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Some links in this article are affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we find useful to our readersThe formation of fluid-filled blisters near the mouth or other areas of the face are called cold sores. In various cases it has been found that the growth of cold sores also occurs on fingers, nose as well as inside the mouth. Cold sores in mouth and cold sores in your tongue or any other part of the body usually occurs in patches, may stay for 2-3 weeks or longer. Although there is no availability of any medication for cold sores, some medicines might help in how to get rid of cold sores and its recurrence.
We have tried to provide all the important information about cold sores as well as various important home remedies to treat the condition. Read on to get interesting information about the prevention of cold sores as well as its symptoms and causes.
What is Cold Sore?
As mentioned earlier cold sores are the blisters which are filled with fluid and forms near the lips or mouth as well as on various other parts of the face. It is a viral infection which is caused due to herpes simplex virus. The breaking of blisters results into the formation of scab and triggers sores. It can spread through kissing or sex.
What are the Causes and Symptoms of Cold Sores?
The major cause of cold sore is a virus. Cold sores show various symptoms which should not be ignored as this disease can spread rapidly. Here we have discussed some major symptoms as well as causes of cold sores.
Causes of cold sore
The major cause of this contagious disease is herpes simplex virus. Among the two types of this virus, the herpes simplex virus type-1 causes cold sore, while the type-2 virus causes genital herpes. However, according to the experts, it is possible for the type-1 virus to cause cold sores on genitals as well as for type-2 virus to cause herpes on the mouth.
These sores are contagious in both visible and invisible form. Thus, you can get cold sores by coming in contact with the person having cold sores. Oral sex can also spread the cold sore as well as genital herpes.
Sharing of cosmetics, food as well as kissing are other few causes of cold sores.
Symptoms of cold sores
The major symptom of a cold sore is the burning sensation on your lips or face before few days of developing cold sores. It is better to start the treatment from this point to get quick relief. Cold sores are filled with fluid and will be tender to touch.
It is important to know that cold sores will remain for 1-2 weeks and will be contagious. It takes up to 20 days to form a cold sore after you get infected with a simplex virus. Other major symptoms are,
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Muscle ache
It is also necessary to consult with your doctor immediately if you face any eye problems due to cold sores. Ignoring the symptoms on eyes can even lead to permanent vision loss, according to the experts.
Cold Sore Stages
Cold sores are classified into five main stages. These stages are
Stage one
Burning sensation or tingling before 24 hours of the eruption of blisters.
Stage Two
An appearance of fluid-filled blisters.
Stage Three
Bursting of blisters and the formation of painful sores.
Stage Four
Drying out of sores and the starting of itching as well as cracking.
Stage Five
Falling off of scabs and healing of sores.
Home Remedies to Get Rid of Cold Sores Fast
Following are some home remedies to treat cold sores on the nose as well as other parts of the body. which goes in few weeks but can come back again if your immune system is weak. These home remedies are the cold sore instant cure which will help in preventing the recurrence of cold sores.
1. Garlic
Antibacterial properties of garlic help in disinfecting the sore and boosts its healing process. It is necessary to consume garlic every day.
- Crush garlic cloves and make a paste of it.
- Place the paste on sores.
- Leave it for 5-10 minutes.
- Wash it off with water○ Perform this every day.
2. Chamomile
Chamomile is rich in bisabolol, an ingredient which helps in promoting healing.
- Make chamomile tea and drink for at least 3 times a day.
- Apply the paste of chamomile directly on the sores for 3 times every day.
3. Milk
Milk contains some important amino acids, which helps in soothing the pain and promoting healing of sores.
- Take some raw or cold milk.
- Dip a cotton ball into it.
- Place this cotton ball directly on the sore.
- Leave it for 5-10 minutes.
- Wash it off with water.
- Use it regularly for 3 times every day.
4. Apple cider vinegar
Along with eliminating all the bacteria, apple cider vinegar helps in balancing the pH level of the skin and promotes drying out of blisters.
- Dip a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar.
- Place in directly on the sore.
- Use it regularly for at least 3 times a day.
You can also try oral method
- Mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of ice water.
- Drink this solution 3 times.
5. Aloe vera
Aloe vera is an amazing natural antibacterial which fights against the virus which causes cold sores and helps in soothing pain.
- Take out the gel from fresh, organic aloe vera.
- Apply it directly on the sore.
- Leave it for few minutes.
- Wash it off with the help of water ○ Use this process regularly.
6. Honey
Honey is an antibiotic if used in its raw, organic form. Along with soothing pain due to cold sores, it also helps in fighting virus.
- Eat a tablespoonful of honey every day.
You can also,
- Apply it directly on the sores.
- Leave it for few minutes
- Wash it off with water.
How to Get Rid of Cold Sores with Essential Oils?
You can also use various essential oils to treat the condition of cold sores effectively. Some of the methods of treating cold sores through essential oils are as follows.
7. Peppermint oil
This essential oil helps in fighting against the virus which triggers cold sores.
- Take few drops of peppermint oil and apply it on sore.
- Leave it for 5-6 minutes.
- Rinse it off with the help of cold water.
- Repeat this process twice everyday to get rid of cold sore.
8. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is filled with antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiseptic as well as antibiotic properties which helps in treating as well as preventing the infection.
- Mix few drops of tea tree oil in a glass of water.
- Apply this mixture on cold sore.
- Leave it for 5-6 minutes.
Best Natural Topical Prevention and Treatment for Cold Sores
Follow the best natural topical prevention and treatment for cold sores tips given below to get rid of cold sores and also to cut it from returning back.
- To sooth pain due to cold sores, apply petroleum jelly on it.
- Replace your toothbrush, if you have cold sores, as toothbrushes can spread the virus rapidly. Use sunscreen on lips while going outside.
- Avoid pinching, squeezing as well as picking the sores, as it will worsen the condition even more.
- Use lip balms with lemon extracts.
- While suffering from cold sores, avoid kissing, sharing utensils.
- Keep a proper hygiene.
- Stress is also a cause of cold sore. To overcome stress, perform yoga, meditation as well as exercise.
- To strengthen immune system, use zinc lozenges.