There’s nothing like waking up to face the mirror only to discover a big blister on the side your lip causing you to put a halt on all social plans. Having a cold sore doesn’t mean you have to be a hermit. You can avoid medicated applications and use these seven home remedies to help stop your cold sore in its tracks and get back out there with confidence and cold sore free.
Get Your Vitamins
Maintaining a proper diet can help your body fight off infections quickly. Eat foods rich in vitamin E such as leafy greens (kale, spinach) and whole grains (brown rice, whole wheat bread).
Vitamin C can also aid your immune system and raise your white blood cell count. Foods packed with vitamin C include citrus fruits, berries, tomatoes, and broccoli.
Soothe Your Skin
Cold sores can bring irritation and discomfort along for the ride, so use aloe vera gel to help tame the inflammation and add some much-needed moisture to your skin. You can purchase the gel from your local drugstore. It’s probably near the sunscreen since most brands market aloe vera towards the sun burned crowd.
The Worst Jellybean Flavor Has a New Purpose
Licorice has medicinal properties including being useful for fighting viruses and bacteria. It has long been used by the Chinese as a natural source of medicine. Studies have shown licorice can weaken viruses and prevent them from spreading.
To use licorice topically, you can purchase a licorice root cream. Check your local health foods store or order it from a reputable website online.
Cool It Down
Use cold therapy to reduce swelling and inflammation that has been caused by the cold sore. Take some ice and wrap it in a small towel, such as a washcloth, to create a cool compress. Hold the compress to the affected area for up to five minutes at a time. Be sure to give your skin a break from the ice every few minutes or you may further irritate it.
Pucker Up
Search out a naturally derived lip balm made with beeswax and lemon balm. A member of the mint family, lemon balm is known for having calming properties. It has been used since the middle ages and holds a variety of medicinal properties.
According to a scientific study, lemon balm can help heal cold sores and reduce redness and swelling in as little as two days.
Help your Skin Recover with Witch Hazel
While witch hazel may not be a cure for your cold sore, it can help alleviate swelling and inflammation. Witch hazel is made from the bark and leaves of the witch hazel shrub. It is an astringent and can help your skin recover from acne and insect bites as well.
Rub witch hazel onto the cold sore up to twice a day until the cold sore has healed. If you find it irritates your skin, discontinue use.
Minty Fresh
Peppermint essential oil has antibacterial properties, which can help speed up your recovery and get rid of the cold sore. Apply the peppermint oil (make sure you dilute it with a carrier oil or water) with a cotton ball of swab twice a day.
Sometimes, cold sores can go away on their own. But if you wish to speed up the process, you can try any of these treatments at home.
There are several causes of cold sores, including weakened immune systems, having a cold or the flu, catching the Herpes Simplex Virus from direct contact, or even stress. You can eliminate some of those elements from your life yourself.
If you experience breakouts frequently, try to eliminate some of the factors that may be contributing. For example, if you work a high-stress job, take time for yourself and relax to help prevent outbreaks. Alternatively, if you develop a cold sore from the cold or flu, take the proper time, if possible, to recuperate from your illness.
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Sources: [Everyday Health, Healthy Focus, Healthline, Medical News Today, University of Maryland Medical Center, WebMD]
