Cold sores are caused by the Herpes Simplex virus.
Actually, two strains of the Herpes virus can be responsible
for an outbreak of cold sores – HSV 1 and HSV
2. Usually, the former kind is the cause of cold sores.
Generally HSV 1 is the culprit behind oral herpes
while HSV 2 is responsible for genital herpes. However,
both have the potential of affecting any part of the
body.
Cold sores have bothered the human community for
ages. Men too have been fighting back against them
from time immemorial. As a result, more cold
sore treatments have been discovered than synthetic
or medicinal ones. These home remedies for cold sores,
which as the name suggests, can be found in homes
and do not require any special or complex formulation,
are surprisingly effective in reducing the symptoms
of cold sores and eventually, eliminating them completely.
These cold sore home remedies, along with some degree
of common sense and exercise of personal hygiene,
are usually all that is needed to get quick relief
from cold sores. As the Herpes Simplex virus is particularly
contagious, cold sores can quickly spread through
careless contact with an infected person. Actions
such as hugging and kissing will therefore transfer
the virus from the infected person to a healthy person.
Apart from these simple precautions that should be
taken to stop the migration of the virus, here are
a few simple but effective home remedies that can
be taken to find relief from cold sores.
Breaking a sore and dabbing witch hazel or alcohol
on it to dry it often helps. One simple procedure
involves dipping the finger, which has been moistened
with water, in powdered common salt and pressing on
the sore for about 30 seconds using a gentle, uniform
pressure. This can give good results. Aloe Vera gel
or oil can also be applied topically on the sores.
Lemon balm extract has been found to help in reducing
the symptoms and accelerate healing.
Zinc is another popular agent in controlling cold
sores. Applied topically, zinc has often sped up the
healing process. Crushed zinc tablets and water, when
applied topically on the sores, speed up the healing
process and help in the fast disappearance of the
symptoms.
Ice is also a very good home remedy for finding quick
relief from cold sores. Rubbing a piece of ice on
the infected area for a few minutes will reduce the
discomfort associated with an outbreak like magic.
This process can be safely repeated every hour, multiple
times. Another topical application involves using
tea bags. Pressing a warm tea bag on the sores for
approximately 30 minutes has often produced very encouraging
results.
At all times, it is necessary to bear in mind that
a weak immune system is detrimental to the healing
of cold sores. In other words, weaker the immune system,
more time is required by the sores to heal. It is
therefore advisable to boost the immune system and
keep it working fine.
