Using Home Remedies as Cold Sore Cure

A great statesman one said nothing is sure in life but death and taxes. For approximately 80% of the American population, however, another sure thing is cold sores. Caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1, this bug can spread through touch, causing painful lesions that look like blisters on and around the mouth area. Although there are many cold sore treatments available by prescription and over the counter, finding a cold sore cure can be as simple as raiding your kitchen or medicine cabinet.

One of the best ways to fight a cold sore is to apply ice to the painful area. Not only will this reduce pain and swelling, it will drop the skin’s temperature enough to drive the virus away from the cold area. If you have had a cold sore outbreak before, you can recognize the itching sensation that precludes a cold sore. If you apply ice at this stage, it can delay or stop the cold sore from appearing. Be sure to stop using the ice once the sore breaks open, because it can slow down the healing process.

Vitamin supplements can also be a good cold sore cure. Vitamins B and C can help fight problems related to stress, and can help to prevent and heal cold sores. Calcium, zinc, and vitamin E have also been found effective when looking for a cold sore cure.

Another popular cold sore cure is hydrogen peroxide. Not only does it keep the wound sterile, it supplies oxygen to the cold sore to help speed healing and render the virus inactive. Be sure to use cotton balls or a tissue that can be thrown away when using peroxide to cleanse the cold sore area. This will prevent the virus from being transmitted if someone else touches the cotton or tissue later.

Lysine is another excellent cold sore cure. It is most effective when taken orally, as its large molecules do not readily absorb into the skin when applied topically. A dose of 3000 to 5000 mg of lysine per day in capsule form is a popular method.

Garlic oil, an ingredient used to fight many all illnesses and diseases around the world, is also used as a cold sore cure. Applying the oil directly to the scab of a cold sore can keep the scab soft and less likely to crack. The garlic will also pass through the skin to fight the virus directly. Some prefer to crush the garlic and apply the juice, while others like to cut the clove and rub it on the cold sore. Although garlic oil is sold in a soft gel form, fresh oil will work better.

Although each type of cold sore is different, you may find that one of these solutions helps as a cold sore cure. Keep in mind that while you may be rid of the cold sore for the moment, the actual herpes virus cannot be destroyed. You will probably have additional outbreaks in the future. Knowing how to lessen their impact and shorten a cold sores’ lifespan will keep you feeling and looking better!