Imagine waking up for a special day and finding a cluster of sore red blisters on your lips – all your worst nightmares have come true! Cold sores can ruin your day as soon as they appear. These blisters are caused due to viral infections and are also known as fever blisters. These extremely contagious skin infections are a direct result of herpes simplex virus which can also be transmitted through sexual activities like oral sex, contact with infected skin, and body secretions.
1. Nip it in the bud
You will normally experience the symptoms beforehand like itching and redress ahead of the actual breakout. In such a case, consult a dermatologist immediately and start consuming antiviral medicines like Valtrex an oral medication. Over the counter skin ointments, cold compressions, and by avoiding the consumption of acidic and spicy food especially meats, seafood, and eggs. Whereas starting a diet rich in nuts, beans, and sunflower seeds. This will allow the blisters to be contained at an early stage.
2. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties, hence the influx of the oil on the affected skin every 15 mins will allow the skin to heal faster. Dab a little bit of oil onto a cotton swab and treat the infected area. The cooling properties of this natural herb will lessen the itching and soreness as well.
3. Yogurt with Honey and Vinegar
These three natural antibiotics stimulate healing faster and cure the sores overnight. Apply a little amount of each onto a cotton ball and gently dab the area near the lip. Do it every one hour and watch the magic of nature’s bounty to making your skin supple and healthy again. Yogurt comes packed with natural enzymes that fight infection, and honey is a natural anti-inflammatory drug and vinegar is bitter enough to kill the germs.
4. Aloe vera
A wonder natural remedy for these painful blisters is the versatile succulent plant, Aloe Vera. Its gel that is extracted from its thick leaves has been a source of perennial medical uses. The gel can be applied directly to the affected spot overnight. This will soothe the sores and hydrate the dry, itchy skin causing the sores to vanish.
5. Black Tea
It is full of antioxidants which repair damaged skin and help in cell regeneration. Applying black tea on sore lips will kill its viral infection and boost quicker healing. It will also aid in collagen creation which is vital to keep the skin glowing.
6. Coconut & Peppermint oil
The methanol in the peppermint oil acts like a cooling agent and provides relief from the constant prickliness and redness. Coconut oil is known for its anti-fungal properties and fights the bacterial infection leaving the skin supple. Applying the oils thrice a day respectively will heal the sores quick.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar
A multi medicinal treatment that is found in every house is the wonder fermented juice of apples also known as apple cider vinegar. It not only works on the skin but also hair, stomach, and weight loss. It is an excellent home remedy for cold sores, just dab it on the affected area with a cotton ball and allow its anti-viral traits to work for your skin. It will heal the blisters in no time.
8. Garlic
Garlic cloves have antiseptic characteristics which can be crushed and applied onto the infected lips. Consuming a piece of garlic clove on an empty stomach in the morning will ensure that the blisters are contained and do not break out.
9. Vanilla
It prevents the bacterial virus from thriving on the skin and heals the marks left due to the infection. Apply vanilla extract four to five times a day for effective healing. It is also known to reduce the swelling and ease out the pain.
10. Echinacea
It is known to strengthen the immune system and prevent viral infection. Consuming warm Echinacea tea helps in faster healing also its supplement capsules can come in handy during the outbreak. However, caution has to be observed, and the consumption must be limited only to the healing period once the sores have vanished stop its intake.
11. Licorice Root
Licorice paste is good for getting rid of the dark spots, skin discoloration, and marks caused due to the blisters. It also has an active agent known as glabridin which is known to have healing properties and helps in the prevention of spreading of the cold sores.
12. Hydrogen Peroxide
The sores may turn nasty and bleed through open pores, to immediately contain the flow apply hydrogen peroxide to a ball of cotton and hold it over the blisters for 5 mins. Repeat it for few times. The sores will visibly shrink and dry out without any further blood loss.
13. Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol will kill the bacteria’s and prevent further contamination. Use a Q tip to rub the alcohol onto the infected area and let it evaporate. There will be a reduction in the swelling as well after continuous treatment.
14. Petroleum Jelly
The thick jelly will layer the skin with a protective covering and prevent the infection from spreading to other areas of the skin. Also, it will diminish the chances of external viruses from attacking the open pores. It will also soften the irritated skin thus reducing its redness.
15. Sea Salt
Rich in minerals the sea salt acts as an astringent and may sting a bit on application, but it will effectively remove the sores and heal the inflamed skin. Make a paste of the salt in lukewarm water and dab it onto the infected area several times a day for better results.
