You may look for natural remedies for cold sores on lips if you feel tingling, itching, or burning around your mouth.
Now, you should take care in the next 48 hours.
How will cold sores appear?
In the first 12-24 hours; Small fluid-filled blisters are expected to appear anywhere on the face.
By the end of day two; The area becomes red, swollen with painful Sensation.
Then blisters burst and crust over into a scab that might crack or bleed.
Where did it come from?
Close contact as in kissing may lead you to be infected with the Herpes simplex virus (HSV) which is the main cause.
The other causes include:
-Exposure to sunlight
-Hormonal changes linked to your periods
-Alcohols
-Not getting enough sleep
-Injury to the mouth
-Stress
Properly, we don't need a doctor as we have a lot of natural remedies for cold sores on our lips.
Natural remedies for cold sores on lips:
1.Lemon balm
It is considered a calming herb that helps heal wounds and treat sores. So, it is one of the effective natural remedies for cold sores on lips.
According to Some studies, topical ointments containing lemon balm may help heal cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).
In one study of 116 people with HSV, it just takes 2 days to see significant improvement in redness and swelling with those who applied lemon balm cream to their lip sores experienced.
2. Ice
It is the temporary relief of natural remedies for cold sores on lips.
Ice may not reduce the breakout duration, but it can ease the cold sores discomfort and inflammation.
Apply a cold pack directly to the sores for a temporary relief sensation.
3. Aloe Vera
Its healing and reducing pain characteristics make it just one of the effective and possibly safer natural remedies for cold sores on lips than prescribed pharmacologic remedies.
In addition to its anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera provides additional benefits to the skin, such as C vitamins, B1, B2, B6, and amino acids.
Aloe vera does not have a bad taste or sting when applied.it is recommended to be applied three times daily.
4. Honey
Substances produced by bees from the nectar of plants are also natural remedies for cold sores on lips.
Some chemicals in honey are responsible for killing certain bacteria and fungi. When you apply it to your skin it may serve as a moisture barrier and keep skin from sticking to dressings.
For children, rinsing the mouth with honey and then slowly swallowing it, makes sores and ulcers in the mouth caused by the herpes virus to heal faster.
Honey may also provide chemicals and other nutrients that speed wound healing. It is recommended to apply a dressing soaked with honey four times daily to improve symptoms and healing.
5. Sunscreen
Sun and UV light may be the cause of your blisters or at least it increases symptoms.
When it comes to protecting your lips from the sun, SPF is your protector.
Sunscreens with an SPF of 30 or higher are a natural remedy for cold sores on lips. They provide protection from the sun.
Sunscreen’s effectiveness can be affected by climate such as wind, humidity, water, and altitude.
Keep in mind that you can sweat or lick your lip balm off without realizing it, so remember to reapply frequently.
In order to keep the health of your lips , apply sun-safe habits each day, regardless of how many clouds there are.
Don't forget your lip balm or sunscreen in Cloudy days. And remember that UV rays can interpenetrate clouds and even thick fog.
6. Some Essential Oils:
They are considered an important natural remedy for cold sores on lips.
1-Tea tree oil
It has antiviral, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory activity that can come in handy when you need natural remedies for cold sores on lips.
One 2009 study proved that tea tree oil had a potentially antiviral effect on HSV.
It is diluted with a gentler carrier oil. Use a clean cotton swab to apply to skin.
Use it at maximum twice daily; if you apply it more than twice, it would be irritating.
2-Peppermint oil
It has antiseptic properties and potential to calm the symptoms of an activated herpes strain especially in case of resistance.
Use it when you notice the first symptoms.
It is diluted directly to the sore.
3-Anise oil
It shows antiviral properties, potentially from β-caryophyllene, a chemical present in many essential oils.
A bovine study proved that anise oil has the ability to inhibit growth and development of HSV.
4-Chamomile oil
It is found to be a potential antiviral agent against HSV and also helping to treat drug-resistant strains.
Chamomile oil also soothes the skin when applied. The most effective way to use it is to dilute chamomile oil and apply it directly to a cold sore as soon as you feel the sore forming.
Other essential oils considered as natural remedies for cold sores on lips:
-Oregano oil
-Lemon balm oil
-Thymol (thyme oil)
-Ginger oil
-Sandalwood oil
-Eucalyptus oil
7. Lysine supplements
It is an essential amino acid which is found in protein. It Is not produced in our bodies, so we must make it through a diet or oral supplements as natural remedies for cold sores on lips.
For treatment; apply lysine cream to the affected area every two hours for 11 days.
8. Stress reductions
A 2009 review of evidence (behavior and immunity) illustrates a robust relationship between stress and cold sores' outbreaks.
So getting rid of stress isn't only useful for body and mental health, but also helps with cold blisters.
Ways to reduce stress:
-Deep breath exercise
-Mindfulness Meditation
-Drink hot cup of tea
-Listen to quit music
-Stop tobacco and nicotine products
-Diminishing Triggers of stress
Natural remedies for cold sores on lips (Do or Not to do tips)
Do
-Eat cool food
-Use lip balm with SPF 30
-Be away from anything that triggers your cold sore
-Wash hands well with soup before and after applying the cream
-Avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids
-Take ibuprofen or paracetamol to reduce pain and swelling
-Dap the medication cream gently
Don't
-Touch the sore
-Rubbing the medication on infected area
-Kiss anyone
-Share anything using close to the mouth (face cream, towels, cutlery or lipsticks)
-Eat salty or acidic food
Summary
Properly, we don't need a doctor to treat the infection of the Herpes simplex virus (HSV) as we have a lot of natural remedies for cold sores on lips.
By: Dr. Nadia Eskander
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