoms.
What is a Cold Sore?
A cold sore, which is also referred to as a fever blister, is a small fluid-filled blister or ulcer that typically occurs around your lips and is caused by a viral infection. There can be a singular blister or a cluster of blisters together, and while it’s more common for them to appear on the outside of the mouth, they can appear inside the mouth as well. After the blister pops, it usually leaves behind a scab in its place. When something is caused by a viral infection, as opposed to a bacterial infection, antibiotics don’t work to get rid of the infection. However, medications can be used to treat the symptoms and make them less painful and more manageable.
Learn more about what cold sores are today!
What Causes Cold Sores?
Cold sores are initially caused by certain strains of the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Once you have the virus, it can lead to cold sore outbreaks. Outbreaks of cold sores can be caused by:
- A cold or other illness at the same time
- Stress
- A weakened immune system
- Exposure to extreme weather like the hot sun or cold winds
- Changes in hormone levels
What are the Symptoms of a Cold Sore
The most common cold sore symptoms are:
- Sores in and around the mouth that grow, burst, then scab over
- Tingling lips, usually right before the sore appears
- Itchiness of the lips and mouth
- Dryness of the lips and mouth
- General irritation of the lips and mouth
How Are Cold Sores Spread?
Cold sores are contagious, even without an active outbreak, and are spread by sharing utensils, food and drink, lip balms, napkins, and other things that can contaminated with bodily fluid, or simply by having skin-to-skin contact. If you’ve ever had a cold sore, it’s a good idea to avoid sharing anything that your mouth touches with someone else, especially if you are having an active outbreak.
How Do I Treat Cold Sores?
There are several different ways to treat cold sores and their symptoms. The best way to find out what over-the-counter cold sore medications are best for you is to visit your doctor and discuss what your best options are. There are also some home remedies that can help alleviate symptoms of cold sores too.
Home Remedies for Cold Sores
It’s important to remember that everyone is different, and not all home remedies for cold sores will work for you. And as a reminder, none of these things can actually cure a virus – these remedies are just helpful in alleviating some of the symptoms associated with cold sores.
1) Apply a warm compress to the area
Things like a warm tea bag or even a warm washcloth can help reduce inflammation.
2) Ice the area
Ice is another great way to reduce inflammation
3) Use an astringent
Witch hazel, lemon juice, salt water, tea tree oil, and vanilla extract can all act as an astringent, which helps to dry out the sore, reduce redness and irritation, and promote healing.
4) Wear SPF 20 or higher
Wear lip balm that has SPF 20 or higher in it to prevent triggering a sore.
5) Use an antiseptic mouthwash
An antiseptic mouthwash can help relieve pain, especially for sores inside your mouth.
6) Drink plenty of water
Keep your body hydrated by always drinking plenty of water.
Battling cold sores can be frustrating, but by understanding what your specific triggers are, using home remedies for cold sores, seeing your doctor, and getting over-the-counter cold sore medication and supplements, you can manage your symptoms easier! To learn more about making healthcare easier to navigate, contact Quantum Health today!
