The herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores or fever blisters attack the body when your immune system is weak, thus, one important aspect in treating cold sores is to strengthen your immune system.
Cold sores are highly contagious and it may even affect the genitals if an infected person performs oral sex to an uninfected one, and although the symptoms may disappear in a few days or weeks, there is actually no cure for cold sores. The herpes simplex virus merely stays inactive in the body. However, there are home remedies that you can use in treating cold sores, easing the soreness and stopping them from spreading in other parts of your body or to another person.
* Tea has antiviral properties that may help prevent more infection in the lesions. You can steep a tea bag in boiling water, and after letting it cool, you can apply it on the sores 10 minutes every hour on the onset of the skin blisters.
* Ice can also lessen the pain in cold sores and prevent the cold sores from getting bigger when you apply ice on the onset of the skin blisters. You can use an ice pack to keep it in place and prevent the ice from moving around the affected area. Apply it 10 minutes every hour.
* Lemon balm extract also has antiviral properties that will help soothe and heal the blisters and minimizes outbreaks of herpes virus.
* Aloe vera has been a popular plant to heal skin problems and studies have shown that it can help in treating cold sores and other oral problems as it can reduce the burning and itching sensation caused by the blisters. You can cut a plant in half and directly apply its juice on the blisters. The aloe vera plant is also easy to grow, so you can also have a potted aloe plant near your window for a readily available home remedy not only for cold sores but also for other skin problems.
There may be other herbs and natural remedies available for cold sores but always take extra precaution in applying them. Although they are from natural sources, you should also find information on the proper application.
It is important to note that when your cold sores disappear, there are possibilities of its recurrence in a month or a year after. The herpes simplex virus may not be active but it remains in the body and recurs when the immune system is weak. Therefore, it is always important to take care of your body, get enough sleep and exercise to boost your immune system. You should also avoid the factors that may trigger the attack of the virus. Here are some things you can do to prevent the recurrence of cold sores.
* Wear sunscreen and lip balm with sunscreen.
* Replace your toothbrush
* Avoid sex and kissing with someone who has the sores.
* Combat stress by exercising, meditation or relaxation, getting enough sleep and rest.
* Avoid sharing items with a person with cold sores,
Treating cold sores may not exactly mean eradicating the herpes virus that cause the problem but it can help a lot that you prevent them from attacking your body as well as prevent them in annoying you with its embarrassing symptoms.
Author Resource:-
Carolyn Anderson likes to share natural ways in treating common diseases. To learn more about home remedies for cold sores, check out how to eliminate cold sores in 3 days. Also check out Psoriasis Miracle Breakthrough for natural ways to get rid of psoriasis.
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