Home remedies for treating cold sores naturally

Cold sores are one of the common types of mouth ulcer. It appears on the mouth and can make a person physically uncomfortable for its nasty appearance that can last any where from 7 to 14 days. A cold sore, also commonly called a fever blister, is caused by the herpes simplex virus and is spread from one person to another through infected bodily fluids. 

You can't stop a cold sore from coming back, but you can use several home remedies and natural treatments to reduce the discomfort and fasten the healing process.  

Although many people use the terms "cold sore" and "canker sore" interchangeably, they're different. Unlike cold sores, canker sores are bacterial infections inside the mouth that are characterized by small, round, white areas surrounded by a sharp halo of red. And while cold sores are highly contagious, canker sores are not. (For more on canker sores, see Home Remedies for Canker Sores.)

How to get rid of cold sores fast: Effective natural remedies

1) Apply petroleum jelly

Covering a cold sore with petroleum jelly will speed healing and help protect it from secondary infection with bacteria. Don't attempt to camouflage a cold sore with makeup as the chemicals in makeup can make the sore worse. Putting a local anesthetic ointment containing benzocaine on the cold sore can also help numb the pain temporarily. 

2) Check your diet

Some food can help to heal cold sore fast naturally. Foods containing lysine like- milk, lean meat, yogurt, eggs, cheese can help to cure cold sore. Also avoid foods containing arginine as it can act as a building block for HSV. Arginine is found in whole grains, seeds, nuts and chocolate. 

Eat to boost your immune system and help your body to fight off the virus. Include plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables in your diet daily. Some of the best choices for boosting the immune system are cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts, broccoli, onion and garlic. Food that contains antioxidants are highly recommended to wipe out bacterial outbreak.

3) Change your tooth brush

Get a new toothbrush as the blister has formed and again buy a new one after the attack has cleared up. Toothbrushes can harbor the virus. Consult your health care provider if you have frequent or severe cold sores. In some cases, an antiviral medication called acyclovir can be prescribed.

4) Try Garlic

If you can tolerate the smell and a little burning sensation when applied, cut a garlic clove into halves, crush one-half and apply it on the affected area, leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat the process three to five times a day. Garlic has enzymes that work as antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal agents that help treat cold sores. In addition, it acts as an anti-inflammatory and reduces swelling and inflammation.

5) Apply Ice

Ice helps reduce the swelling, redness, and pain caused by a cold sore.Wrap an ice cube in a clean washcloth. Place it over your cold sore for 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat the application regularly. The herpes virus requires a moist, warm environment to grow. Cool the sore and keep it from warming back up to prevent it from growing bigger and to speed up healing.

6) Apply lemon balm

Lemon balm has anti-viral properties that work best against the blister HSV virus. Use frequently to get rid of cold sores fast and overnight.

7) Orange Oil

Use orange oil around the blisters 3-4 times daily. It is widely used as insect eliminator, and is used for killing termites. It helps to kill the virus around the fever blisters.

8) Tea Tree Oil 

Soak soft cotton in tea tree oil then apply softly on the blisters. Let dry it up and use twice daily. See the magic.

9) Salt

Mix a pinch in a little tooth past and apply on your cold sore to heal faster.

10) Green tea
Another tea that's shown to be effective at combating cold sores, green tea is rich in an antioxidant called epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG, which is thought to have antiviral properties. Drink 2-3 cup a day or apply a green tea compress tropically on your cold sore to heal it fast.

11) Prevent it
Prevention is truly better than cure. One should avoid cold sores as possible. A person should be entirely aware of the dangers of herpes virus. One should avoid kissing a person who is suspected to have cold sores. Observing is a vital tool for this. Knowing your partner is also a must. Avoid having sexual relations to person who have practice polygamy. You may never know that he or she has a cold sore. Do not have sex with a person who is known to have genital herpes, you may not just acquire it genitally but the possibility of oral transmission is there.

Triggering factors, as much as possible, should be avoided or controlled. Avoid too much sun exposure. Live a stress free life or just simply control stress and make it into a positive vibe. Practice strict adherence to washing of hands, by this you are one step away from acquiring and transmitting cold sores. A very significant action to prevent cold sores is making oneself healthy. Boosting your immune system would save or reduce you to risks of cold sore formation.

These remedies are very effective to help you get rid of cold sores fast. If you have tried any other remedy that helped you heal, please share it in comments.