An important day is around the corner and your lip is starting to itch and hurt uncomfortably? Herpes never asks if it’s right for you and usually appears at the least pleasant moment. Join us as we go over some hints and tips on how to get rid of a cold sore fast, and what works effectively to prevent it.
What is a cold sore?
Have you developed a painful boil on your lip? It’s most likely to be a classic cold sore. Most often it forms around the lips, but cold sores on the nose or other more sensitive areas are no exception. The spot may burn, sting or hurt uncomfortably at first, turn red and soon develop small, watery blisters. Not only do they hurt a lot, but they don’t look nice at all.
Hives is a highly contagious viral disease caused by herpesviruses – that is why it is sometimes also referred to as herpes. They are quite common in our bodies, but under certain conditions they can manifest themselves unpleasantly.
How to cure herpes?
As with most diseases, prevention is the key, but more on that below. If we already have a known unpleasant sensation around the lip, we need to act quickly and stop cold sores in their infancy.
We can buy anti-viral ointments or gels at the pharmacy, which will quickly treat the cold sore and also cool the area pleasantly. If you suffer from cold sores repeatedly, always keep one on hand, it really is most effective at the first signs
Do you suffer from cold sores often and even prevention doesn’t help? Or can you not get rid of it for a long time? Have your doctor prescribe antiviral tablets, which are not just topical and are much more effective.
6 tips for cold sores
Do you prefer natural medicine? Rely on the advice of our grandmothers and other products that can help you treat cold sores.
1. Tea tree oil
A wonderful home remedy for a variety of ailments is definitely the popular tea tree oil in high quality. And it will help us with cold sores too. Regularly rub it on the cold sore, ideally with a cotton bud. Tea tree oil will dry the cold sore and speed up its healing. Thanks to its disinfectant and antiviral effects, it will also prevent the spread of the cold sore.
2. All-Powerful Garlic
As with many ailments, garlic can help with cold sores. Put a freshly cut slice of garlic on the cold sore and leave it on for a few minutes. But beware, garlic essential oils are very strong and can irritate more delicate skin. So proceed with caution and rinse the area with cold water if irritation occurs.
3. Try onions
It’s not for nothing that onions are said to be garlic’s little sister. You can use it in a similar way to garlic, or you can rub it with onion juice. Again, do not leave the onion on for more than 10 minutes.
4. Bet on B
Vitamin B is known for its effective support of the immune system and can quickly fight off viruses. While dietary supplements high in vitamin B will have the fastest effect, we can also supplement with vitamin B in a completely natural way. Have a yeast spread for breakfast and include almond yeast, legumes, offal, nuts or poultry meat in your diet. For the men, order a glass of beer containing brewer’s yeast.
5. Cook your thyme
Thyme works great for coughs and a variety of ailments. Our grandmothers used to make a thyme decoction for cold sores. However, since a cold sore should breathe so that the blisters dry out and heal faster, we recommend not to cover the site with a compress, but to rub the thyme decoction on the cold sore regularly.
6. Scented licorice
Licorice root is often recommended for the treatment of cold sores. This is because it contains glycyrrhizinic acid, which effectively destroys herpesviruses. You can buy the dried root directly and mix it lightly with petroleum jelly or another base. However, licorice in this case is suitable only for short-term use.
Why do cold sores occur?
Scalds – and certainly not just the one on the lip – can of course be caught, so to speak. As we have already written, herpesviruses are highly contagious. We can therefore transmit them from an infected person not only by kissing or other contact, but also, for example, after drinking from the same glass or using the same towel.
But HSV can also stay in us for a long time. If all is well, it does not manifest itself and just waits for its opportunity. Then all it takes is one of the triggers, which include:
- decreased immunity due to the flu or a long-term illness
- increased stress – we often get a cold sore before an important interview or as a result of a long-term stressful period
- poor lifestyle – wasted nights, lack of sleep or alcohol can be quick triggers
- sun damage to the skin, but also sunburn or excessive tanning
- hormonal changes or allergic reactions
How to prevent cold sores
Avoid all of the above triggers. But it’s clear to us that stress is hard to avoid in these hectic times. So if you know you’re in for a challenging time or have had a cold or flu, avoid sugar, sweets and junk food. Instead, include foods rich in vitamin B in your diet and try to take it easy. Thorough and regular personal hygiene is a must.
Tip at the end – Hands off
Never touch a cold sore. Even if it itches or burns, forget about rubbing and scratching. It will only make the cold sore worse and may spread. Never try to puncture or remove the blisters, you can easily get an infection and the healing time will be even longer.
If you are going to rub a cold sore with a medicated product, always use a cotton bud to do so and throw it away immediately. And of course, don’t forget to wash your hands thoroughly and frequently. You don’t want to accidentally spread herpes to other parts of your body or infect your loved ones.
