Cold sores are not necessarily dangerous, but they can be downright annoying. Once you’ve developed a cold sore on your lip, you can guarantee that you’re going to feel awkward. You’ll feel like everyone you encounter is glancing at your sore. Suffice to say, you’re going to want to do everything possible to get rid of the sore as quickly as possible. The good news is that there are plenty of natural remedies for cold sores at your disposal.
What are Cold Sores?
First and foremost, you should take the time to familiarize yourself with cold sores better. By gaining a better understanding of these sores, you’ll have a better idea of what will work. Now, you should know that cold sores are actually inflamed blisters that form in or around the mouth. Surprisingly, they’re actually caused by the herpes simplex virus. Do not worry. Core sores are not as bad as they sound. As long as you take the appropriate action, you’ll be able to eliminate those sores without too much difficulty.
Try these Natural Remedies for Cold Sores
1. Apply Petroleum Jelly
There is a good chance that you have solutions sitting around your home. Petroleum jelly is something that the majority of consumers have at home. The good news is that it may very well prove to be an excellent solution for getting rid of your cold sore in a hurry. Petroleum jelly offers two notable benefits. First and foremost, the jelly can be utilized to ward off bacteria. In return, this can help you avoid developing a secondary infection. At the same time, the jelly can help accelerate the recovery time.
Slap on some petroleum jelly and the cold sore should disappear before you know it!
2. Start Using Sunscreen
Cold sores are caused by a wide array of factors. In some cases, the sores will be caused by sun damage. If you’ve developed a recurring cold sore, there is a possibility that you’ve spent too much time in the sun. You can avoid this problem in the future by utilizing a suitable sunscreen on your lips. Just make sure that you choose a product that is specially designed for the lips. It is also pertinent to ensure that the product in question has an SPF rating of 15 or higher.
Apply the sunscreen to your lips before leaving home! Do this, and you’ll be much less likely to experience a flare-up.
3. Reduce the Swelling with Ice
In some cases, the cold sore will look worse than it is. Excess inflammation is often the cause of this. When the sore begins to swell, it will become much more visible, and it’ll stick out like a sore thumb. You’ll obviously want to reduce the swelling and diminish the visibility of the sore as rapidly as possible. You can do this quickly by utilizing a little bit of ice. It should come as no surprise to learn that ice is capable of reducing inflammation and swelling.
On top of that, the ice may also be able to alleviate any pain that you may be experiencing. Be cautious though! You do not want to apply the ice directly to the skin. This could cause the skin to become damaged. Wrap the ice in a cloth and apply the cloth to the skin to be safe.
4. Use some Aloe Vera Gel
There is a pretty good chance that you’ve heard of Aloe Vera at least once or twice. And, you’ve probably used this herbal remedy to combat sunburns or rashes. Suffice to say, Aloe Vera works exceptionally well for curing skin problems, such as sunburns, rashes, and even cold sores. Repeated research has concluded that Aloe Vera gel can be very useful for fighting off viruses, such as herpes simplex. For the most rapid results, you should apply the gel to the sore at least two to three times a day.
This will speed up the healing time, so you can get rid of that sore as quickly as possible.
5. Get some Lemon Balm
It may also be possible to alleviate and remedy your cold sore by utilizing lemon balm. This home remedy fits into the mint family. It is believed that lemon balm can help eliminate the swelling and redness that are often linked to blisters and cold sores. However, you should know that lemon balm will do very little for the scabbing and pain. Therefore, you may need to utilize lemon balm in conjunction with other home remedies to achieve the results that you’re after.
For the best results, you should use a lip balm that contains at least one percent lemon.
6. Reduce Your Stress Levels
In some cases, cold sores will be caused by excess stress. If you’ve been experiencing a lot of problems at work or school, there is a good chance that you’re feeling overwhelmed with stress. If this is the case, you’ll be much more susceptible to cold sores. To get rid of those cold sores for once and all, it is absolutely pertinent to take steps to reduce your stress levels. There are numerous ways to eliminate stress, but you need to choose an outlet that is safe and effective. Working out and exercising is a good choice.
You may also want to take up meditation or yoga. Make sure that you find a safe way to deal with your stress, so you can keep your immunity strong and those cold sores at bay.
7. Try Vanilla Extract
Are you a fan of vanilla? If so, you’ll be happy to know that vanilla extract is widely considered to be an adequate remedy for cold sores. You’ll need to get your hands on pure vanilla extract since it is alcohol based. The alcohol contained in the vanilla is believed to be able to eliminate the virus and create an environment that makes it tough for the virus to thrive. Again, it is pertinent to make sure that you choose the right vanilla extract. Choose an organic product and make sure that you opt for pure vanilla extract! Then, you should begin using it as soon as you experience a tingling sensation.
If your symptoms persist after trying a natural remedy, consult your healthcare professional.
Have you successfully used another other natural remedies for cold sores? Share them in the comments section below!
UP NEXT: A Guide to Natural Cold Remedies
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