Home Remedy For Cold Sore

Also known as oral herpes, a cold sore is one of the most common infections that the herpes simplex virus causes. It appears as annoying fever blisters on the mouth or lips accompanied by painful and uncomfortable symptoms. This infection spreads via direct contact with someone infected by the virus.

Home Remedy For Cold Sore

The primary source of  herpes treatment for a cold sore involves using antiviral drugs. However, in addition to this treatment, there a home remedy for cold Sorethat infected individuals can follow and execute. Read on and learn about the different medical therapies that you can do at home if herpes outbreaks occur, especially a cold sore.

Does toothpaste help cold sores?

Using toothpaste is a typical home remedy for cold sores that people follow for years. However, does toothpaste help cold sores vanish right away?

Toothpaste brands contain a compound called sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), which helps dry out blisters similar to what develops during an oral herpes outbreak. Although there is no clear evidence stating the efficiency of toothpaste on cold sores, many people claim that using toothpaste helps relieve the pain and discomfort that the infection causes.

Despite the anecdotal claims of the effectiveness of toothpaste, using it won’t do any harm. If you want to try this remedy, apply a thin layer of white, non-gel SLS toothpaste to a spot on your lips where a cold sore could appear. Note that itchiness occurs before the development of cold sores.

Does rubbing alcohol kill cold sores?

If you wish to get rid of fever blisters fast, rubbing alcohol can be an option. But how does rubbing alcohol kill cold sores? Is it effective enough to destroy the virus?

One home remedy for cold sore that helps speed up the healing process is rubbing alcohol. Applying this solution to cold sores will dry the fluid-filled sac or blister. It is most efficient when used in combination with a skin moisturizer. Once the sore has dried up, apply moisturizer to the affected area. It prevents bleeding and supports faster skin healing.

It would also help to remember that applying rubbing alcohol to the cold sore can sting. Avoid using it frequently if you are uncomfortable with the stinging sensation it causes.

How long do you leave salt on a cold sore?

The most natural remedy and an effective method for providing first aid to oral herpes involve salt. But how long do you leave salt on a cold sore?

Applying salt on cold sore overnight is the best method that people can follow. Additionally, salt can work best if it is combined with toothpaste. The combination of salt and toothpaste removes the moisture forming inside the cold sore and minimizes the possibility of viral shedding. This method also helps in healing cold sores faster.

Another natural remedy is using garlic for cold sores. Garlic contains enzymes that help combat blisters. These enzymes have anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties that help treats cold sores. Garlic also boosts the body’s immunity and prevents recurrent herpes outbreaks.

List of cold sore drugs

Besides the availability of different home remedies for cold sores, treating the infection also involves using antiviral drugs. Here is a list of cold sore drugs doctors usually prescribe to patients.

Valtrex – This antiviral drug slows the spread of the herpes simplex virus and helps the body fight the infection. It is available under the generic name valacyclovir.

Zovirax – This antiviral medicine functions by preventing recurrent herpes outbreaks. Besides treating cold sores, it also provides medical therapy for people with shingles. It is available under the generic name Acyclovir.

Famvir – Although not a cure for herpes, Famvir assists in treating cold sores, genital herpes, and shingles. It is available under the generic name Famciclovir.

Apart from these drugs, topical creams and ointments are also available. Ask your healthcare professional which of these medications are suitable for you.

Sources:

healthline.com/health/toothpaste-on-cold-sore
whatallergy.com/2011/02/fighting-cold-sores/
colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/mouth-sores-and-infections/toothpaste-on-cold-sore-does-it-work
coldsorescured.com/putting-salt-on-a-cold-sore/
beautyepic.com/garlic-for-cold-sores/
drugs.com/condition/herpes-simplex-labialis.html