Home Remedies for Cold Sores – Uses & Health Benefits

Home remedies for cold sores

Cold sores or herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1. The virus permanently hides near a facial nerve and lies dormant there most of the time. From time to time, stress , sunlight, menstruation, overtiredness or even disgust trigger an outbreak. The lips are primarily affected, but blisters can appear around the mouth, at the nostrils, on the chin, or inside the mouth and throat. Various proven home remedies can be used for treatment.

What is cold sores?

Cold sores are the most well-known form of herpes. This herpes simplex virus infection occurs on the lips. In medicine, cold sores are referred to as herpes labialis. It is also popularly referred to as a fever blister. This means an infection caused by herpes viruses. Cold sores are noticeable when the affected lip area becomes tense, itchy and sensitive to irritation.

The term herpes is used for various diseases such as herpes zoster (shingles) or genital herpes (genital herpes). Herpes simplex virus (HSV), also known as human herpesvirus, is one of the herpesviruses. All herpes simplex infections are simply called herpes in everyday language. The herpes simplex virus is divided into the two subforms HSV 1 and HSV 2. HSV 1 is primarily responsible for cold sores, while HSV 2 causes genital herpes.

Who is affected?

Type 1 herpes simplex viruses are common in the population. According to the Robert Koch Institute, 85 percent of all German adults are infected with HSV 1. It is not uncommon for the virus to be transmitted within the family during childhood. 90 percent of all cases of cold sores are due to the herpes simplex virus type 1. In Germany, around 40 percent of all German citizens have already contracted herpes labialis. In 20 percent of all those affected there is an increased risk of suffering a relapse.

causes

Cold sores are caused by the reactivation of the herpes simplex virus type 1. However, it has not yet been clarified what triggers this reactivation. In many cases, reactivation occurs due to other infectious diseases in which fever is also present. For this reason it came to the additional designation herpes febrilis (fever blisters). It is not uncommon for cold sores to appear in connection with female menstruation.

Another contributing factor is permanent stress. There is a risk of infection with cold sores. The transmission takes place through a smear infection . This means that the virus is passed from one patient to another. The herpes viruses occur directly at the site of infection and in the blister fluid. In addition, they can be distributed in the saliva. Infected saliva is the most important source of infection with herpes labialis. The risk of transmission when kissing is extremely high. But infection with cold sores can also occur via droplet infection, i.e. through sneezing or speaking.

What helps against cold sores?

  • At the very first sign of tingling, the affected area should be cooled. This can help keep the herpes down. If it has already erupted, cooling will still help reduce the swelling and relieve the pain.
  • The amino acid lysine can help expel the herpes virus. Several studies have shown that lysine slows down the multiplication of the virus. 3000 mg lysine from the pharmacy should be taken daily.
  • 1000 mg of quercetin divided into several doses per day helps to stimulate the immune system. In addition, the healing of the cold sore is accelerated.
  • The medicinal herb echinacea also strengthens your own defences. Capsules are available at drugstores.
  • Once a crust forms, it should be rubbed with petroleum jelly to prevent cracking. Make absolutely sure that the Vaseline is not applied with your finger so that no viruses are transferred to the tube.
  • The sun should be avoided. Strong sunlight increases the risk of contracting cold sores. Lip balm with a sun protection factor should be used as a preventive measure.

Fast help with herpes

  • If possible, always have a freely available cold sore virus remedy that contains the active ingredient aciclovir in stock at home. As soon as the first tingling becomes noticeable, the cream should be applied five times a day. Preferably over five days.
  • The analgesic acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) helps against the pain and an American study has also shown that taking 160 mg ASA a day can shorten the duration of the herpes infection by half.
  • Cold sores are transmitted through saliva. That’s why nobody should be kissed during this time, neither should they drink from the same cups, nor should the same towels be used.

alternative remedies

  • Lemon balm is a natural remedy that inhibits the virus. It can be found in health food stores or larger health food stores.
  • Another alternative remedy is myrrh tincture. The blisters should be dabbed with a cotton swab up to ten times a day.
  • Tea tree oil also helps against cold sores because it has an antiseptic effect and thus kills the virus. A recipe from grandmother’s medicine kit is to mix tea tree and olive oil in equal parts and apply several times a day.
  • Foods rich in arginine should be avoided, as the virus needs this amino acid to survive. Foods that are high in arginine include: chocolate, peas, nuts, gelatin, and whole grains.
  • Dental hygiene is very important during herpes infection. The toothbrush should be in an airy and dry place, as moisture particularly attracts viruses. You should also make sure that the toothbrush is changed after such an attack.

See cold sores for more information . If the symptoms persist for more than two weeks, occur more than four times a year, are accompanied by fever or are accompanied by eye pain and sensitivity to light , a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible.

Dorothy Farrar

Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.

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