Get Rid of a Cold Sore with Home Remedies

Cold sores are caused by a viral infection known as type-1 herpes simplex virus.[1] Cold sores can occur on many different parts of the body but are most common around the lips, cheeks, nose, and, on rare occasions, in the eye. Nearly 50 to 90 percent of people carry the virus, but many never experience or become aware of the symptoms. Cold sores usually heal on their own within two to four weeks, but since they can be both painful and embarrassing, you might find yourself wanting to speed the healing process up as much as possible. While most home remedies do not have the support of firm scientific evidence, there are many that are anecdotally considered effective in treating a cold sore.

Steps

Using Natural Treatments

  1. Use hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide has antiseptic and antiviral properties that can help reduce inflammation and fight away the viral infection causing the cold sore.[2]
    • Soak a cotton ball or cotton swab in one teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide and hold it directly over the cold sore for five minutes. Rinse your face gently with cold water afterwards, and throw away the used cotton ball.
    • Make sure not to ingest the hydrogen peroxide as you apply it.
  2. Use petroleum jelly or honey. Protect your cold sore by covering it with medicated petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, after it has drained. This will help keep the sore moist and prevent your skin from cracking, essentially providing a protective seal over the sore as it heals.[3]
    • Do not use your fingers to apply the jelly, as you can spread the virus to your fingertips. Instead use a cotton ball or swab to apply the jelly as needed until the sore heals.
    • If you do not have any petroleum jelly on hand, you could use a little honey. Honey has antiviral and antibacterial properties that can protect the cold sore against additional threats while also fighting the underlying virus.[4] Apply a little honey using a cotton swab and cover the site of the cold sore completely.
  3. Apply an ice cube to the cold sore. Hold an ice cube or ice pack directly on the cold sore for a few minutes to reduce inflammation and numb pain. If you're using an ice cube, consider wrapping in a towel for your own comfort. Press the icy surface to the cold sore until the cold has numbed the pain and remove it shortly after. Do not leave on for extended periods of time. Repeat this procedure once every one to three hours.[3][5]
    • Note that you should only do this when the cold sore is new. If the cold sore has already broken open, ice could actually hinder the healing process by slowing down blood flow (with its corresponding healing properties) to the lesion.
  4. Try echinacea. Echinacea tea is believed to strengthen the immune system, thereby assisting your body's natural immune response as it fights the cold sore. Steep 1 bag of Echinacea tea in one cup (250 ml) freshly boiled water for 10 minutes. Drink when ready. Drink this tea once a day until the cold sore clears.[6]
    • You could also take 300 mg of echinacea supplements up to four times a day to boost your immunity.
    • Do not give echinacea to your child without consulting your doctor or a pediatrician first.
    • People with autoimmune diseases, diabetes, tuberculosis, connective tissue disorders, multiple sclerosis, liver disorders, HIV or AIDS should use echinacea with caution.
    • People allergic to plants in the daisy family may also be allergic to echinacea.
  5. Use lemon balm. Research widely supports the use of lemon balm as a remedy for reducing redness and inflammation in cold sores while also decreasing the risk of recurrent infections. Lemon balm is also used to help treat insomnia, anxiety and indigestion. Lemon balm contains eugenol which calms muscle spasms, relaxes tissues and kills bacteria. Essential oils made from lemon balm leaves contain plant chemicals called terpenes which may also play a role in the herb's relaxing and antiviral effects. Lemon balm is available as a dietary supplement, topical cream, tincture, and herbal tea at most nutrition and herbal medicine stores.[3][7]
    • Apply lemon balm ointment to the area affected with cold sores up to three times a day. Alternatively, make lemon balm tea by steeping a ¼ teaspoon of dried lemon balm in one cup of warm water (80–85ºC) for three to five minutes. Strain and drink immediately without adding any sweetener. Additionally, you can put 1 teaspoon of lemon balm tea on a cotton ball and apply to your cold sore.
    • Topical application of lemon balm cream is considered safe for children. You should speak with your healthcare provider or a pediatrician to determine the recommended usage for your child or infant.
  6. Try applying a natural oil or extract. Certain natural oils and extracts have antiseptic properties, and when applied directly to the cold sore, can combat the virus causing it. Others have astringent properties, so they can dry the area out and prevent infection from setting in and worsening the sore.[8]
    • Peppermint oil can target viruses that escape from the site of infection, making it useful against cold sores.[9] Dip a cotton swab in peppermint oil and apply the oil to your cold sore. Do this twice a day until the sore clears.
    • Witch hazel oil is an astringent and an antiseptic. Soak a cotton swab in one teaspoon (5 ml) of witch hazel and apply it directly to the cold sore. Do not rinse it off. Apply this cure once or twice a day.
    • Real vanilla extract is alcohol-based and makes it difficult for the virus to survive. Soak a cotton swab in 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) of vanilla extract and press it directly on the sore, holding it in place for a minute or two. Do this up to four times a day.
    • Both tea tree oil and garlic oil can help the healing process by keeping cold sores soft. A soft cold sore is less likely to split open. Dab a little of either oil directly onto the cold sore once or twice a day.
  7. Apply a rhubarb and sage ointment. Research suggests that applying a topical cream made of 23mg/g each of rhubarb extract and sage extract is as effective as prescription medications in healing cold sores.[10][11] Look for this at natural health stores. Simply squeeze a pea-sized amount of the ointment onto a cotton swab or cotton ball and apply to the cold sore.
    • Ask your doctor if rhubarb and sage are safe for infants and children under 5 years before use.
  8. Make a licorice ointment. Glycyrrhizic acid, which is found in licorice root, is the key ingredient here. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties and can help relieve symptoms and stop the production of the virus.[8]
    • Combine one tablespoon (15 ml) of licorice root powder or extract with 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) water or two teaspoons (10 ml) of petroleum jelly. Dab this cream onto the cold sore, covering it completely, and let it sit for several hours or even overnight, ideally.
    • Another option is to mix the licorice root powder with petroleum jelly, which has its own healing properties. In this case, start by mixing one teaspoon of the petroleum jelly with the licorice root. Then, add more petroleum until to get the consistency you want.
  9. Use cold dairy products. Both cold milk and cold yogurt are believed to have some usefulness against cold sores. Milk contains antibodies that can fight off viruses, and lysine, which can fight arginine, a certain amino acid that can cause cold sore outbreaks. Soak a cotton ball in one tablespoon (15 ml) of cold milk and apply it directly to the cold sore for a couple of minutes.[8]
    • The probiotics in yogurt can help fight the herpes virus causing the cold sore. Dab a little plain yogurt directly onto the cold sore, or eat two to three cups of non-fat yogurt daily during an outbreak.[12]
  10. Apply some aloe vera gel. Aloe vera can soothe the pain of a cold sore (among many other skin irritations) and fight the bacteria threatening to infect the sore and worsen your condition. It can also help speed up the healing process.[8]
    • Apply 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) aloe vera gel directly to the cold sore using a cotton swab. Let it stay on. The best gel is the one right from the plant, which is easy to find and lasts for a long time. Break off a fleshy leaf and apply the gel right to your cold sore.
    • If you can't find an aloe plant, buy a good quality and 100% natural aloe vera gel at a pharmacy or other drug store.

Making Dietary Changes

  1. Avoid inflammatory foods. Certain foods can slow down the body’s healing process, impair the immune system, and increase inflammation. These should especially be avoided by people with autoimmune diseases, people taking medications for heart, lung or digestive conditions and those who have recently had a cold, cough or fever. If you have a cold sore, you should also avoid these foods that can cause chronic inflammation:[13]
    • Refined carbohydrates, such as white bread, pastries and donuts
    • Fried, fatty foods
    • Sugar-sweetened beverages, such as soda or energy drinks.
    • Red meat such as veal, ham or steak, and processed meats such as hot dogs
    • Margarine, shortening and lard
  2. Follow a Mediterranean diet. While some foods can cause inflammation, certain foods can actually help to reduce inflammation. A Mediterranean-style mainly consists of these inflammation-reducing foods, including:[13]
    • Fruits, such as strawberries, cherries and oranges
    • Nuts, like almonds and walnuts
    • Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach or kale which are high in antioxidants
    • Fatty, Omega-3-rich fish, like salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines
    • Whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa, millet, oatmeal, and flax seed
    • Olive or canola oil
  3. Avoid arginine-rich foods. The herpes simplex virus requires arginine, an essential amino acid found in many foods, for its metabolism. Experts suggest that reducing the intake of arginine-rich foods from your diet may help control the occurrence and recurrence of cold sores, while also reducing inflammation in existing cold sores.[3].
    • Arginine-rich foods include chocolate, cola, peas, refined grain cereals, gelatin, peanuts, cashews and beer.
  4. Consume more vitamin C. Strengthening your immunity against viruses and bacteria will help your body heal faster and avoid future infections. Research has shown that vitamin C plays a vital role as an antioxidant and promotes immune functions, lowers the risk of developing various diseases, aids in healing, and improves the skin’s natural appearance. Vitamin C can be taken as a dietary supplement (1000 mg/day) or by adding vitamin C-rich foods to your diet. It's very easy to get vitamin-C through food - just eat more fruits and vegetables! Good natural sources of vitamin C are:[14]
    • Sweet red or green peppers
    • Citrus, such as oranges, pomelo, grapefruit, limes or non-concentrated citrus juices
    • Spinach, broccoli and brussel sprouts
    • Berries, including strawberries and raspberries
    • Tomatoes
  5. Use garlic. Garlic has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that can help speed up the healing process. It is also rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin B6, vitamin C, and manganese, which help boost immunity against infections such as herpes.[15][16]
    • Garlic is best taken as a raw clove to release alliin. Each clove is approximately one gram. To make it more edible, you can also crush the garlic into a spoonful of honey or olive oil. This natural treatment will help strengthen your immune system and reduce the likelihood of recurrent sores.
    • For a topical ointment, you can make a paste by crushing two to four cloves of garlic and applying it to your cold sore with a cotton ball for 10 to 15 minutes. This may cause slight stinging and have a sharp smell, but the antiviral properties of garlic help disinfect the site and reduce the healing time.
    • Note that too much garlic intake may cause bad breath and low blood pressure, so limit your intake to two to four cloves of garlic a day. Garlic should not be used prior to surgery or if you have a bleeding disorder. If you experience side effects such as bloating, fatigue, loss of appetite, muscle aches, vertigo, allergies such as an asthmatic reaction, skin rashes and skin lesions, stop using garlic and see your doctor immediately.
  6. Use zinc. Zinc is an essential trace mineral found in many foods that you eat on a regular basis to keep your immune system strong. Zinc has antioxidant properties that help protect cells in the body from bacteria and viruses, such as the herpes simplex virus. It’s common to have slightly low levels of zinc, but taking a multivitamin and eating a healthy diet should give you all the zinc you need. The best dietary sources of zinc are oysters, shellfish, red meats, poultry, cheese, shrimp, and crab.[17]
    • You could also try a zinc ointment to sooth the cold sore and speed up the healing process. Simply put a small amount onto a cotton ball and apply to the cold sore for three to five minutes, up to two to three times daily.
    • Zinc is available as supplement and is in many multivitamin capsules. Speak with your doctor before taking zinc supplements. If you have a digestive problem, such as acid reflux, consider using more easily absorbed forms of zinc such as zinc picolinate, zinc citrate, zinc acetate, zinc glycerate, and zinc monomethionine. The amount of zinc is listed on the product label (usually 30 to 50 mg). To determine the amount to take in supplement form, remember that you can get about 10 to 15 mg from food. The recommended daily allowance for adults is 8 to 11 mg. You should not take high doses of zinc for more than a few days unless your doctor tells you to.
  7. Take lysine supplements. Lysine is an essential amino acid obtained through dietary sources, such as salmon, tuna, chicken, non-fat milk, parmesan cheese, soybeans, eggs, lentils, sprouts, kidney beans, chickpeas and quinoa. You can also take lysine supplements. People who have more than three cold sores a year should supplement their daily diet with 2000–3000 mg of lysine to reduce the occurrence of cold sores over the long term. Take 1000 mg of lysine three times a day on an empty stomach. Do not take it with milk.[18][3]
    • Do not take lysine without consulting your healthcare provider, especially if you have high cholesterol or heart disease.

Making Lifestyle Changes

  1. Sleep upright. If you have a cold sore, prop a few pillows behind your head at bedtime to let gravity help the blisters drain. Otherwise, fluid may settle in sore during the night.[3]
    • The pillow for your head should support the natural curve of your neck and be comfortable. A pillow that's too high can put your neck into a position that causes muscle strain on your back, neck, and shoulders. Choose a pillow that will keep the neck aligned with the chest and lower back.
  2. Exercise regularly. Exercising several times a week or - even better - every day can help boost your immune system, thereby reducing the risk of recurring outbreaks of cold sores. Even mild to moderate exercises such as walking, yoga, and stretching have incredible general benefits, in addition to reducing the recovery period and alleviating your cold sore symptoms.[3]
    • Regular exercise also reduces the risk of infection over the long term besides elevating your mood to decrease stress levels. A daily 30 to 45 minute workout with moderate intensity exercises such as brisk walking, jogging and swimming is recommended.
    • Consider consulting with a physician to help you come up with a personalized exercise plan.
  3. Use sunblock and lip balm. Moderate sun exposure is beneficial for your immune system due to the increased production of vitamin D. However, one of the most common triggers of cold sores is sunlight, so regularly using sunblock and a lip balm with an SPF (sun protection factor) when you head outside can help reduce the risk of cold sore breakouts. To protect your skin from sun damage, use a non-comedogenic sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30.[19]
    • Some chemicals in sunscreens may cause allergies, so it's best to consult with a dermatologist to find the sunscreen that’s right for you.
  4. Manage your stress. Cold sore breakouts can increase stress and cause low self-esteem, anxiety and depression. By the same token, stress weakens our immune system and thus makes us more susceptible to developing viral infections, including herpes simplex. Some ways to manage stress include:[5]
    • Try journalling. Set aside time to write down your thoughts every day, even just for 10 to 20 minutes. Keeping a journal can be a great stress reliever in that it helps you to organize your thoughts, offer clarity, and facilitate problem solving.[20]
    • Listening to music is an effective stress reducer in both healthy individuals and people with health problems. Research finds that listening to soothing music can decrease blood pressure, heart rate, and anxiety.
    • Make time for recreation. Set aside time each week to do things you enjoy and find relaxing, whether it be yoga, reading, cooking, sewing, or what have you.
    • Try relaxation and meditation techniques, like yoga, deep breathing, and tai chi. Meditation can help reduce blood pressure, chronic pain, anxiety, and lower cholesterol levels, thereby promoting physical and emotional well-being. For a simple meditation exercise, sit with your legs crossed in a quiet environment and take slow, deep breaths for at least five to ten minutes. Try to get at least 5 minutes of meditation time every day to help keep your stress in-check.
  5. Avoid kissing and oral sex. Since the herpes simplex virus is highly contagious, you should avoid kissing or engaging in oral sex during an outbreak (i.e., when you have a cold sore) until it is fully healed. Engaging in oral sex can spread the herpes virus to the genitals and it's possible to contract type-2 herpes simplex from an infected person. Herpes outbreaks are not always obvious and your partner may be contagious without you knowing it.[5][21]
    • Anyone involved in an ongoing sexual relationship with a partner infected with herpes simplex should get counselling from their healthcare practitioner on how to stay safe.

Maintaining Personal Hygiene

  1. Avoid touching the sore. When you experience pain due to inflammation, you may want to squeeze or pick at your sore. Touching your cold sore or making skin-to-skin contact with others can cause the viral infection to spread to your fingertips, known as herpes whitlow. Picking at the sore can also slow down the healing process, making it last longer and increasing the risk of the infection spreading to other parts of your body.[22]
  2. Wash your hands frequently. When you have a cold sore, you should wash your hands carefully before touching your face and making contact with other people, especially babies, as herpes simplex can quickly spread this way.[22]
    • One option is to keep a hand sanitizer or moist wipes with you when heading out of your home or at work so you can keep your hands clean on the go.
  3. Do not share food items. Avoid sharing items such as foods, utensils, towels, lip balm, toothbrushes, and other items that can spread the virus between people when blisters are present. Bacteria and viruses quickly bind to surfaces and are transferred to and from others this way, making your cold sore last longer or making the symptoms worse. Also avoid keeping your utensils and personal items in excessive humidity, as the moist environment allows bacteria to thrive.[22]
  4. Use a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Use a tissue when you sneeze or cough to avoid spreading germs through the air and avoid letting other bacteria or viruses into your lungs when you inhale.[23]
    • If you don’t have a tissue on hand, sneeze or cough into your elbow rather than cupping your hands over your face, which only spreads germs to your hands.
  5. Keep your toothbrush clean. Wash your toothbrush before and after every use to keep bacteria from accumulating on the bristles. When you have a cold sore, keep your toothbrush in a separate container if you share your household with others.[24]
    • Never share your toothbrush with anyone as this can spread germs and disease-causing bacteria into your mouth and theirs.
    • Do not cover toothbrushes or store them in a closed container. Enclosure in a dark, damp environment can promote bacterial growth.
    • Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, and immediately after you recover from a cold sore, cold, cough or sore throat. For extra precaution, dip your toothbrush in one fluid oz. of hydrogen peroxide or alcohol-based mouth rinse for three to five minutes to kill any remaining bacteria on the bristles.

Warnings

  • Do not attempt to mask a cold sore with cosmetics. Cosmetics can actually aggravate the cold sore further and slow down the healing process.

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cold-sore/basics/definition/con-20021310
  2. ↑ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003059.htm
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 Editors of Prevention, (2010),The Doctors Book of Home Remedies: Quick Fixes, Clever Techniques, and Uncommon Cures to Get You Feeling Better Fast, ISBN: 1605298662
  4. ↑ http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212962614000467
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/herpes-simplex-virus
  6. ↑ http://umm.edu/health/medical-reference-guide/complementary-and-alternative-medicine-guide/herb/echinacea
  7. ↑ http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/lemon-balm
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 http://everydayroots.com/cold-sore-remedies
  9. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17091431
  10. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cold-sore/basics/alternative-medicine/con-20021310
  11. ↑ Saller R, Buechi S, Meyrat R, et al. Combined herbal preparation for topical treatment of Herpes labialis. Forsch Komplementarmed Klass Naturheilkd. 2001;8:373-382.
  12. ↑ http://fiveremedies.com/infections/cold-sore-home-remedies/
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 http://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/foods-that-fight-inflammation
  14. ↑ http://umm.edu/health/medical/ency/articles/vitamin-c
  15. ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1470664
  16. ↑ http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/garlic
  17. ↑ http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/zinc
  18. ↑ http://www.healwithfood.org/coldsores/
  19. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cold-sore/in-depth/health-tip/art-20048777
  20. ↑ http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/journaling_to_reduce_stress
  21. ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0069184/
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cold-sore/basics/prevention/con-20021310
  23. ↑ http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/hygiene/etiquette/coughing_sneezing.html
  24. ↑ http://www.ada.org/en/about-the-ada/ada-positions-policies-and-statements/statement-on-toothbrush-care-cleaning-storage-and-

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