Some call them cold sores. In Quebec, they are known as "wild fires".
Whatever you call them...
...these small lesions that appear on the lip are caused by a virus:herpes labialis .
Also known as Herpes Simplex Virus-1 or HVS-1, it is responsible for cold sores.
These clumps of small yellowish blisters look unsightly and cause painful itching.
Herpes labialis is the most common viral infection:1 in 3 French people regularly suffer from cold sores.
65% of the population would carry the HVS-1 virus! Generally, cold sores disappear within 2 to 3 weeks.
Fortunately, there are homemade remedies to get rid of a cold sore on the lip as quickly as possible .
In addition, these 11 natural and effective treatments relieve pain:
This is one of the most important things to remember.
To make a cold sore disappear as quickly as possible:you must act as soon as possible!
For maximum effectiveness, you should start healing it immediately .
Symptoms that announce a cold sore are:
- a feeling of localized warmth and
- tingling and itching.
If you feel them, start your treatment as soon as possible!
Don't wait.
Now let's see together 11 miracle cures for cold sores on the lip . Watch:
Apple cider vinegar is scientifically recognized for its antibacterial, antiviral and antimicrobial properties. (Source 1)
Thus, many people use it topically to get rid of cold sores.
However, be aware that pure apple cider vinegar is particularly powerful.
Indeed, if you use pure apple cider vinegar on a cold sore, you risk severe skin irritation.
It is for this reason that you must dilute it with a little water before using it.
1. Dilute 1 part cider vinegar to 10 parts water.
2. Soak a piece of cotton with this mixture.
3. Apply the cotton on the cold sores.
4. Make one to two applications a day, until the scabs disappear.
To discover: 6 Incredible Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar (Scientifically Proven).
Do you like the woody scent of tea tree oil?
Know that this essential oil is a recognized remedy for treating cold sores.
Indeed, studies on tea tree oil have shown promising benefits against the herpes simplex virus (Source 2).
As with apple cider vinegar, never apply pure essential oil to your skin.
1. Dilute 3 to 5 drops of tea tree oil in 30 ml of vegetable oil.
2. Using a clean cotton swab, apply this mixture directly to the cold sore.
3. Do not apply more than 2 applications of tea tree oil per day, as you may irritate your skin.
Note: Essential oils are very powerful.
If you use them on the skin, they must always be diluted in a vegetable oil (sweet almond, coconut or jojoba).
Before using an essential oil on a regular basis, experts recommend doing a skin tolerance test.
Apply a small amount of the diluted essential oil in the crease of the elbow.
If you observe an allergic reaction (redness, irritation, tingling), stop using this mixture.
To discover: Tea Tree Essential Oil:14 Must-Know Uses.
Honey is already renowned for its ability to heal and heal wounds and skin lesions.
You don't know kanuka honey? It is a honey from a New Zealand tree, the kanuka.
According to one study, kanuka honey is an effective remedy for cold sores (Source 3).
In fact, the study even found that medical-grade kanuka honey is as effective as aciclovir.
To discover: The 10 Scientifically Proven Benefits of Honey.
Propolis is a resinous substance collected by bees from the buds of trees.
Like honey, it helps heal wounds and skin lesions more quickly.
Studies have also proven that propolis has antiviral properties that help cold sores heal faster (Source 4).
To discover: 8 Benefits of Propolis You Should Know.
Lemon balm is a small shrub native to the Mediterranean. Its leaves give off a lemony and very sweet smell.
Thanks to its antiviral properties, lemon balm helps to eliminate redness and inflammation.
It also helps to fight against outbreaks of cold sores.
As soon as the first symptoms appear, make applications with a lip balm containing at least 1% lemon balm.
You can also use a lemon balm infusion compress to achieve similar results.
According to a study, applying a lemon balm balm to your cold sores helps them heal faster (Source 5).
Also available in capsule form, lemon balm has many health benefits.
Lemon balm water helps in particular to fight against dizziness, stress and poor digestion.
Lysine is an essential amino acid, mainly present in proteins of animal origin (meat, poultry, milk and dairy products).
It comes in the form of capsules or powder as a dietary supplement, but also in cream.
Several studies have shown that lysine powder helps reduce the frequency, severity, and duration of cold sores (Source 6).
The doses used to treat cold sores were one gram, three times a day.
Note: always consult your doctor before taking any over-the-counter dietary supplement.
Studies have proven that peppermint essential oil is an effective remedy for both herpes simplex type 1 and type 2 (Source 7).
1. Dilute 3 to 5 drops of peppermint oil in 30 ml of vegetable oil.
2. Apply directly to the affected area, as soon as you feel the tingling of a cold sore.
To discover: 33 Amazing Uses of Peppermint Essential Oil.
Less common than the remedies mentioned above, these essential oils can also help you treat a cold sore:
- ginger essential oil
- thyme essential oil
- hyssop essential oil
- sandalwood essential oil
According to studies, these essential oils are effective treatments for drug-resistant forms of the herpes simplex virus (Source 8).
Again:essential oils should always be diluted in carrier oil before being applied to the skin.
To discover: Essential Oils:16 Things You Absolutely Need to Know Before Using Them.
An ice cube won't make your cold sore heal faster.
But the cold helps soothe the tingling and inflamed cold sores.
Thus, it is more of a pre-treatment to be used at the first symptoms, before moving on.
For temporary relief, apply an ice pack directly to the affected area.
But above all, do not buy an ice pack. Click here to find out how to make one at home.
To discover: Hot Or Cold:Which Should You Use To Relieve Your Pain? The Answer With This Guide.
Aloe vera gel is easily found in pharmacies or on the Internet.
You can also grow it easily at home, as a houseplant.
Maybe you already have some at home? Click here to find out how to cut and use aloe vera gel.
According to one study, the anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties of aloe vera help slow and inhibit outbreaks of cold sores (Source 9).
To discover: 40 Uses of Aloe Vera That Will Blow Your Mind!
Cold sores can also manifest depending on your stress levels.
Thus, to prevent them from appearing, it is recommended to reduce stress in your daily life.
To better manage your stress, you can:
- do meditation,
- practice a regular sporting activity and
- identify and learn to manage the stressors in your life.
To discover: 11 Simple Remedies To Eliminate Stress In Just A Few Minutes.
Remember to consult your doctor before applying any cold sore treatment.
Some of these remedies may cause mild irritation, such as irritative or allergic contact dermatitis.
For example, propolis can cause allergic contact dermatitis in some people.
So, better consult your dermatologist before using this treatment.
Before using any manner remedy, apply a small amount in the crease of the elbow. Thus, you will be sure that it does not cause an allergic reaction.
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When a cold sore appears, you will feel tingling and itching.
Above all, do not fiddle, rub or scratch the affected area.
Whatever happens, avoid doing the following things that can slow down the healing process of cold sores:
1. Touch the burst blisters. Cold sore lesions are contagious. So when you touch the burst blisters without washing your hands immediately afterwards, you risk transmitting the virus. In addition, by touching the wound with your fingers, you risk infecting it.
2. Pop the cold sores. A cold sore is not an acne pimple. If you try to pop it, it's not going to reduce in size. You especially risk spreading the liquid contained in the vesicles on your skin. Therefore, you risk infecting a new person with the virus fluid.
3. Scrape off the crust. You may tend to scratch the crust, without even realizing it. But avoid touching it as much as possible. After a few days, it will disappear. Be careful, if you tear off the scab, it may leave a scar.
4. Wash the affected area by rubbing too hard. If you could only get rid of cold sores by rubbing them with soap! Unfortunately, by rubbing your already fragile skin too vigorously, you risk irritating it even more.
5. Intimate relations with the mouth. If you have a cold sore, it's best to avoid close contact that involves your mouth. Wait until the lesion disappears completely before resuming your intimate relations.
6. Acidic foods. Citrus fruits, tomatoes, and other foods with high acidity can cause a burning sensation when they come into contact with a cold sore. Better to avoid them and opt for less acidic foods for a few days.
Typically, cold sores go away on their own within 1-2 weeks.
And there's no shame in having a cold sore on your lips or in the corner of your mouth.
Indeed, many people have been bothered by these cold sores.
Remember to consult a doctor in the following cases:
- In case of lesions that persist for more than 2 weeks.
- If recurrences are frequent (several times a year)
In these cases, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication.
Finally, consult a doctor without delay in the following cases:
- severe pain
- outbreak of several cold sores
- lesions around the eyes
- lesions that spread to other areas of your body.
Finally, be particularly vigilant for cold sores if you suffer from eczema, also called atopic dermatitis.
This is because you risk developing cracked or bleeding areas on your skin.
If HSV-1 spreads to these places, it can lead to complications.
There are many creams for local treatment based on antivirals.
The advantage is that they are available without a prescription in pharmacies.
For example, many people use doconasol as a local treatment to quickly treat cold sores.
Know that over-the-counter creams aren't your only option.
Indeed, you can also take antiviral medication, available on prescription.
These treatments are often more powerful, and can therefore speed up healing time .
Consult your doctor to determine if one of these medications is best suited to treating your cold sore:
- aciclovir (marketed as Zovirax, Activir or Aciclovir):available as an oral treatment or as a cream.
- famciclovir :in oral treatment.
- penciclovir (marketed as Denavir):as a cream for topical treatment.
- valaciclovir (marketed as Zelitrex):as an oral treatment.
According to experts, it is strongly advised to use these drugs as soon as possible, in order to speed up the healing time.
When a cold sore begins to blister and scab, it is also advisable to apply moisturizer to the affected area.
