Cold Sore Relief Using Simple Home Remedies

Cold sores are painful and unsightly. You cringe when you look in the mirror at an area on your lip the size of a small island. A cold sore won't go away instantly, or even overnight, but there is something you can do. Here are some home remedies for cold sores to ease the pain and speed healing.

Cold sores, also called fever blisters, are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1. The virus is usually acquired in childhood through contact with infected saliva. It is believed the herpes virus lies dormant in nerve cells until it is activated by a cold, anxiety, excessive exposure to the sun, or stress. They can last from 7 to 14 days.

Home Remedies for Cold Sores: Ice

When you first notice a cold sore put it on ice. It may cut down the time it hangs around. Avoid popsicles with real juice because the acid in them will irritate it. Very cold drinks, slushies and smoothies are a tasty treat while battling a cold sore.

Home Remedies for Cold Sores: Whole Milk

Grab a cotton ball, soak it in milk and apply to the area to help relieve the pain. If you apply milk as soon as you feel the tingling, it will help speed healing. The milk should sit for 10 to 15 minutes at room temperature. Once the milk has been absorbed, rinse the skin to avoid smelling like sour milk.

Home Remedies for Cold Sores: Tea Bags

Put a warm tea bag on the cold sore for 20 to 30 minutes. This will reduce the swelling and soreness. It will get rid of it within five days. Tea contains tannic acid, which is anti-viral, and goes straight to the root of cold sores.

Home Remedies for Cold Sores: Apple Cider Vinegar

Putting this on a open sore can cause a lot of stinging. To avoid the pain, use apple cider vinegar when you feel the tingling or before there are any open sores appear.

Dampen a cotton ball with some apple cider vinegar and apply to the cold sore. If you want to increase it potency, mix a little lemon juice and apple cider vinegar together.

Home Remedies for Cold Sores: Cornstarch

Mix up a cornstarch paste and apply to the cold sore. This will bring instant relief from the itching and burning.

Home Remedies for Cold Sores: Tea Tree Oil

Put tea tree oil on a cotton ball and dab liberally on the area as soon as you feel the tingle of an impending sore. The anti-bacterial properties of tea tree oil help kill the virus.

Cold sore relief using these simple home remedies will cut down the healing time or prevent them from appearing altogether.

How Stuff Works

Grandmas Home Remedies