Cold sores are caused by the Herpes virus. Once you get infected, you have to live with it for the rest of your life. The virus is present with you for the rest of your life; so it is preferable to find home remedies for cold sores. Usually the sore are small and not that serious, but becomes very painful if not treated on time. Prevention is always better than cure and the first step of treatment is to reduce stress. Natural treatment is obtained easily and quickly at home as the ingredients are available at home itself. Avoid sunlight as the sores are triggered by it.
One of the easily available best home remedies for cold sores is to apply ice as soon as you feel the inflammation. Ice helps in reducing the outbreak of the sore, though it does not cure the sore. Wrapping ice in a cloth or towel and applying it on the sore for 5-10 minutes of each hour is very soothing. Tea bags are very useful in curing cold sores. Tea contains tannic acid that is an antivirus medicine; it is very useful in curing and soothing cold sores. It reduces the pain too. Medicines containing tannic acid are very helpful in curing sores are available in medical stores.
You have to apply petroleum jelly on the cold sores. Petroleum jelly prevents the sore from spreading to other parts of the body. If the sore has taken its shape, then petroleum jelly lubricates it and does not allow the blisters to crack. Aloe vera is known for its healing properties and is one of the home remedies for cold sores. Applying aloe vera on the sore reduces the pain and gives a cooling effect. There are some ready medicines available in the markets that are very helpful.
Natural cure for cold sores can be found from the food you eat and are one of the vital home remedies for cold sores. Include Lysine rich foods in your diet. Lysine is an amino acid that is found in certain foods like vegetables, fish, milk, cheese and chicken, and is very useful in curing cold sores. Include Lysine rich foods in your diet. Strictly avoid foods like chocolates, nuts, wheat, and caffeine as they contain Arginine. These foods increase the pain and delay the healing process. On making the required adjustments in your diet you can feel better.
You have to take vitamin supplements daily. Vitamin A and C are important for curing cold sores, and are available in the medical stores. One of the best home remedies for cold sores is to introduce those fruits and vegetables in your diet that contain these vitamins. Carry an umbrella or wear a wide brimmed hat to protect yourself from the sun. Apply a sunscreen whenever you go out in the sun especially around your mouth region where the blisters appear in abundance. All these home remedies not only soothe the pain but also cures it.