Cold sores are caused by a form of the Herpes Simplex virus known as HSV-1. It manifests itself as painful ulcers around the mouth and lips and is a very common virus. It is also sometimes called "dull fever" or "lip fever". It is similar to the virus that causes genital herpes, namely HSV-2, but it is not the same. Although these are different viruses, both can show up on the lips and genitals. Those who are infected with both viruses can also spread them through very close direct contact, such as kissing, oral sex, or any contact with the mouth.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: With Power
Step 1. Eat foods rich in lysine
Some studies have found that this amino acid helps treat and prevent cold sores outbreaks by blocking arginine, another essential amino acid for the development of the virus. Foods rich in lysine include fish, meat (poultry, lamb, beef), dairy products, mung bean sprouts and common beans.
Also consider taking a lysine supplement. The recommended dosage is usually 500-1000 mg per day, to be taken on an empty stomach. The maximum recommended dose is 3000 mg per day, so make sure you stay within this limit
Step 2. Avoid foods that are high in arginine
In this case it is an amino acid favorable to the development of the virus which facilitates its proliferation. The highest concentrations of arginine are found in whole grains, seeds, nuts and chocolate.
Step 3. If you can, exclude acidic foods from your diet
This is especially important if they come into contact with the lip ulcer while you eat them. Keep in mind that the herpes virus thrives in an acidic environment, so it's important to prevent ulcers from coming into contact with any acidic substances. For this reason, avoid citrus fruits, tomatoes and any food containing vinegar.
Step 4. Take a zinc supplement every day
This mineral strengthens the body's immune defenses and prevents future cold sores outbreaks. The recommended dose for strengthening the immune system is 10 mg / day for adults. If you want to give it to children, you need to consult your pediatrician.
You can also find topical zinc creams on the market. However, make sure to apply them for up to 12 days after the onset of the first symptoms of herpes, to minimize the duration of the infection
Step 5. Commit to consuming those foods that strengthen the immune system and help the body fight the virus
Include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in your daily diet. Among the most suitable foods to stimulate the immune system are cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, onion and garlic.
Method 2 of 5: With Commonly Present Home Products
Step 1. Apply ice to the herpes as soon as you notice it is starting to form
Repeat the application regularly. The herpes virus needs a warm, humid environment to develop, so by cooling the area and keeping it at a low temperature, you prevent the herpes from growing more and promote healing.
Step 2. Apply lemon balm or lemon extract directly to the ulcer
Dip a cotton ball in lemon balm and dab it on the lip ulcer 2 or 3 times a day.
Step 3. Make a solution of salt, milk and lemon juice to treat herpes
The milk proteins soften the acidity of the lemon, so you won't experience a painful sensation when you apply the mixture to the sore. The mixture must be rather dense, so the liquid ingredients must represent a minimum part in relation to the amount of salt. This allows you to mold the dough into a ball shape and dab it on the herpes wound. After applying, put some aloe vera on your lip.
Step 4. Put the salt
Moisten a finger and dip it in table salt, then place it on the herpes and press gently for 30 seconds to give the salt time to soak into the ulcer. Wash your hands with soap and warm water after touching the wound.
Step 5. Apply a tea bag
Immerse it in hot water, let it cool and place it, still wet, on the painful area for 5 - 10 minutes. Repeat the treatment every one or two hours, each time with a new sachet.
Method 3 of 5: With Herbal Remedies
Step 1. Take a topical oil, such as lavender or lemon balm
Both are known for their ability to speed up the healing process of lip fevers. Apply the oil to the herpes several times a day.
Step 2. Use a herbal remedy
- Dab the sore with St. John's wort in topical formulation several times a day, carefully following the instructions on the package. Make sure it is a topical formulation; also if you are already taking it in other forms (for example as a food supplement), do not use it to treat herpes, as an overdose could be dangerous.
- Take 1 teaspoon of strong Echinacea root 3 times a day. Keep it in your mouth for 2 to 3 minutes and then swallow it.
- Apply chamomile tincture to herpes a couple of times a day. Alternatively, you can drink chamomile tea, letting some warm liquid remain on the ulcer. This herb contains α-bisabolol, a natural alcohol that contributes to the healing of lesions that form on the mucous membranes.
Method 4 of 5: Other Solutions
Step 1. Avoid touching the cold sores
In addition to aggravating the situation, physical contact allows the HSV-1 virus to transfer to the fingers, thus making it easier to spread through non-oral contact. The virus can infect the skin cells it comes into contact with, even when these are in other parts of the body. Therefore, prevent this complication by avoiding touching the ulcer as much as possible.
Step 2. Wash your hands often
Even though you are making a conscious effort not to touch the injury, it can often happen that you tease it absently. It is therefore important to wash your hands frequently, especially after realizing that you have touched the herpes or the area around the lips and mouth.
This precaution is especially important before and after meals
Step 3. Stock up on toothbrushes
The virus is able to remain active on surfaces, such as toothbrushes. To avoid the risk of spreading herpes to the areas surrounding the wound, consider using a new toothbrush as soon as you feel the first symptoms and throw it away when the herpes has healed.
As an added safety measure, make sure that the toothbrush does not touch the opening of the toothpaste tube when you apply the toothpaste
Step 4. Don't share items with other people
Avoid using shared towels, razors, cutlery, or washcloths with other people. Be sure to wash anything that could potentially come into contact with the ulcer with warm soapy water.
Step 5. Apply sunscreen with an SPF factor of 15 or higher
Sun exposure has been shown to trigger cold sores. By protecting yourself properly with a sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher, you can heal the injury more easily while minimizing the damaging effects of the sun.
- By regularly and consistently applying sunscreen around the sensitive area, even if there is no active outbreak, you will be able to minimize the frequency of herpes outbreaks in the future.
- Remember to wash your hands before and after applying the sunscreen.
Step 6. Use a moisturizer
You can spread a small drop of petroleum jelly or propolis on the lip with the help of a cotton swab. You can also benefit from natural lysine-based moisturizers, which you can find in beauty stores or pharmacies.
Propolis is a natural resin rich in nutrients that is produced by bees
Step 7. Make a moisturizer yourself
If you prefer to know exactly the ingredients contained in the natural moisturizer, you can make your own using propolis and essential oils. Studies have found that a 3% propolis ointment can reduce the pain caused by cold sores. To make the ointment, take 15g of propolis (equivalent to one tablespoon) and add it to 1.3kg of pure coconut oil, which is a great moisturizer. At this point, add a drop of each of the following:
- Camphor oil, which helps reduce pain.
- Echinacea oil, an antiviral herb that can help strengthen the immune system.
- Licorice oil, effective against the HSV-1 virus.
- Andrographis paniculata oil, which has both antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Sage oil, which, in addition to treating herpes thanks to its antiviral properties, is also a good alternative to andrographis paniculata oil, in case you can't get it.
Method 5 of 5: Minimize the Risk of Recurrence
Step 1. Assess the risk of future outbreaks
Many people who test positive for HSV-1 do not experience cold sores, just as many others do not have recurrent herpes outbreaks after suffering from a first outbreak. However, people who are at a higher risk of recurrent lip ulcers are those who:
- They have a weakened immune system, i.e. they are immunosuppressed.
- They are sick with HIV / AIDS, which is a cause of immune deficiency.
- They suffer from eczema.
- They have cancer and are on chemotherapy.
- They have undergone an organ transplant, which means they are taking immunosuppressive drugs to avoid organ rejection.
- They suffered severe burns.
Step 2. Be aware of potential factors that can trigger the outbreak
Some of these are related to the likelihood of further outbreaks in the future. These triggers include:
- Fever of any kind (whether caused by another viral or bacterial infection).
- Menses.
- Stress of any kind (physical, mental or emotional).
- Fatigue.
- Sun exposure.
- Surgical intervention.
Step 3. Avoid spending too much time in the sun
Since sun exposure is one of the factors responsible for cold sores, you should try to stay there as little as possible. Remember to always apply sunscreen when you are outdoors.
Step 4. Eat a balanced diet
A balanced and nutritious diet can help reduce those factors, such as fatigue and stress, that could facilitate the onset of herpetic outbreaks. If you want to eat healthily, especially focus on:
- Lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Include a variety of fruits (except citrus fruits) and vegetables in your diet, as both are rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins and fiber that help keep you healthy.
- Complex carbohydrates instead of simple sugars. This means that you should avoid the processed and industrially processed foods you find in supermarkets. They may seem like simple enough foods, but keep in mind that other ingredients for preservation and all possible types of sugar are added during processing and packaging, including those with a high fructose content, such as corn syrup.
- These sugars are related to various problems, such as glucose intolerance (a form of prediabetes), diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome and heart disease, as well as impaired intestinal flora.
- Increase the amount of lean fish and poultry in your diet (and reduce your consumption of red meat).
- Beans and legumes are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals; even if they contain phytic acid, normal cooking should release most of the minerals and allow for good absorption of their nutritional values.
- Don't forget to drink water and keep yourself well hydrated. Drink at least 6-8 8-ounce glasses of water each day.
Step 5. Rest properly
If you sleep less than your daily requirement, you increase your stress and fatigue levels. You must therefore try to sleep well for 7-8 hours every night.
Step 6. Avoid anything that creates stress for you
While it is often impossible to escape from it at work or at home, you should avoid situations that create anxiety and tension as much as possible. This can mean having to free yourself from a heavy situation that you are no longer able to handle, but also a simple thing, like walking away from your desk for a few minutes while working. Here are some tips to alleviate the state of anxiety a little:
- Being with friends.
- Go for a walk or go to the gym.
- Consider incorporating deep breathing techniques or meditation into your daily routine. You can find a good description of these techniques in the articles: How to Deep Breath and How to Meditate.
Step 7. Strengthen the immune system
In addition to a proper diet and exercise, you can take other measures to strengthen the body's immune defenses. For example, do not smoke, drink alcohol in moderation, do not expose yourself to diseases and infections by regularly washing your hands and keeping your blood pressure under control.
Step 8. See your doctor if needed
Cold sores rarely cause complications, and there is usually no need to go to the doctor for this type of condition. However, you should make an appointment and be examined if:
- Outbreaks occur more than 2-3 times a year.
- Cold sores don't heal within two weeks.
- You often get sick; this could be a sign that your immune system is weak.
- The ulcer is very painful.
- In conjunction with cold sores you experience eye irritation; this could indicate that there are other infections going on.
Warnings
- There are many other theories on how to cure cold sores. Some of these suggest applying products such as nail polish, astringent solutions or toothpaste. Most of these remedies are not effective, and some may even burn the skin or cause other complications. Always consult your doctor before trying any of these "alternative" methods.
- Many people suffer from HSV-1, including infants and children. The virus can be transmitted through skin contact, kissing, using the same cutlery when eating, or sharing other items such as a toothbrush, razor, lip balm, lipstick, towel, or washcloth.. This is different for HSV-2, which is mainly transmitted through some form of sexual contact.
- Cold sores are caused by a virus and usually form around the mouth or lips. It is not the same as with canker sores, the origin of which is unknown, and which occurs inside the mouth.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not use lysine without first checking with your gynecologist.
