Cold sores are caused by a type of Herpes Simplex virus known as HSV-1. The disease is manifested in the form of small painful ulcers around the mouth and lips. Cold sores are also known as fever blisters and are a common ailment. This virus is similar (but not the same) as the virus that causes genital herpes, namely HSV-2. Although they are different viruses, they can be found on the lips and genital area. Those infected with one of these viruses can also spread the virus through intimate personal contact during kissing, oral sex, or oral contact.
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Method 1 of 5: Cure Cold Sore Through Diet
Step 1. Eat foods rich in lysine
Lysine is an amino acid that some studies suggest can help treat and prevent cold sores by blocking arginine, another amino acid needed for viral growth. Foods rich in lysine include fish, meat (poultry, lamb, beef), dairy products, bean sprouts, and beans.
You can also take lysine supplements. The recommended dose is usually 500-1000 mg per day and taken on an empty stomach. The safe dosage limit for lysine is less than 3000 mg per day, so it's best not to take more than the recommended amount
Step 2. Avoid foods that are high in arginine
Arginine is also an amino acid, but serves as a building block for the herpes virus, while helping it to spread itself. The highest arginine content is found in whole grains, seeds, nuts, and chocolate.
Step 3. Stay away from acidic foods
This is very important, especially if the food will come into contact with the cold sore when eaten. The herpes virus thrives in an acidic environment, so it's important to keep all acidic foods away from cold sores. Acidic foods to avoid include oranges, tomatoes, and anything containing vinegar.
Step 4. Take a daily zinc supplement
Zinc can help boost the immune system and help prevent future cold sores. The recommended dose to help boost the immune system is 10 mg/day for adult men and women, while for children you should consult a pediatrician.
In addition there is a zinc cream that can be used. For example, Virunderim gel, which contains 10% zinc sulfate. You can use this cream for up to twelve days when you notice cold sore symptoms to help shorten the duration of the illness
Step 5. Eat foods that can boost your immune system and help your body fight viruses
Do not forget to add lots of fresh fruits and vegetables in your daily diet. Some of the best choices for boosting the immune system are cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts, broccoli, onions and garlic.
Method 2 of 5: Home Remedies
Step 1. Apply ice to the cold sore as soon as you feel the marks will form
Repeat this process regularly. In order to thrive, the herpes virus needs a warm, moist environment. Cool the cold sore and prevent it from getting warm again to prevent it from getting bigger and also speed up the healing process.
Step 2. Apply lemon balm or lemon extract directly on cold sores
Wet a cotton swab with lemon balm and apply on cold sores, do it 2 to 3 times a day.
Step 3. Make a treatment from a mixture of salt, milk and lemon juice
Add a little lemon juice and milk to the salt. The acid in the lemon juice is buffered by the proteins in the milk, so it won't be overpowering. Round the mixture like a ball. Apply on cold sores once a day. After application, gently apply aloe on cold sores.
Step 4. Apply salt to cold sores
Moisturize your fingers and dip them in table salt. Place your salt-coated finger on the cold sore and press gently for 30 seconds so the salt has a chance to seep into the cold sore. Wash your hands with warm water and soap after touching cold sores.
Step 5. Stick the tea bag on the cold sore
Steep the tea bag in hot water, allow it to cool, then place the wet bag on a cold afternoon for 5 to 10 minutes. Use a new tea bag and repeat the process every 1 to 2 hours.
Method 3 of 5: Treating with Herbs
Step 1. Use an oil such as lavender oil or melissa oil
Both are known to speed up the healing of cold sores. Apply the oil on cold sores several times a day.
Step 2. Use herbal remedies
- Apply Saint John's wort topically to cold sores several times a day, carefully following the directions on the package. Saint John's wort topical medications should only be used externally, and should not be used in conjunction with other Saint John's wort medications because too much of the herb can be harmful.
- Drink 1 teaspoon of thick Echinacea root decoction 3 times a day. Swirl around in mouth for 2 to 3 minutes before swallowing.
- Apply chamomile dissolved in alcohol (tincture) on cold sores several times a day. Or, drink chamomile tea and let the hot liquid sit for a while on a cold sore. Chamomile contains bisabolol, a substance that helps heal cold sores on the mucous membranes.
Method 4 of 5: Trying Other Treatments
Step 1. Don't hold on to cold sores
Besides being able to make cold sores worse, by touching them you can transfer the HSV-1 virus that causes cold sores to your fingers. This will make it easier for the virus to spread accidentally by touching other objects. Viruses can infect skin cells that are exposed to contact which will then infect skin cells on other parts of the body. Avoid this complication by avoiding contact with cold sores as much as possible.
Step 2. Wash your hands frequently
Despite trying their best not to touch a cold sore, people often touch it accidentally. Wash your hands often, especially after realizing you've just touched a cold sore or the area around your lips and mouth.
This should be done especially before and after meals
Step 3. Expand the stock of toothbrushes
Viruses can survive on surfaces such as toothbrushes. To avoid the potential for spreading cold sores to other areas, start using a new toothbrush as soon as you experience cold sore symptoms, and throw the toothbrush away once the infection clears.
As an additional precaution, make sure the toothbrush does not touch the opening of the toothpaste tube when applying toothpaste
Step 4. Do not share items
Avoid sharing towels, razors, cutlery, or washcloths with other people. Make sure you wash anything you suspect has come into contact with cold sores using hot water and soap.
Step 5. Use a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher
One of the triggers for cold sores is sun exposure. By wearing a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher, you can help heal cold sores by minimizing the damaging effects of the sun's rays.
- Using sunscreen consistently even on areas not infected with cold sores will help minimize future cold sores.
- Remember to wash your hands both before and after applying sunscreen.
Step 6. Use a moisturizer
You can apply a pinch of petroleum jelly or propolis with a cotton swab. Organic moisturizing products containing lysine can also help, such as Basic Organics Lysine Ointment or Ariva's 100% Pure Lysine + Herbs.
Propolis is a natural, nutrient-rich resin produced by bees
Step 7. Make your own moisturizer
If you're more comfortable knowing exactly what's in your natural moisturizer, try making your own at home by mixing propolis and essential oils. 3% propolis ointment has been shown to reduce pain from cold sores. To make the ointment, prepare 141.7 g of propolis (equivalent to one tablespoon) and add 1.43 l of virgin coconut oil, which is great as a moisturizer. After that, add one drop of each of the following oils:
- Camphor oil, which helps reduce pain
- Echinacea oil, which is an antiviral herb and can help boost the immune system
- Licorice oil, which has effective qualities against HSV-1
- Andrographis oil, which has antiviral and anti-inflammatory qualities
- Sage oil, which also has antiviral qualities to help dry out cold sores and is a great alternative if you're having trouble finding andrographis oil
Method 5 of 5: Minimizing the Risk of Future Infections
Step 1. Check how much you are at risk of contracting the disease again in the future
Many people who test positive for the HSV-1 virus don't develop a cold sore, and many more don't get reinfection after they first contracted it. However, groups of people who are at high risk of contracting cold sores include those who have:
- Weak immune system, for example suppressed immunity
- HIV/AIDS, which can cause immune suppression
- Eczema
- Cancer and currently undergoing chemotherapy
- Organ transplant, which means the patient takes immunosuppressant drugs to prevent organ rejection
- Serious burns
Step 2. Check for potential triggers that could lead to disease
Certain triggers are closely related to a person's tendency to contract the disease in the future. The triggers in question include:
- Fever of any kind (whether caused by a viral or bacterial infection)
- Menstruation
- Any kind of stressful condition (physical, mental, or emotional)
- Fatigue
- Sun exposure
- Surgery
Step 3. Avoid being in the sun for too long
Sun exposure is a trigger for cold sores, so you should minimize sun exposure on yourself. Remember to always use sunscreen to minimize the effects of the sun when you are outdoors.
Step 4. Eat a balanced diet
A balanced and nutritious diet can help reduce triggers such as fatigue and stress. The main components of a healthy diet include:
- Lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Try to vary in choosing fruits (except oranges) and vegetables. Both fruits and vegetables contain vitamins, minerals, protein and fiber to keep you as healthy as possible.
- Complex carbohydrates versus simple sugars. This means you should stay away from processed and packaged foods. These foods often look simple, but during processing and packaging, various sugars are added, including high-fructose corn syrup.
- This kind of sugar is associated with glucose intolerance (prediabetes), diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and heart disease including changes in the bacteria in the stomach.
- Increase the intake of fish and lean poultry in your diet (as well as reduce the intake of red meat).
- Nuts and legumes are good sources of vitamins and minerals. This group of vegetables does not contain phytic acid, but normal processing should release most of the minerals and allow them to be absorbed by the body.
- Do not forget to continue to drink and meet the needs of water in the body. Drink at least 6-8 glasses of water 230 ml each day.
Step 5. Get enough sleep
A poor sleep schedule can affect both stress levels and fatigue. Make sure you get 7-8 hours of quality sleep every night.
Step 6. Avoid stress
While it can be difficult to avoid stress both at work and at home, try to avoid situations that trigger stress as much as possible. This could mean getting away from a situation or something by simply leaving your desk for a few minutes:
- Spending time with friends
- Go for a walk or to the gym
- Introducing deep breathing or meditation techniques into your daily routine You can find guidance on these techniques from the articles How to Breathe in or How to Meditate.
Step 7. Boost the immune system
In addition to regulating diet and exercise, you can also take other steps to boost your immune system. These measures include not smoking, limiting alcohol intake, avoiding the spread of disease and other infections by washing hands regularly, and controlling blood pressure.
Step 8. Visit a doctor
Cold sores rarely cause complications, and the disease usually doesn't require consulting a doctor. However, you should schedule a visit to the doctor if:
- You have cold sores more than 2-3 times a year
- Cold sores don't heal in two weeks
- You are often sick, which can indicate a weak immune system
- Cold afternoon causes great pain
- Your eyes are irritated when you have a cold sore, which may indicate a more severe infection
Warning
- There are many theories floating around about how to cure cold sores. Some suggest using ingredients such as nail polish remover, astringents, or toothpaste. Most of these treatments are ineffective, and some can cause sunburn or other complications. Consult a doctor before trying it.
- Many people are infected with HSV-1, even infants and children. Viruses can be spread by skin contact; result of kissing; use the same cutlery; or using a toothbrush, razor, lip balm, lipstick, towel, or washcloth together. On the other hand, HSV-2 is usually transmitted through some kind of sexual contact.
- Cold sores are caused by viruses and usually occur around the mouth or lips. Cold sores are not the same as canker sores, which have no known cause and occur in the oral cavity.
- Do not use lysine without consulting a medical professional if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
