You will find some swollen blister like breakouts near your lips. They can be uncomfortable and unsightly too. This mostly happens when you are going through fever or flu attacks. These are called herpes simplex virus and can bring back the infection of a long cured flu infection. These viruses are stored beneath the liquid filled blisters that often are seen around your lips. You can find them painful and there are no cures for these blisters.
Cold sores which are also referred as fever blisters are caused by a virus named herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV). These sores are highly contagious and spread from one person to the another through the direct contact or through saliva. The common areas where the blisters pop up includes around the lips, nose and chin, especially seen around the lips.
Cold sores highly affect adults. The person who got affected with cold sore experience the burning sensation around the nose or lips for a day or another until they break out. These sores generally go off within a week or so. But to heal up fast and to reduce the inflammation and discomfort there are homemade remedies one can try out.
Homemade remedies to treat cold sores
Ice
Using ice over the painful blister can help to reduce the pain, redness and swelling. Take few ice pieces and crush them, keep them in a wash cloth and apply it over the blister for 5-10 minutes. Continue doing this process for three to four hours for several times in a day to calm down the sore and numb it.
Garlic
Garlic is an effective home remedy to treat the cold sores, it fights with the blister causing virus through its antifungal, antibacterial and anti-viral properties. Midst the anti-inflammatory properties aids in reducing the swelling and inflammation.
Take a garlic clove and cut it into two half’s, mash a half and keep it over the blister. Hold it for 10 to 15 minutes and then remove it. Work on this remedy for 4-5 times a day.
Hydrogen peroxide
Dip a cotton ball in 3% of the hydrogen peroxide and retain it on the cold sore, let it show its action on the sore for few minutes, and then remove it. Do it for many times in a day, preferably for every hour. Hydrogen peroxide helps to heal the sore fast.
Lemon balm
Lemon balm exhibits the antiviral properties with the presence of tannins and polyphenolic compounds. It heals the process fast and soothes the discomfort.
Take two to three tablespoons of dried lemon balm leaves and steep them in one liter of hot water for at least 10 minutes. Strain the solution and drink it for three to four times a day. As it is a herbal tea it is good for the overall health. Or alternatively try applying the lemon tea oil on the cold sore for three to four times a day.
Acetone nail polish remover
Acetone nail polish remover, sounds quirk right! Though, it is an effective remedy in reducing the cold sore and in drying out the sore. Simply dip a cotton swab in the nail polish remover and apply it on the core sore, continue to do this remedy for many times in a day, mostly one time for an hour.
Licorice root
Licorice root is a herb and has the properties of antiviral and anti-inflammatory. It is recommended to use the root both internally and externally to heal the cold sore. Eat the herb regularly or mix a tablespoon of licorice root powder with sufficient amount of water, make it as a paste and apply it over the sore.
You can take help of natural remedies to treat these cold sores. Some remedies that you can use to treat the cold sores and get relief:
Wet towel treatment: Wet towel treatment: You can place a towel that is soaked in cold water near the lips or on the affected parts. Press the area with the cold towel for 20 minutes and apply this remedy for 3 times in a day. You will find there is a good reduction in the swelling of the area and reddish look.
Avoid citrus fruits: Try to avoid citrus fruits during the period of flu. Oranges or lemon or tomatoes are some such foods that you must keep away from.
Avoid long exposure to sunlight: Make sure that you do not expose your lip area or the face in the sun for long time. Use sunscreen lotions or creams to protect your facial skin from the rays of sun.
Keep away from people who have cold sores: This is contagious and so keep away from people who have sores on their faces. Never share food or kiss these people for some time till they get cured of the sores themselves. Try not to share towels or toothbrushes with anyone. The razors or other such intimate objects must be kept separate at all times.
Mint oil is good for the cold sore infection: These cold sores have got viruses that can be killed by the peppermint oil. The property of peppermint helps to sweep clear the cold sore faster. The viruses on the cell are eradicated by this oil but not the ones that are rooted underneath the skin. You can apply this oil directly on the sore and see it healing faster than any other remedies.
Vanilla extract for treating cold sore: Vanilla extract contains alcohol as its base and so it helps wipe out the virus that keeps cold sores alive. You can get organic vanilla extract so that you can use it on your face without any side effects and you will feel the tingling effect of the extract around the lips that makes it effective.
Milk compress for cold sores: Whole milk is good for soothing effects and for faster healing. The protein called immunoglobulins is found in milk and they help in fighting the viruses of the cold sore. You can drink whole milk to get I-lysine that stops the amino acids of the virus. This amino acid causes the virus to spread and i-lysine helps to prevent the outbreak of the virus and cure the cold sore. Compress of cold milk also helps to keep cold sores under control.
Prevent spreading of the cold sores
- Wash your hands frequently and never allow children to play with toys that are being used by other children with cold sores.
- Clean the playthings and other objects of the person who has got cold sores.
- Make sure the children do not open the blisters or sores.
- Use some ointments to heal them before allowing them to go out and play.
- Use gloves or cotton when you clean the swab of children or adults. Never touch the sores with your hands.
- Drink A lot of fluids to that the body toxins are flushed out and your body remains hydrated.
- Try to eat soft and mashed foods and keep away from salty and spicy foods.
- Do not share the ointments that you use for the cold sore with others. Dab the ointment instead of spreading with fingers.
You will find cold sore crops up during a flu infection. The tender skin around the lips or itching sensation are symptoms of this irritating infection. You will soon find it painful around the lips and you may also get fever during the sores. Apply some cold compress so that it is taken care of. You can use a tea bag dipped in cold water or use some cotton dipped in water too. Take a lot of vitamins and eat leafy green vegetables, fruits and nuts. Salmon is also good during the eruption of these blisters. Green tea and other antioxidants will help to cleanse the body and strengthen your immunity. You should also keep drinking water in good quantity.
