What Helps a Cold Sore At Home?

Cold sores are the unsightly blemishes caused by the herpes simplex virus. Cold sores can appear around the mouth or nasal area and are contagious. They are uncomfortable, unattractive and generally unpleasant. The cold sore is incurable, but there are way of overcoming the symptoms.
  1. Ice

    • Ice effectively relieves symptoms and is found in the average home. Rubbing ice on the cold sore repeatedly every hour can reduce size and redness. Ice can also prevent other cold sores growing.

    Tea bags

    • Using tea bags on a cold sore is also a popular home remedy. Pressing a warm tea bag against the cold sore releases the tannic acid inside the tea bag and prevents growth and development of the cold sores. This should be repeated for five days.

    Common salt

    • Powdered common salt can be used to remove cold sores. Applied with a moist finger, cotton swab or cotton pad, the powdered salt will work to shrink the cold sore until it disappears fully.

    Herbs

    • Typical household herbs can help fight the symptoms of a cold sore. Sage, tea tree, ginger and violet can be incorporated into a diet to help reduce the symptoms of the cold sore.

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