Cold Sore Remedy

Cold sores also known as fever blister are red, painful blisters that are filled with fluid and usually appear around the lips and in the mouth but can also occur in the genital area. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) which invades the cells of the outer skin layer; cold sores are contagious (passed through close personal contact) and will cause the affected area to become swollen from the inflammation.
Cold sores that affect the mouth and lips are symptoms of oral herpes and are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). The cold sore that occur in the genitals are typically caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2).
A cold sore outbreak usually happens in stages: the first sign of an outbreak is a tingling sensation, soreness, swelling or tautness in the area. Within three days the red painful blisters would have formed and rupture leaving the sores in a grayish color. Once the sores begin to dry out they will become covered by scabs and begin the healing process. Cold sores usually go away within fourteen days of an outbreak. Cold sores affect both adults and children and may reoccur in some cases where the outbreaks are triggered by some factor such as illness, menstruation and emotional stress. When there is no outbreak the virus remains inactive in the nerve cells.

Remedies for Cold Sores

1. Lysine is an essential amino acid that is not self-produced but can be derived from our diets or supplements. Lysine produces protein which is essential to fighting infections. Lysine has been found to inhibit the spread of the herpes simplex virus. As a natural remedy for cold sources eat foods rich in lysine such as dairy products like milk and cheese, and protein foods like red meat and fish. For more effectiveness in fighting cold sores limit your intake of chocolate, peanuts, almonds and other food sources that contain the amino acid arginine as this compete with the lysine. Lysine can also be applied to cold sores topically when used as an ointment.
2. Lemon balm is used as a topical herbal treatment for cold sores. It is a member of the mint family and considered a calming herb that aids in stress reduction, ease anxiety, promote sleep, improve appetite, and ease pain and discomfort associated with digestion. Studies show that when applied topically lemon balm may help heal lip sores associated with herpes simplex virus and reduce the associated swelling and redness.
3. Resveratrol is a chemical compound found in grapes, red wine, purple grape juice, peanuts, and some berries. Resveratrol has been found to inhibit the activity of several inflammatory enzymes. It is suggested that as a natural remedy for cold sores, resveratrol cream can be applied topically a few times daily to effectively suppress cold sore development, once applied within 6 hours after infection with the herpes virus.
4. Research reveals that peppermint oil may inhibit the reproduction of herpes. Peppermint oil is a herbal remedy that should only be applied topically to the affected areas
5. Apply zinc as a home remedy for treating cold sores. Zinc can be applied directly to cold sores to accelerate the healing process. Use the zinc oxide cream as a topical treatment or take as supplements.