Do you have a cold sore on your lip that is bothering you? If so, you are at the right place. Cold sores are blisters on or around the lips due to a fever or viral infection. It can lead to tingling, itching, and burning sensation. Stressors like sun exposure, poor immunity, hormonal imbalances, and more can aggravate it.
In this article, we will tell you some home remedies for cold sores that will provide some relief. Keep scrolling!
What Causes Cold Sores on Lips?
Cold sores are a symptom of Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) type 1 infection. HSV-1 is more common and usually causes oral herpes. HSV is very contagious and can spread through direct contact with an infected person or their secretions, such as saliva, blisters or sores. You can also get HSV from sharing objects like razors, towels, utensils or lip balms.
How to Treat Cold Sores on Lips?
There is no cold sore on lip cure for HSV, but you can treat cold sores to reduce their duration and severity. The sooner you start treatment, the better. Here are some of the options you can choose from:
1. Antiviral Medications
Antiviral medications are the most effective way to treat cold sores. They work by stopping the virus from multiplying and spreading. You can get them as oral pills, creams or injections, depending on the severity of your case.
2. Over-the-Counter Creams
If you don’t have access to antiviral medications, you can try over-the-counter creams that contain docosanol as a cold sore on lip treatment at home. Docosanol reduces pain and itching. However, it is not as effective as antiviral medications. If you are experiencing dryness on the skin, you can also use emollient creams or take omega 3 capsules to boost skin hydration and the ability to fight inflammation.
3. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a herb with antiviral properties and helps heal cold sores faster. You can use it as tea, oil, or cream. To make lemon balm tea, steep one teaspoon of dried lemon balm leaves in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes. Strain and drink up to four cups a day. To use lemon balm oil or cream as a cold sore home remedy, apply it directly to your cold sore three to four times a day.
4. Ice
Ice can be an effective cold sore home remedy that can help numb the pain and inflammation caused by cold sores. It can also prevent the virus from spreading to other areas of your lip or mouth. While you are looking to know how to cure cold sores on lips, use ice cold sore on lip treatment and relief. Just wrap an ice pack or a frozen bag of peas in a cloth or paper towel and place it over your cold sore for 10 minutes at a time. Do not apply ice directly to your skin, as it may cause frostbite or damage your nerves.
5. Aloe Vera
If you want to know how to cure cold sores on lips naturally, you can use a simple herb aloe vera. It is a plant that has soothing and healing properties for various skin conditions, including cold sores. To use aloe vera, cut a leaf from an aloe vera plant and squeeze out the gel. Apply it to your cold sore three times a day until it heals. It can be a DIY cold sore on lip cure.
6. Sunscreen
Avoiding direct sun is a part of a cold sore on lip treatment. Sun exposure can trigger or worsen cold sores, so it is important to protect your lips from the sun. Use a lip balm or cream that contains sunscreen with at least SPF 15. If you have sensitive skin that is prone to sunburn, consider taking calcium magnesium zinc tablets for fortifying your skin health and soothing skin affected by a cold sore.
7. Stress Reduction
Stress is one of the main triggers of cold sore outbreaks, so reducing stress can help prevent or shorten them. Find what works for you and practice it regularly to lower your stress levels and boost your immune system.
Proven Home Remedies for Cold Sores on Lips
There are many types of kitchen ingredients that can help alleviate cold sore on lip. Some of these lip cold sore home remedies are listed below:
- Honey: Honey is an excellent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent. As per one NCBI study report, using a mixture of 90% manuka honey with 10% glycerine can be used as cold sore on lip treatment at home. You can mix manuka honey with some glycerine in this concentration and use it on the cold sore on lip.
- Tea tree oil: In a 2006 study, tea tree oil was used against herpes simplex virus (HSV) and its effect. It was found that tea tree oil is highly effective against virus proliferation.
- Foods rich in lysine: Studies have shown that L-lysine prevents the recurrence of cold sores due to HSV disease. Some lysine-rich foods that make the best home remedies for cold sores on lips are beef, pork, chicken, cheese, soy, nuts, and seeds. If you can’t have these foods, you may take l-lysine supplements on the market.
How to Treat Cold Sores on Lips Naturally?
Some other ways to improve the effect of lip cold sore home remedies are:
- Boost immunity: Several studies have proven that strengthening your immune system can prevent the recurring outbreaks of cold sores on lips due to HSV. Taking vitamin C tablets is a convenient way to boost your immunity and fight a cold sore.
- Take a well-balanced diet: A well-balanced diet contains all the essential nutrients required for proper immune function against viral inflammation. Moreover, consuming lysine-rich fruits and vegetables can promote faster recovery from cold sores. Moreover, such a diet is rich in essential vitamins and minerals needed to reduce inflammation. Alternatively, you may take multivitamins for women and men that are enriched with lysine.
- Manage stress: As per a study featured by NIH, psychological stress can reactivate the latent cold sores and may render the ongoing treatment ineffective. Taking herbal supplements like ashwagandha tablets can also aid in stress management. Ashwagandha contains adaptogenic properties with proven results on mood regulation and improving immunity.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Booting overall health and wellness with exercise, avoiding sharing personal belongings, staying hydrated, and practicing safe sex can all prevent HSV transfer and aggravation of cold sores. So, when trying a home remedy for cold sore on lip, accommodate these changes in your lifestyle.
Conclusion
Cold sores are not very serious; they can cause discomfort such as pain, itching, and stinging. They are the result of viral infection caused by HSV, a virus. Although there is no permanent cure, it can be managed with medication, diet, lifestyle, and a home remedy for cold sore on lips. You can also opt for a combination of all of these for faster. However, as a word of advice, always consult a doctor first if you suspect having an HSV cold sore that is persistent. They can recommend better ways to cope with it.
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