Remedies for Cold Sores

Cold sores are fluid filled blisters that cause pain. These are caused by viruses. They may appear on lips, nose or mouth. The cold sores take long from going out of the body as viral infections last long and easily reoccur.

The virus that causes this infection is known as herpes simplex virus. It is of two types. Type I that causes oral herpes or cold sores and type II affects the genital area.

The infection is contagious and can spread through hugging and kissing with the partner. Children can also get affected by playing with the infected children.

As such there is no treatment for cold sores. Medicines can be taken to get temporary rid of pain and itching.

Home remedies for cold sores

There are various home remedies for cold sores, which are very effective and cheap.

Ice can be rubbed on the area affected by cold sore. Apply a hot tea bag on the blister and repeat this after some time and see the change. Cover the cold sore with petroleum jelly. This would speed up healing process and also does not let it to cause more infection by coming in contact with the bacteria.

People hide these sores with make-up. But do not do this as the chemicals present in the make-up products can make these sore worse.

Avoid all the oily and fatty foods. Drink plenty of water. Never touch the sores or prick them. This can make the infection spread and also increase the pain.

Garlic has anti-virus properties and it helps in healing these sores. Cut the clove of garlic in two and place it on the cold sore. Take a pinch of salt and press it on the cold sore and hold for sometime. It can be painful but is a fast way to treat the cold sore. Applying cornstarch paste is also useful.

Aloe vera is used in almost every home treatment. Rubbing it or simply applying on the affected area can be effective.