Cold sores, also called fever blisters, from a viral infection that attacks the skin and nervous system. Usually caused by herpes virus, which remains in a passive state till such times it is triggered into action, this could be infective. One should not confuse them with impetigo which shows up between the nose and upper lip. Canker sores which can not be transmitted are ulcers which grow in the soft tissues of the mouth, an area where sores do not take place.
Good hand washing when a cold sore is present will help prevent the spread of the infection. To bridge the time gap of the infection outbreak you could take the help of a drug by the name of Acyclovir (Zovirax). However, treatment may include topical creams or ointments or sometimes antiviral medicines (such as acyclovir or famciclovir). Prompt and effective pain relief is available from paracetamol or applying witch hazel locally on the sore. This is a topical medication (applied to the skin) which also acts as an anesthetic. To make your immune system better equipped to fight infections, start a balanced diet regimen which is rich in vitamins A, C, E, zinc and iron. You also need to do away with overtly salty, spicy or acidic foods and drinks which could harm the sores.
To forestall the ailment it is best to do with salty or spicy foods. The banned or limited food list includes: chocolates, peanuts, grains, peas, seeds, oatmeal and whole-wheat rich in arginine. Avoid tea and coffee and switch to a high vitamin diet.
An effective home remedy for relief from cold sores is to spend a few minutes rubbing ice and doing this every hour. Or put tea bag on the sores or a few minutes every hour. Another option is to hold a warm tea bag on the blisters for half an hour.
For effective relief put witch hazel on the sores. When in sun, apply sunscreen to the lips to stop sun related cold sores appearing again.
When 100ml of coconut oil, 2ml of disinfectant, and 3ml of carbolic acid are mixed together it can be effective. Though some have found great results with boils and mosquito bites, for cold sores apply direct on them 2 times a day.
One acknowledged home remedy for cold sores is found in tea tree oil, when it is consumed as a drink with herbal sage and violet. Take a cup of boiling water and put in all these ingredients mixed with some sage leaves and ginger powder. For rapid disappearance of cold sores within a couple of days, drink this 2 to 3 times a day.
If none of these work, try take 3 acidophilus pills in the morning and 3 in the evening and it will start to dry out and clear up. If you suffer from frequent sores, take 2 a day to keep them away. Though this list of home remedies for cold sores is not complete, but many of the frequently used methods nevertheless.
