Herpes cold sores are blisters caused by the herpes simplex virus. In the oral infection, the viral infection causes the herpes cold sores to first appear inside and then spread outside the mouth. Herpes cold sores are white or gray sores surrounded by red inflammation. Herpes cold sores usually affect the lips, throat, inside of the cheeks or mouth, nose, eyes or tongue.
Symptoms of herpes cold sores include swollen glands, fever, fatigue, sores on gums and sores in the mouth. The herpes simplex virus causes herpes cold sores. The virus is of two types, HSV-1 and HSV-2. While HSV-1 affects the area above the waist, HSV-2 affects the area below the waist, especially the genital region. You can get rid of recurrent sores by preventing these common causes associated with the flaring of herpes cold sores:
- Sunburn
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Sunlight
- Menstruation and intestinal upset
- Stress
Home Remedies for Herpes Cold Sores
Rubbing alcohol is among the useful home remedies for treatment of herpes cold sores. Rubbing alcohol can be applied directly on the cold sores daily. This treatment helps to get rid of painful inflammation and dries out the sores.
Ice is among other easy home remedies helpful for the treatment of pain caused by cold sores. Application of a cold compress can be a helpful home treatment that hastens recovery from painful mouth sores. This treatment provides immediate relief from discomfort.
Witch hazel is one of the proven home remedies to get rid of cold sores. Dab a sterile cotton ball with witch hazel. Applying witch hazel once or twice on the sores every day is an effective treatment to get rid of these sores.
One of the beneficial home remedies to get rid of cold sores is honey. A treatment using honey is considered highly effective to get rid of cold sores compared to other remedies. Honey helps to get rid of microbial growth and draws out fluid from filled herpes cold sores.
Lemon balm is among the effective home remedies for the treatment of cold sores. Apply lemon balm cream on the affected area to get rid of the sores and also to prevent the risk of further infection.
Application of petroleum jelly is one of the beneficial home remedies for the treatment of cold sores. A thin coat of petroleum jelly can be applied on the affected area with clean fingers.
Treatment using tea tree oil is among the helpful home remedies to get rid of cold sores. Use a sterile Q-tip to apply tea tree oil twice a day on the cold sores. The oil’s anti-inflammatory properties make it win a place among useful home remedies to get rid of viral and bacterial infection.
© Newsmax. All rights reserved.