There are a lot of home treatments for cold sore . All of these different remedies claim to treat cold sores effectively. In addition, some people swear by using lemon balm, hot water bottles, icepacks, over the counter medications and prescription drugs. All of these home treatments have their advantages and disadvantages.
For instance, you can use lemon balm as a home treatment for cold sores by applying a fresh slice of lemon to the affected area. Leave it on with just normal water for few minutes and then wash it off with normal water. Some people also recommend using tea tree oil but this remedy should not be used for more than a week at a time.
Other people also recommend applying hot water bottles, ice, or ointments made from licorice to the cold sore. Some people also recommend applying mashed banana to the affected areas and leaving it on for a few minutes before taking a shower. However, licorice has some limitations as an antiviral treatment. Mashed banana might give you some relief but it will not do anything to fight against the virus. In addition, licorice contains glycerin which can be irritating to your skin and may cause reddening and swelling.
When it comes to using cold sore home remedies, you can also use tea bags as a way to treat these painful blisters. First, apply the tea bag onto the blistered area for about 15 minutes before taking a warm, soapy bath. If you are using a cotton ball, then place the cotton ball directly onto the sore for a few minutes before removing the cotton ball. This treatment can be beneficial because it can relieve some of the pain caused by the sore. However, the pain caused by the blister will still remain even after you take a bath. A band-aid is also a good alternative when treating these sores because it can cover up some of the pain caused by them.
Another home remedy for cold sores is to use ice and cooling packs. You can place ice cubes in a small container and place this inside your lip. After you apply the ice for about 30 seconds before trying to remove it, you should immediately feel relief because your body will begin to cool down and the herpes virus that is causing your cold sores will be stopped.
If you are trying one of these home remedies for cold sores that does not work, then you may need to seek medical help from a doctor. There are prescription medications that can be used to treat the herpes virus and these can be found at any over the counter pharmacy. If none of the above home remedies are helpful, then you should speak to a doctor about the possibility of receiving a prescription for an antiviral medication. However, many individuals have successfully treated their herpes outbreaks with natural remedies that contain natural ingredients. They are just a bit more difficult to find but they do work and can end the pain of your sores.