Cold sores, medically termed as recurrent herpes labialis are basically small blisters which are very itchy and cause a stinging sensation. It mainly occurs on mouth or outside of the lips but sometimes can appear on fingers, chin and nostrils. It lasts for 7 to 10 days and oozes fluid or sometimes forms a yellow colored crust.

The sores are caused by Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV); it can simply pass by skin contact. The small breaks and cracks in the skin allow the virus to enter and infect the person. There are two types of herpes simplex virus; Type 1 is known as oral herpes and Type 2 is known as genital herpes. There is no permanent cure for the infection caused by virus since this virus remains in the body of the carrier and most of the times the symptoms are not visible. The home remedies for cold sores can treat the symptoms like the outbreak and cause relief.

There are many triggers like excess alcohol consumption, certain medications, depression, and excessive exposure to the sunlight, fatigue, deficient diet and weak immunity which result in the recurrence of the cold sores. There are many methods to prevent such recurrence and severity of outbreaks of cold sores. The home remedies for cold sores can help in treatment of the symptoms but it is always better to prevent its reoccurrence.

The simplest of all the home remedies for cold sores is to place a wet and cold towel on the sores which will reduce the swelling and redness. A cold compress of witch hazel on the affected area will reduce the pain. Ice is also one of the effective home remedies for cold sores. Rubbing the ice on the infected skin for few minutes is beneficial. Or you can apply a teabag on the blisters for few minutes repeatedly every hour. Turmeric is also a good option; it is a natural painkiller and has an anti inflammatory property. Apply the paste of turmeric on the sores for half an hour and wash it off.

Garlic has always proven to be a good option for curing the infections. You can crush a garlic clove, mix it in water and drink it. Allicin, which is the chemical found in garlic will help in fighting the virus. Juice from aloe plant is also beneficial for easing the pain off. You just have to rub aloe juice directly on the infected area; it will give u some quick relief.

A good diet high in lysine and low in arginine will boost up the immune system of your body and will help in fighting the infection. Consumption of red meat, fish, fruits and dairy products are recommended. These were some of the home remedies for cold sores which are easy and less time consuming.

Read about Home Remedies for Canker Sores. Also know Home Remedies for Cold Sores. Read about Home Remedies for Herpes.

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