5 Natural Treatments For Cold Sores
Cold sores are the most common manifestation of the Herpes simplex virus. They are small blisters on the skin of the lips that are highly contagious.
The infection is caused by the Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). In addition to blisters, fever or other skin problems often occur, but these symptoms disappear within a few days without serious complications.
For cold sores, there are local treatments that speed up healing.
How do Herpes Blisters Spread?
Cold sores are therefore caused by a viral infection. This microorganism causes disease only in humans.
Spread is mainly through saliva, skin or lips, but the virus can also be transmitted through indirect contact, for example through the distribution of personal belongings (lipsticks, towels, soaps, etc.).
If a person already has visible herpes blisters, the virus is much stronger and the risk of infection is higher.
Most people with this infection have acquired it in childhood, but because the virus persists in the body, an outbreak can occur at any stage of life.
Symptoms of cold sores
The main symptom is a reddish blister, which may have a yellowish, transparent liquid.
However, before this, the following symptoms may occur:
- Itching in the lips or in the skin around the lips
- Burning in the lips
- Tingling in the lip area
- Sore throat
- Mild fever
- Swelling in the lymph nodes
Natural treatments for cold sores
Most often, the symptoms go away on their own within 1-2 weeks. However, various treatments are helpful in reducing discomfort and speeding up healing.
Now we talk about the best natural options for cold sores.
1. Black tea
The tannins in black tea help speed up the recovery of the skin around the lips from herpes blisters.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon black tea
- 125 ml of water
Manufacturing
- Put the black tea in boiling water and let simmer.
Use
- As the liquid cools, dip a piece of cotton wool in it and brush the area to be treated.
- Leave on for ten minutes and rinse.
- Repeat the treatment twice a day.
2. Natural yogurt and lemon
The probiotics contained in natural yogurt are useful for regulating the pH level of the skin around the lips. They increase the body’s resistance and fight the virus that causes blisters.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons natural yogurt
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Manufacturing
- Stir the yogurt into the lemon juice and put the mixture in the fridge to cool.
Use
- Apply the mixture cold to the area to be treated.
- Leave on for 20 minutes and then rinse off.
- Repeat the treatment twice a day.
3. Green tomato and baking soda
These two ingredients in the form of a skin mask help stop the herpes virus as well as speed up skin recovery in the lip area.
Ingredients
- 1/2 green tomato
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Manufacturing
- Cut the tomato in half and mix it with baking soda.
Use
- Rub the mixture on and around the lips and leave on for 20 minutes.
- Rinse off with warm water and repeat twice a day.
4. Apple cider vinegar and honey
The organic acids in apple cider vinegar, combined with anti-virus virus compounds, help relieve the symptoms of cold sores.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
Manufacturing
- Mix apple cider vinegar with honey.
Use
- Apply the mixture to the area to be treated and leave on for 20 minutes.
- Rinse and repeat this process three times a day.
5. Salt and tea tree oil
The salt has antiseptic properties that help disinfect the skin. Its compounds work well with the antimicrobial and antiviral abilities of tea tree oil to control the symptoms of cold sores.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 drops of tea tree oil
Manufacturing
- Mix salt and tea tree oil.
Use
- Gently apply the mixture to the lips.
- Leave on for ten minutes and then rinse off.
- Repeat the treatment twice a day.
From these options, choose the treatment of your choice and experience its effectiveness for you. If you are unable to control herpes blisters, use viral treatment prescribed by your doctor.
