The Most Effective Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Cold Sores

Natural ways to get rid of cold sores are the safest for critical cases as in case of pregnant woman, child, ...etc.

First, let me define to you what are cold sores?

☆Definition of cold sores:- 

 Cold sores are are small-fluid blisters that appear anywhere on the face. These blisters burst and crust over into a scab. They may appear on the fingers, nose or inside the mouth. They are usually clumped in the form of patches. Cold sores should start to heal within 2 weeks or longer, but are contagious and may be irritating or painful while they heal. In dead, cold sores are contagious once you first feel tingiling or other signs of a cold sore coming onto when the cold sore has completely healed. Many people can't differ between cold sores and symptoms of other diseases.

When It's not cold sores, it may be for  example: boil, mouth ulcer or impetigo. Boil is a painful red spot on the face filled with pus. Mouth ulcer is a blister on the inside of the lip or mouth. Impetigo is red sores or blisters appear on the face that become crusty, golden-brown patches.

☆Stages of cold sores(Symptoms):-

●Tingling and itching:

Many people suffer from this before a small, hard, painful spot appears and blisters erupt.

●Blisters:

Small fluid-filled blisters typically erupt along the border of lips. They may appear on the nose, cheeks or inside the mouth.

●Oozing and crusting:

After the blisters merge then burst leaving a shallow open sores that ooze and crust over.

Signs and symptoms vary, depending on whether It's the first time to catch infection or It's recurrent.

If It's the first time you catch a cold sore, there's an incubation period about 20 days from the first exposure to the virus. The sores take several days and the blisters can take about 14 days to heal completely. If It's recurrent, It's less severe than the first outbreak.

☆Causes of cold sores:

Cold sores are caused by two types of HSV (Herpes simplex virus) HSV1& HSV2.

1-HSV1:

Causes cold sores on the lips.

2-HSV2:

Causes genital herpes.

But, either types can spread to the face or genital organs upon close contact as kissing or oral sex.

Once you've had an episode of herpes infection, the herpes lies dormant in nerve cells and may merge as another cold sores at the same place. Recurrence is triggered  by:-

•Viral infection or fever.

•Hormonal changes, such as those related to menstruation. 

•Stress.

•Fatigue.

•Exposure to sunlight and wind.

•Injury to the skin.

•Changes in immune system. 

☆Risk factors of cold sores:-

Almost everyone is at risk of cold sores. Adults can be carrier to the virus that cause cold sores despite they are asymptomatic. 

But this risk becomes very high in case of immunocompromised patients such as:-

•HIV/AIDS 

•cancer chemotherapy 

•Atopic dermatitis.

•Immunosuppressant drugs after organ transplantation.

☆Complications of cold sores:-

•Encephalitis or keratitis.

•Proctitis 

•Newly born infections 

•Bladder problems.

•Other sexually transmitted infections.

In fact, It's rare, but can occur. The first exposure to the virus can cause severe symptoms and complications as the immunity doesn't have any previous information about the virus. 

☆Treatment of cold sores:-

We can treat it pharmacological and non-pharmacologically.

●Non-Pharmacologically:-

☆Lifestyle modifications and natural ways to get rid of cold sores:-

Here's the best natural ways to get rid of cold sores.

1-Lemon palm:

Lemon (Melissa officinalis) have antiviral properties in reduction of hotness, redness, swelling associated with blisters. Use at least 1% lemon palm.

2-Ice:

it can ease the discomfort and inflammation of cold sores, but may not reduce the duration of breakout. Apply a cold pack directly to the sores for temporary relief.

3-Aloe vera gel:

Have inhibitory effects, antiviral and anti inflammatory action.

4-Stress reduction:

Stress makes the virus to come out of dormancy and cause cold sores.

This is because, Reduction of stress is thought to be one of the most effective natural ways to get rid of cold sores.

5- Essential oils:-

Such as peppermint,tea tree, sandalwood, eucalyptus and thyme oil. We can also use liquorice root as it enhances immunity. 

6-kanuka honey:-

It's known that It's effective in  wound healing and skin injury. It's strong antiviral properties. 

There's no doubt that natural ways to get rid of cold sores are the safest possible solution for cold sores without almost any side effects. 

●Pharmacologically:-

1-Prescription of  antiviral drug:-

In the form of tablet or topical cream such as acyclovir (zovrax), famciclovir (Famivir), valacyclovir (valtrex) and penciclovir (Denavir).

Since antiviral drugs are potent, they have rare intense adverse effects as kidney injury, allergic reactions and hepatitis. 

2- Using vit C and zinc supplements

As immune enhancers

3-Acetaminophen or ibuprofen:-

As a pain killer.

☆Summary

Cold sores are small blisters filled with fluid caused by HSV1 and better to be treated with natural ways to get rid of cold sores that are painful and last about 14 days.

Read about: Home Remedies

Read about: Home Remedies

By: Asmaa Nabil