Best Cold Sore Remedy
The Herpes Simplex 1 virus causes cold sores. The chances of getting a cold sore are increased due to stress, flu, sickness, or any other weakening of the immune system. The sores generally disappear within in ten days of first appearing. The only true treatment short of medication is to relieve the pain often associated with the blisters.
The natural remedy for cold sores includes herbal tea bags applied to the infected areas. Ice to relieve the pain and swelling. Aloe gel or cream to help keep the skin soft and avoid cracking or splitting or the skin, which then increases the spreading of the virus to other areas of the body.
Apply salt to the open sore, stinging will occur, but the salt will help dry out the sore. Rub ice on the blister or area to reduce the discomfort. Press a warm tea bag on the area for cooling relief. The tea bags also contain antioxidants to speed up the healing process. Apply lemon juice to dry out the infected area. Lightly dab on the juice and allow drying. The acid in the juice will burn slightly while it also will help to increase the healing process.
Over the counter medications, reduce the life of the contagious virus. Abreva is one of the most popular products that speeds the healing. Carmex is another treatment that contains camphor with a moisturizing aloe to decrease the discomfort. Vitamin E gel is a great remedy to provide a natural healing agent to the infected area as well as adding the aid of new skin cells to the possibly damaged area of skin.
Increase the body’s immune system to help fight the infection of the virus. Take Echinacea and a multivitamin to enhance your immune system so you will have the essential nutrients and vitamins to fight off the cold sore virus. Drink a lot of liquids and get plenty of sleep. Your body is fighting a virus and needs the liquids for a healthier immune system and the right amount of sleep in order to decrease the time to recover from the infection and virus.