We will discuss about cold sore symptoms and causes and what are the available cold sore treatments.
Cold sores are known as fever blisters and are actually a contagious viral disease caused by herpes simplex (Herpevirus hominis). It is characterized by thin-walled vesicles which have a tendency to recur in the same area normally at the junction of skin and mucous membrances such as the border of the mouth. They can also affect your gums.
Normally, sufferers would feel a tingling pain on the affected area. Fluid blisters that look like small red growths would form at the affected areas, and the whole cold sore condition would linger on for a period of at least 1 week. Herpes simplex virus would attack your body and cold sore symptoms would surface only after several days to 3 weeks after the attack.
There are 2 types of herpes simplex virus, Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 is the main cause for cold sores, while herpes simplex virus type 2 is mostly responsible for genital herpes. That said, both can cause cold sores on the genital or facial parts. Even with the advancement in medical technology, researchers have not found a cure for cold sores using modern cold sore treatment. What cold sore treatment can do is palliative, ie relieving the symptoms of the cold sores rather than curing it.
Discussion about Causes
Some folks have a greater tendency to suffer from cold sores repeatedly. Others seem to be immune to the herpes virus. Possible causes of cold sores are:
1. Stress
It seems that stress is linked to cold sore outbreak. Sufferers have attributed to stress as the top factor in instigating an outbreak.
2. Menstruation
Women are vulnerable to cold sore attacks during menstruation. There exists a relationship between the menstrual cycle and cold sore recurrence.
3. Local Irritants
Excessive exposure to sunlight has been identified as a cause for cold sore outbreak.
4. Sharing of Common Items Such as Eating Utensils, Towels, Etc
Since cold sores are contagious, the sharing of eating utensils, towels, or any common item set the stage for spreading of the virus.
5. Physical Contact with Cold Sore Sufferers
Physical contact such as touching, kissing and having sex with a cold sore sufferer would subject one to herpes simplex virus exposure.
6. Diet
Acidic diets appear to culprits for cold sore outbreaks. Studies also show that cold sore outbreak often takes place in people with poor dietary habits such as drinking, or improper and irregular diet.
7. Immune System
A weak immune system is an ideal condition for the virus attacks.
Cold Sore Treatment – Treatments Available
Cold sores normally would vanish without treatment after a period of time. However, the pain and discomfort associated with cold sores make it necessary for the medical fraternity to formulate drugs and medications to treat them. Since cold sores cannot be cured by modern cold sore treatment, most common treatment methods are meant only to relieve the sufferer of pain and discomfort. You may be surprised though that natural cold sore treatment may be the clue to complete healing from cold sores. There have been reports about fewer recurrences in cold sore sufferers who previously have regular outbreaks. All these seem to point to the effectiveness of natural cold sore treatment.
Over-The-Counter Creams and Medications
Cold sore medications such as creams can be bought over the counter (OTC). They are mainly palliative in nature and seek to bring pain relief to sufferers.
Natural Cold Sore Treatment
Natural cold sore treatment deals more with the natural ingredients. The primary objective is to bring complete healing, and to relieve pain and itchiness secondarily. Natural cold sore treatment can be applied through the following.
1. Diet
2. Physiotherapy
3. Vitamins and Minerals
Showing posts with label Cold Sores. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cold Sores. Show all posts
Cold Sore Treatment
Cold Sore Treatment – Treatment Available & Why Natural is The Best Way
Cold sores normally would vanish without treatment after a period of time. However, the pain and discomfort associated with cold sores make it necessary for the medical fraternity to formulate drugs and medications to treat them. Since cold sores cannot be cured by modern cold sore treatment, most common treatment methods are meant only to relieve the sufferer of pain and discomfort. You need to be aware that there are always side effects associated with OTC creams such as redness, dryness and peeling of skin and rashes. In worst case scenarios, these effects could become permanent and scarring may also result. There are other side effects reported such as headaches, irregular heartbeat, nausea, shortness of breath when using OTC medications.
You may be surprised though that natural cold sore treatment may be the clue to complete healing from cold sores. There have been reports about fewer recurrences in cold sore sufferers who previously have regular outbreaks. All these seem to point to the effectiveness of natural cold sore treatment.
Over-The-Counter Creams and Medications
Cold sore medications such as creams can be bought over the counter (OTC). These OTC medications are primarily used to alleviate the pain and itch. Others inhibit the growth of the cold sores and accelerate healing or prevents herpes simplex virus from forming the cold sores.
1. Medications containing docosanol, an agent with inhibitory properties are effective in quickening the healing process.
2. Tetracaine, lidocaine, camphor, phenol, benzocaine and benzyl alcohol are compounds that numb the pain, itchiness and discomfort and brings relief to sufferers.
3. Medications or ointment with compounds such as zinc, thymus, L-lysine and phenol are antiviral in nature and work against the virus, disrupting it from forming cold sores.
4. Medications that moisturize cold sores like lip balms prevent them from breaking up and causing more pain. Lip balms also protect cold sore areas from excessive sunlight which aggravates the sores.
Natural Cold Sore Treatment
1. Diet
Appropriate adjustments to our diet can help to combat cold sores. Foods containing arginine such as peanuts, chocolate, almonds, cashews, pecans, peas, garlic and wheat are best avoided. Research also reveals that broccoli is useful for its inhibitory properties.
2. Physiotherapy
a. Application of thymus and lysine ointments for 6 times daily is useful to treat cold sores.
b. Topical medication containing zinc content of 0.025%, myrrh tincture, hydrastis tincture or aloe vera can also be applied on the affected areas.
c. Application of ice can numb the pain and itchiness and slow down the cold sore’s development.
d. Application of tea bag will minimize the development of the cold sore lesion due to its tannic acid content which is antiviral in nature.
e. Lemon balm can be applied on the cold sores to promote healing.
3. Vitamins and Minerals
Appropriate dosages of vitamins and minerals would boost our bodies’ ability to fight cold sore virus.
a. Daily intake of vitamin A (50,000 to 100,000 International Units) is effective in treating cold sores.
b. Daily intake of 3 doses of 50 mg vitamin B complex works well against cold sores.
c. Daily intake of 500 – 1000 mg niacinamide
d. 2 hourly intake of 1000 mg vitamin C
e. Daily intake of 1 – 3 doses of 25 – 50 mg zinc
Cold sores normally would vanish without treatment after a period of time. However, the pain and discomfort associated with cold sores make it necessary for the medical fraternity to formulate drugs and medications to treat them. Since cold sores cannot be cured by modern cold sore treatment, most common treatment methods are meant only to relieve the sufferer of pain and discomfort. You need to be aware that there are always side effects associated with OTC creams such as redness, dryness and peeling of skin and rashes. In worst case scenarios, these effects could become permanent and scarring may also result. There are other side effects reported such as headaches, irregular heartbeat, nausea, shortness of breath when using OTC medications.
You may be surprised though that natural cold sore treatment may be the clue to complete healing from cold sores. There have been reports about fewer recurrences in cold sore sufferers who previously have regular outbreaks. All these seem to point to the effectiveness of natural cold sore treatment.
Over-The-Counter Creams and Medications
Cold sore medications such as creams can be bought over the counter (OTC). These OTC medications are primarily used to alleviate the pain and itch. Others inhibit the growth of the cold sores and accelerate healing or prevents herpes simplex virus from forming the cold sores.
1. Medications containing docosanol, an agent with inhibitory properties are effective in quickening the healing process.
2. Tetracaine, lidocaine, camphor, phenol, benzocaine and benzyl alcohol are compounds that numb the pain, itchiness and discomfort and brings relief to sufferers.
3. Medications or ointment with compounds such as zinc, thymus, L-lysine and phenol are antiviral in nature and work against the virus, disrupting it from forming cold sores.
4. Medications that moisturize cold sores like lip balms prevent them from breaking up and causing more pain. Lip balms also protect cold sore areas from excessive sunlight which aggravates the sores.
Natural Cold Sore Treatment
1. Diet
Appropriate adjustments to our diet can help to combat cold sores. Foods containing arginine such as peanuts, chocolate, almonds, cashews, pecans, peas, garlic and wheat are best avoided. Research also reveals that broccoli is useful for its inhibitory properties.
2. Physiotherapy
a. Application of thymus and lysine ointments for 6 times daily is useful to treat cold sores.
b. Topical medication containing zinc content of 0.025%, myrrh tincture, hydrastis tincture or aloe vera can also be applied on the affected areas.
c. Application of ice can numb the pain and itchiness and slow down the cold sore’s development.
d. Application of tea bag will minimize the development of the cold sore lesion due to its tannic acid content which is antiviral in nature.
e. Lemon balm can be applied on the cold sores to promote healing.
3. Vitamins and Minerals
Appropriate dosages of vitamins and minerals would boost our bodies’ ability to fight cold sore virus.
a. Daily intake of vitamin A (50,000 to 100,000 International Units) is effective in treating cold sores.
b. Daily intake of 3 doses of 50 mg vitamin B complex works well against cold sores.
c. Daily intake of 500 – 1000 mg niacinamide
d. 2 hourly intake of 1000 mg vitamin C
e. Daily intake of 1 – 3 doses of 25 – 50 mg zinc
Cold Sores Home Remedies - Natural and Effective Treatment Alternatives
Cold sores home remedies are wise alternatives to effectively relieve and soothe cold sores and blisters. Anyone suffering from the discomfort caused by cold sores should be aware that there are natural methods to treat them. Home remedies offer cost-effective and all-natural way to manage cold sores.
Ice is one of the cheapest cold sores home remedies. Application can be done instantly because all you have to do is to gently rub the ice along the affected area. Do this for a few minutes and repeat every hour to achieve its soothing action.
One of the popular and widely-known cold sores home remedies is tea bag. The tea bag is firmly pressed over the cold sores for 30 minutes. Another way to do this is to apply the tea bag directly on the affected area with a slow, rubbing motion. The same steps should be repeated every hour to maximize its healing benefits.
Plain powdered salt can also be used to treat cold sores. Using a damp forefinger, apply salt directly over the blisters. Make sure to cover the whole affected area. Gently rub and spread the salt over the blistered area. With the same finger, press on the cold sores and hold for 30 seconds. Application of Aloe gel or gentle skin lubricants after rubbing the salt is strongly recommended to achieve optimum treatment.
Lemon balm is a mainstay of cold sores home remedies. Lemon juice is known for its healing properties. It effectively increases the rate at which cold sores can heal. Directly apply lemon extract over the affected part of the skin. Doing this can also disinfect the blistered skin.
Proper diet is one of the most effective cold sores home remedies. Discipline should be practiced to maximize the benefits you can get from eating right in order to treat cold sores. Foods that are rich in vitamins are good choices. Cut down on salt, caffeine, processed meat and dairy, foods rich in acid content and the ones that are rich in arginine such as whole wheat. Chocolate bars, nuts and seeds are likewise not recommended. However, they should be replaced with complex carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables.
Sanitation and disinfection are of high importance to avoid contaminants from worsening your skin condition. Cleanliness is essential to treat and manage cold sores. Keeping your hands, skin and the areas of your home clean and free from bacteria can guarantee the effectiveness of the cold sores home remedies that you are practicing.
These natural methods of treating cold sores are considered effective when done properly and hygienically. Learn more on how you can benefit from natural healing alternatives by visiting my blog about the wonders of these remedies.
Ice is one of the cheapest cold sores home remedies. Application can be done instantly because all you have to do is to gently rub the ice along the affected area. Do this for a few minutes and repeat every hour to achieve its soothing action.
One of the popular and widely-known cold sores home remedies is tea bag. The tea bag is firmly pressed over the cold sores for 30 minutes. Another way to do this is to apply the tea bag directly on the affected area with a slow, rubbing motion. The same steps should be repeated every hour to maximize its healing benefits.
Plain powdered salt can also be used to treat cold sores. Using a damp forefinger, apply salt directly over the blisters. Make sure to cover the whole affected area. Gently rub and spread the salt over the blistered area. With the same finger, press on the cold sores and hold for 30 seconds. Application of Aloe gel or gentle skin lubricants after rubbing the salt is strongly recommended to achieve optimum treatment.
Lemon balm is a mainstay of cold sores home remedies. Lemon juice is known for its healing properties. It effectively increases the rate at which cold sores can heal. Directly apply lemon extract over the affected part of the skin. Doing this can also disinfect the blistered skin.
Proper diet is one of the most effective cold sores home remedies. Discipline should be practiced to maximize the benefits you can get from eating right in order to treat cold sores. Foods that are rich in vitamins are good choices. Cut down on salt, caffeine, processed meat and dairy, foods rich in acid content and the ones that are rich in arginine such as whole wheat. Chocolate bars, nuts and seeds are likewise not recommended. However, they should be replaced with complex carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables.
Sanitation and disinfection are of high importance to avoid contaminants from worsening your skin condition. Cleanliness is essential to treat and manage cold sores. Keeping your hands, skin and the areas of your home clean and free from bacteria can guarantee the effectiveness of the cold sores home remedies that you are practicing.
These natural methods of treating cold sores are considered effective when done properly and hygienically. Learn more on how you can benefit from natural healing alternatives by visiting my blog about the wonders of these remedies.
Cold Sores Treatments
There are several medications available to treat cold sores. Some are used topically and others are taken orally. Cold sores are best treated as early as possible. Starting a medication when prodromal symptoms such as burning, tingling, or redness start gives the best chance of keeping the cold sores from developing or shortening their course.
Cold Sore Treatment and FDA Approval:
There are several antiviral medications that are used to treat herpes infections. The FDA approves these medications for the specific type of infections they treat. The FDA has approved the use of certain drugs for cold sores, but some antiviral drugs that are not specifically FDA approved for cold sores have been shown in clinical studies to be effective. Receiving a prescription for an off-label use of one of these drugs may still be effective. The decision to use a medication that is prescribed off-label should be made based on current data and discussed thoroughly with a health-care provider.
Cold Sore Treatment Effects:
Antiviral drugs can have several effects on oral herpes simplex virus infections. Examples of the effects of antiviral medications on cold sores include: Decrease the time it takes for cold sores to heal
Reduce symptoms - especially pain
Prevent lesions from occurring if taken soon enough
Reduce the number of lesions developed if taken soon enough
Reduce the size of lesions developed if taken soon enough
Reduce the amount of viral shedding
Decrease the time it takes for cold sores to heal
Reduce symptoms - especially pain
Prevent lesions from occurring if taken soon enough
Reduce the number of lesions developed if taken soon enough
Reduce the size of lesions developed if taken soon enough
Reduce the amount of viral shedding
Cold Sore Treatment - First Outbreak:
The first outbreak of any herpes simplex infection is worse than recurrent infections. A first outbreak of oral herpes should be treated with oral medications, while recurrences can be treated with topical medications.
Cold Sore Treatment - Topical Denavir:
Penciclovir 1% cream (Denavir) is FDA-approved for recurrent cold sores. It is applied every two hours to the site for four days. Starting treatment within one hour of an outbreak reduced the time to healing by two days and reduced the symptoms. Penciclovir also decreases the duration viral shedding. The earlier penciclovir is started the better the benefits, but improvement was still found when penciclovir was started even after vesicles developed.
Cold Sore Treatment - Acyclovir:
Acyclovir 5% cream (Zovirax) is also FDA approved for the treatment of recurrent cold sores. In studies, frequent application of the cream reduced the time to healing by about half a day. Oral acyclovir given five times a day for primary gingivostomatitis in children shortened the course from 10 days to four days and reduced the duration of fever, eating and drinking difficulties, and viral shedding. Using low dose oral acyclovir for cold sores shortened the duration by about one day but did not affect pain. Using a higher dose and starting during the prodrome phase did have an effect on pain and duration.
Cold Sore Treatment - Famciclovir:
Famciclovir (Famvir) is approved by the FDA for treatment of cold sores. If started at the first sign of symptoms, taking Famvir 1500 mg once shortened the herpes infection by two days.
Cold Sore Treatment - Valacyclovir:
Valacyclovir (Valtrex) is approved by the FDA to treat cold sores. If started at the first sign of symptoms, taking Valtrex 2 gm twice a day for one day shortened the herpes infection by a little over one day.
Cold Sore Treatment - Suppression Therapy:
Suppression therapy, taking medication every day to prevent outbreaks, is not yet FDA-approved. Studies have shown that people who have more than six recurrences or more per year can benefit from taking acyclovir 400 mg twice daily by reducing the number of recurrences and decreasing viral shedding. Other possibilities are famciclovir 250 mg twice a day or valacyclovir 500 mg once a day.
Cold Sore Treatment and FDA Approval:
There are several antiviral medications that are used to treat herpes infections. The FDA approves these medications for the specific type of infections they treat. The FDA has approved the use of certain drugs for cold sores, but some antiviral drugs that are not specifically FDA approved for cold sores have been shown in clinical studies to be effective. Receiving a prescription for an off-label use of one of these drugs may still be effective. The decision to use a medication that is prescribed off-label should be made based on current data and discussed thoroughly with a health-care provider.
Cold Sore Treatment Effects:
Antiviral drugs can have several effects on oral herpes simplex virus infections. Examples of the effects of antiviral medications on cold sores include: Decrease the time it takes for cold sores to heal
Reduce symptoms - especially pain
Prevent lesions from occurring if taken soon enough
Reduce the number of lesions developed if taken soon enough
Reduce the size of lesions developed if taken soon enough
Reduce the amount of viral shedding
Decrease the time it takes for cold sores to heal
Reduce symptoms - especially pain
Prevent lesions from occurring if taken soon enough
Reduce the number of lesions developed if taken soon enough
Reduce the size of lesions developed if taken soon enough
Reduce the amount of viral shedding
Cold Sore Treatment - First Outbreak:
The first outbreak of any herpes simplex infection is worse than recurrent infections. A first outbreak of oral herpes should be treated with oral medications, while recurrences can be treated with topical medications.
Cold Sore Treatment - Topical Denavir:
Penciclovir 1% cream (Denavir) is FDA-approved for recurrent cold sores. It is applied every two hours to the site for four days. Starting treatment within one hour of an outbreak reduced the time to healing by two days and reduced the symptoms. Penciclovir also decreases the duration viral shedding. The earlier penciclovir is started the better the benefits, but improvement was still found when penciclovir was started even after vesicles developed.
Cold Sore Treatment - Acyclovir:
Acyclovir 5% cream (Zovirax) is also FDA approved for the treatment of recurrent cold sores. In studies, frequent application of the cream reduced the time to healing by about half a day. Oral acyclovir given five times a day for primary gingivostomatitis in children shortened the course from 10 days to four days and reduced the duration of fever, eating and drinking difficulties, and viral shedding. Using low dose oral acyclovir for cold sores shortened the duration by about one day but did not affect pain. Using a higher dose and starting during the prodrome phase did have an effect on pain and duration.
Cold Sore Treatment - Famciclovir:
Famciclovir (Famvir) is approved by the FDA for treatment of cold sores. If started at the first sign of symptoms, taking Famvir 1500 mg once shortened the herpes infection by two days.
Cold Sore Treatment - Valacyclovir:
Valacyclovir (Valtrex) is approved by the FDA to treat cold sores. If started at the first sign of symptoms, taking Valtrex 2 gm twice a day for one day shortened the herpes infection by a little over one day.
Cold Sore Treatment - Suppression Therapy:
Suppression therapy, taking medication every day to prevent outbreaks, is not yet FDA-approved. Studies have shown that people who have more than six recurrences or more per year can benefit from taking acyclovir 400 mg twice daily by reducing the number of recurrences and decreasing viral shedding. Other possibilities are famciclovir 250 mg twice a day or valacyclovir 500 mg once a day.
Cold Sore Remedies
What are Cold Sores?
Cold sores are small, painful, fluid-filled blisters that usually occur on the lips, gums, or roof of the mouth. They're caused by the herpes simplex virus and are contagious. There may be pain or tingling one to two days before the cold sores appear.
Cold sores generally clear in seven to ten days. They're sometimes confused with canker sores, which are not contagious but produce small, painful ulcers in the soft tissues of the mouth, such as the tongue and the walls of the mouth.
Natural Cold Sore Remedies
Here are eight natural remedies that are used for the treatment of cold sores.
Lysine
Lysine is an essential amino acid, meaning that we must get it through food or supplements because the body can't make it on its own. It's used to make protein, which we need to produce infection-fighting antibodies, enzymes, hormones, and body tissues. Lysine has been found to inhibit the spread of the herpes simplex virus.
Although we get lysine through food sources such as red meat, milk, eggs, cheese, wheat germ, brewers yeast, and fish, what appears to be most important is the ratio of lysine to another amino acid, arginine. They compete with each other for absorption in the intestines, so the less arginine there is in the diet, the more lysine is absorbed. Foods that are rich in arginine include chocolate, peanuts, and almonds.
In addition to these temporary dietary changes:Lysine supplements (e.g. 1,000 mg taken three times a day) may help to shorten the duration of cold sores.
Lysine ointment - a pilot study by the Southern California University looked at the effectiveness of a lysine-containing ointment in 30 people. Researchers found that the ointment produced full resolution in 40% of participants by the third day and in 87 percent by the end of the sixth day. No adverse effects were reported.
Lysine supplements (e.g. 1,000 mg taken three times a day) may help to shorten the duration of cold sores.
Lysine ointment - a pilot study by the Southern California University looked at the effectiveness of a lysine-containing ointment in 30 people. Researchers found that the ointment produced full resolution in 40% of participants by the third day and in 87 percent by the end of the sixth day. No adverse effects were reported.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) has antiviral properties. In a research study conducted in hospitals and dermatology clinics in Germany, lemon balm cream promoted the healing of blisters in five days compared to 10 days in the control group. Used on regularly, lemon balm cream may decrease the frequency of recurrences.
Reishi and Astragalus
Reishi, also called Ganoderma lucidum is a type of mushroom that has a long history of use in traditional Asian medicine to strengthen the immune system.
Preliminary evidence shows that reishi may inhibit the spread of the herpes virus. A typical dose is 600 milligrams once or twice a day.
Reishi is available in powder or supplement form. Reishi can delay blood clotting, so consult your doctor before taking reishi if you are taking aspirin, warfarin (coumadin), or any other medications or supplements that interfere with clotting.
In traditional Chinese medicine, reishi is often used in conjunction with a herb called astragalus. Astragalus has been found to improve immune function in people with herpes simplex keratitis.
Resveratrol
Resveratrol, a compound found naturally in red grapes, has been shown to be active against the herpes simplex virus in laboratory studies.
A study by the Northeastern Ohio University demonstrated that resveratrol cream applied topically two, three, or five times a day effectively suppressed cold sore development if it was applied one or 6 hours after infection with the herpes virus.
Resveratrol cream was also found to be as effective as 5% acyclovir ointment (Zovirax). Resveratrol cream also effectively suppressed cold sore formation in animals with herpes simplex infection that was resistant to acyclovir. No side effects were reported.
Peppermint Oil
A study by the University of Heidelberg found that peppermint essential oil was found to penetrate the skin and have a direct virucidal effect againt the herpes simplex virus. Peppermint oil was also found to be active against an acyclovir-resistant strain of the herpes simpex virus.
Although it's promising, peppermint oil shouldn't be used until studies have established its safety. Peppermint oil is absorbed through the skin so even small amounts could be toxic. Peppermint oil should never be ingested.
Propolis
Propolis, also called bee propolis, is a brownish, resinous substance. Bees collect it from poplar and conifer buds and use it "cement" their hives and keep them germ-free. It is sold in health food stores.
A study found that propolis was active against herpes simplex 1 virus. It is believed to work by preventing the virus from entering body cells and by blocking the replication and spread of the virus. For more information about propolis, read the Propolis Fact Sheet.
Self-Heal
The herb self-heal, also known as Prunella vulgaris is a perennial plant commonly found in China and Europe.
Extracts of this herb have been found to be effective against both herpes simplex 1 and 2 viruses. It is also believed to work against acyclovir-resistant strains of the herpes virus.
8) Other Remedies
Echinacea - A study by the University of Ottawa found that echinacea is active against herpes simplex type 1.
Black currant - An extract of black currant, also known as Ribes nigrum or Kurokarin in Japan, was found to fight the herpes virus in laboratory studies.
Rhubarb and sage cream - A German study examined rhubarb-sage cream compared to sage cream and Zovirax in 149 people with oral herpes cold sores. The combined topical sage-rhubarb preparation proved to be as effective as topical aciclovir cream and tended to be more active than the sage cream.
Undaria pinnatifida - known as wakame in Japan, undaria is a type of seaweed that has been found to improve the healing time and reactivation of herpes infections.
Safety Precautions
People with tuberculosis, leukemia, diabetes, connective tissue disorders, multiple sclerosis, HIV or AIDS, any autoimmune diseases, organ transplant, or possibly, liver disorders should not take herbs or supplements that improve immune function (such as reishi and astragalus) without consulting their doctor first. Taking immune-boosting supplements may reduce the effectiveness of medications that suppress the immune system.
Cold sores are small, painful, fluid-filled blisters that usually occur on the lips, gums, or roof of the mouth. They're caused by the herpes simplex virus and are contagious. There may be pain or tingling one to two days before the cold sores appear.
Cold sores generally clear in seven to ten days. They're sometimes confused with canker sores, which are not contagious but produce small, painful ulcers in the soft tissues of the mouth, such as the tongue and the walls of the mouth.
Natural Cold Sore Remedies
Here are eight natural remedies that are used for the treatment of cold sores.
Lysine
Lysine is an essential amino acid, meaning that we must get it through food or supplements because the body can't make it on its own. It's used to make protein, which we need to produce infection-fighting antibodies, enzymes, hormones, and body tissues. Lysine has been found to inhibit the spread of the herpes simplex virus.
Although we get lysine through food sources such as red meat, milk, eggs, cheese, wheat germ, brewers yeast, and fish, what appears to be most important is the ratio of lysine to another amino acid, arginine. They compete with each other for absorption in the intestines, so the less arginine there is in the diet, the more lysine is absorbed. Foods that are rich in arginine include chocolate, peanuts, and almonds.
In addition to these temporary dietary changes:Lysine supplements (e.g. 1,000 mg taken three times a day) may help to shorten the duration of cold sores.
Lysine ointment - a pilot study by the Southern California University looked at the effectiveness of a lysine-containing ointment in 30 people. Researchers found that the ointment produced full resolution in 40% of participants by the third day and in 87 percent by the end of the sixth day. No adverse effects were reported.
Lysine supplements (e.g. 1,000 mg taken three times a day) may help to shorten the duration of cold sores.
Lysine ointment - a pilot study by the Southern California University looked at the effectiveness of a lysine-containing ointment in 30 people. Researchers found that the ointment produced full resolution in 40% of participants by the third day and in 87 percent by the end of the sixth day. No adverse effects were reported.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) has antiviral properties. In a research study conducted in hospitals and dermatology clinics in Germany, lemon balm cream promoted the healing of blisters in five days compared to 10 days in the control group. Used on regularly, lemon balm cream may decrease the frequency of recurrences.
Reishi and Astragalus
Reishi, also called Ganoderma lucidum is a type of mushroom that has a long history of use in traditional Asian medicine to strengthen the immune system.
Preliminary evidence shows that reishi may inhibit the spread of the herpes virus. A typical dose is 600 milligrams once or twice a day.
Reishi is available in powder or supplement form. Reishi can delay blood clotting, so consult your doctor before taking reishi if you are taking aspirin, warfarin (coumadin), or any other medications or supplements that interfere with clotting.
In traditional Chinese medicine, reishi is often used in conjunction with a herb called astragalus. Astragalus has been found to improve immune function in people with herpes simplex keratitis.
Resveratrol
Resveratrol, a compound found naturally in red grapes, has been shown to be active against the herpes simplex virus in laboratory studies.
A study by the Northeastern Ohio University demonstrated that resveratrol cream applied topically two, three, or five times a day effectively suppressed cold sore development if it was applied one or 6 hours after infection with the herpes virus.
Resveratrol cream was also found to be as effective as 5% acyclovir ointment (Zovirax). Resveratrol cream also effectively suppressed cold sore formation in animals with herpes simplex infection that was resistant to acyclovir. No side effects were reported.
Peppermint Oil
A study by the University of Heidelberg found that peppermint essential oil was found to penetrate the skin and have a direct virucidal effect againt the herpes simplex virus. Peppermint oil was also found to be active against an acyclovir-resistant strain of the herpes simpex virus.
Although it's promising, peppermint oil shouldn't be used until studies have established its safety. Peppermint oil is absorbed through the skin so even small amounts could be toxic. Peppermint oil should never be ingested.
Propolis
Propolis, also called bee propolis, is a brownish, resinous substance. Bees collect it from poplar and conifer buds and use it "cement" their hives and keep them germ-free. It is sold in health food stores.
A study found that propolis was active against herpes simplex 1 virus. It is believed to work by preventing the virus from entering body cells and by blocking the replication and spread of the virus. For more information about propolis, read the Propolis Fact Sheet.
Self-Heal
The herb self-heal, also known as Prunella vulgaris is a perennial plant commonly found in China and Europe.
Extracts of this herb have been found to be effective against both herpes simplex 1 and 2 viruses. It is also believed to work against acyclovir-resistant strains of the herpes virus.
8) Other Remedies
Echinacea - A study by the University of Ottawa found that echinacea is active against herpes simplex type 1.
Black currant - An extract of black currant, also known as Ribes nigrum or Kurokarin in Japan, was found to fight the herpes virus in laboratory studies.
Rhubarb and sage cream - A German study examined rhubarb-sage cream compared to sage cream and Zovirax in 149 people with oral herpes cold sores. The combined topical sage-rhubarb preparation proved to be as effective as topical aciclovir cream and tended to be more active than the sage cream.
Undaria pinnatifida - known as wakame in Japan, undaria is a type of seaweed that has been found to improve the healing time and reactivation of herpes infections.
Safety Precautions
People with tuberculosis, leukemia, diabetes, connective tissue disorders, multiple sclerosis, HIV or AIDS, any autoimmune diseases, organ transplant, or possibly, liver disorders should not take herbs or supplements that improve immune function (such as reishi and astragalus) without consulting their doctor first. Taking immune-boosting supplements may reduce the effectiveness of medications that suppress the immune system.
Home Remedies for Cold Sores
Cold sores are the infection caused by the herpes simplex viruses. Viruses enter the body through the mouth and the attacks the nerve cells. From the nerve tissues they travel towards the ganglia and lay dormant. When these viruses get trigger gets activate and shows the presence in the form of blisters around the mouth area, fingers and on genital organs. Often these cold sores are panic and irritating filled with golden sticky fluid. It is hard to flush them out but one can prevent the infection or out breaking of the blisters. Normally blisters completes period of three weeks when comes first time or come subsequently and after this time period they again go in the dormant stage.
But many of the time situation may occur that person has any important task to do and within that period blisters out breaks. To cure them each time popping up the tablets is not the right way and therefore one need to try some home remedies to cure. Some of the things are helpful to decrease the discomfort and speed up the healing. To cure the blister fast you have to cover them with the petroleum jelly. This will protects the skin from secondary infection with the bacteria of the viruses along with curing the blisters.
Long exposure to the sunlight also increases the possibilities of blisters therefore while going outside you have to apply sunscreen lotion to body as well as lips as they are more sensitive. On the other side if you try to hide the blister with make up they will reactivate soon. Chemicals in make up can make the sores worse and therefore don't try to cover them with makeup. Person with orofacial infection try to avoid sharing particularly lipstick or any other cosmetics to prevent the infection.
Use of new toothbrush also helps to reduce the contamination of viruses. Often blisters are panic and therefore to reduce the pains painkillers are helpful along with tablets anesthetic ointments are also helpful to numb the pain. Ointment containing benzocaine is helpful to reduce the pain. If the person has frequent or severe cold sores then they need to consult doctor for proper health care. To keep the blisters away avoid salty and acidic food. Salty food like potato chips or citrus fruits can irritate the blisters and add pain.
Cold sores are very contagious therefore person with orofacial infection avoid kissing and sharing cups, towels or other things. They need to wash there hands frequently after touching the sores as they can spread more if touched with eyes and genital organs. Another trigger to activate the virus is stress. Therefore one has to keep the stress away with the help of meditation and exercise.
Blister can spread by squeezing, pricking or pinching the cold sore, therefore avoid doing it and wash hands after each touch. For accidental situations it will be good practice to keep hand sanitizer with infected person. This will help the person to reduce infection of blisters if there is no wash basin to wash hands.
But many of the time situation may occur that person has any important task to do and within that period blisters out breaks. To cure them each time popping up the tablets is not the right way and therefore one need to try some home remedies to cure. Some of the things are helpful to decrease the discomfort and speed up the healing. To cure the blister fast you have to cover them with the petroleum jelly. This will protects the skin from secondary infection with the bacteria of the viruses along with curing the blisters.
Long exposure to the sunlight also increases the possibilities of blisters therefore while going outside you have to apply sunscreen lotion to body as well as lips as they are more sensitive. On the other side if you try to hide the blister with make up they will reactivate soon. Chemicals in make up can make the sores worse and therefore don't try to cover them with makeup. Person with orofacial infection try to avoid sharing particularly lipstick or any other cosmetics to prevent the infection.
Use of new toothbrush also helps to reduce the contamination of viruses. Often blisters are panic and therefore to reduce the pains painkillers are helpful along with tablets anesthetic ointments are also helpful to numb the pain. Ointment containing benzocaine is helpful to reduce the pain. If the person has frequent or severe cold sores then they need to consult doctor for proper health care. To keep the blisters away avoid salty and acidic food. Salty food like potato chips or citrus fruits can irritate the blisters and add pain.
Cold sores are very contagious therefore person with orofacial infection avoid kissing and sharing cups, towels or other things. They need to wash there hands frequently after touching the sores as they can spread more if touched with eyes and genital organs. Another trigger to activate the virus is stress. Therefore one has to keep the stress away with the help of meditation and exercise.
Blister can spread by squeezing, pricking or pinching the cold sore, therefore avoid doing it and wash hands after each touch. For accidental situations it will be good practice to keep hand sanitizer with infected person. This will help the person to reduce infection of blisters if there is no wash basin to wash hands.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)