Remedies For Cold Sores

Cold sores, also referred to as fever blisters are caused by the herpes simplex virus. Cold sores are contagious. They are often mistaken for canker sores – a non contagious mouth ulcer. Cold sores mainly occur on the skin adjacent to mouth, mostly on the lips. Sometimes they may occur on chin, nostrils, fingers or genitals.
+Ice is a very good home remedy for cold sores. Rub ice on the infected skin for few minutes, repeat this every hour.
+Lemon balm contains a high concentration of polyphenols and appears to minimize herpes outbreaks. It can be applied topically in cream form.
+Place a small amount of salt on the cold sore and hold it in place with your finger for a minute or two. This may be painful but it is one of the quickest ways to heal cold sores.

+Apply a tea bag for few minutes on the blisters, repeat this every hour. One can also consider pressing a warm tea bag on the blisters for approximately 30 minutes.
+Cut garlic in half and place one part on the cold sore. A compound in garlic cold Kyolic has antiviral properties which speeds healing. Take 2 garlic capsules a day.
+According to some naturalists cold milk has a role in cold sore treatment as they believe it can provide relief and even promote healing. According to some, you could simply soak a cotton ball or swab in some cold milk and dab it or apply gently over the sore.
+For cold sore on lips treatment using peppermint oil has also been found to be very effective. +Peppermint oil can penetrate the skin and its powerful antiviral properties can have a curing effect on cold sores.
+Small pieces of raw onion can be applied directly on the cold sores for treating and preventing cold sores from getting worse.
Avoid:

+Acidic and salty foods. Foods such as chocolates, peanuts, grains, peas, seeds, oatmeal and whole-wheat are high in arginine, therefore they should be restricted.
+Avoid tea and coffee. Avoid processed food.

+Avoid any spicy or hard, crisp foods that could irritate the skin. 

Eat: 

+Eat lots of fruits and green leafy vegetables
+Eat vitamin rich diet. Your diet must include vitamin A, C and E. Zinc and iron are also necessary. Include garlic in your diet. Eat fresh food with high antioxidants and high complex carbohydrates.