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Fast Remedies for Cold Sores

Cold sores, also called fever blisters, are caused by the same virus family as genital herpes, but are from a different strain. By adulthood, 30 to 90 percent of people carry the herpes simplex virus type 1 infection. There are over-the-counter and prescription medications for cold sores as well as nutritional approaches and home remedies.

  1. Cold Sores

    • Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1, or HSV-1 while herpes simplex virus type 2 usually causes genital herpes. Either type 1 or type 2 virus can create facial or genital sores, according to Mayo Clinic. Symptoms of cold sores appear 3 to 10 days after exposure and can last as long as three weeks. Following the first outbreak, the virus lies dormant in the body until triggered by a cold or other viral infection, sun or wind exposure, fever, stress, menstruation, high levels of the amino acid arginine or a depressed immune system. The sores are very contagious, so contact with others should be avoided when sores are active. When a cold sore is just starting, you may feel a prickling or itchiness around the affected area. Then comes swelling, redness, blisters and a hard crust. They most commonly appear on your lips but sometimes on your nostrils, chin, fingers or inside your mouth.

    Home Remedies

    • According to "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies," a number of remedies help heal cold sores. First, keep the area clean and dry except for applying petroleum jelly to protect it. Use a fresh cotton swab each time you dab it. Replace your toothbrush, which the virus can live in for days, possibly reinfecting you after your present sore begins to heal. A water-based zinc solution applied in the very beginning of tingling can shorten the duration of the sore. Zinc gluconate, available in health food stores, keeps the virus from getting the DNA to help it reproduce. Reach for some ice when you feel a sore coming on, to decrease inflammation. Pay attention to what is happening in your life right before an outbreak. High stress levels affect the immune system. Use relaxation and visualization exercises to de-stress yourself. Check with your doctor before using any home remedies.

    Other Treatments

    • Topical treatments which may provide some relief from cold sores include lidocaine and benzocaine. Oral antiviral medications, which could shorten the duration of the sores if started early, include acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir. If you have cold sores frequently, ask your doctor for a prescription for an antiviral medication to prevent their recurrence, especially if you anticipate being exposed to a known trigger.

    Prevention

    • Avoid foods high in arginine, which is a trigger for cold sores, and includes chocolate, grains, peanuts, seeds, peas, grain cereals, gelatin, cashews and beer. Garlic is good to include in the diet because of its antibiotic properties The amino acid, lysine, has a positive effect on the body's immune system. "Prescription for Nutritional Healing" recommends 500 mg twice daily for prevention of cold sores. Do not kiss or have skin contact with people while you have blisters; keep from sharing personal items such as towels, silverware and lip balm with infected people. If you are infected, keep your hands clean and avoid touching other parts of your body, especially eyes and genitalia. Use sunblock before prolonged sun exposure.

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