Cold sores are not only annoying, they can be very painful. And … they are highly contagious. But what exactly is a cold sore? It’s a blister located outside of the mouth, mostly along the lip edge.
Cold sores are unpleasant, and they can ooze fluid and become crusty. It usually takes 10 to 14 days to heal, and they are contagious until they do heal.
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (known as HSV-1) causes cold sores.
This type of herpes is not the same as genital herpes, which is known as HSV-2. But HSV-1 is extremely contagious, and it’s also very common. About two-thirds of the population actually has HSV-1. But, not everyone with the virus experiences cold sores or other symptoms.
HSV-1 is usually spread by the mouth, including through kissing and sharing utensils or drinks, as well as through other areas.
4 Ways to Treat Cold Sores
The best way to treat a cold sore is to do it quickly to minimize the effects of the sore.
“Most people experience a burning or itching feeling around their mouth up to a day or two before a cold sore appears. If you start treating it as soon as you feel that itchy feeling, you may be able to minimize the size, appearance, and duration of the cold sore,” according to the Website One Good Thing by Jillee.
Apply Honey
You can treat a cold sore with honey. Thanks to its antimicrobial properties, it helps speed up the healing process. Make sure to use raw, unfiltered honey. Dab a small amount directly onto the cold sore a few times every day.
Eat Probiotic Foods
Probiotic foods contain what’s known as “good” bacteria that helps boost your immune system. It also helps fight off infections and viruses. Drinking or eating probiotic foods is said to help heal cold sores fast. What are probiotic foods? They include apple cider vinegar, kombucha, yogurt, and kimchi.
Use Ice
This cold-sore treatment is simple: Just apply an ice compress to the cold sore to reduce inflammation and redness. You can also soak a clean cloth in ice water, and apply the cold compress on the sore for five to 10 minutes. Re-wet the cloth every time it needs cooling so it doesn’t become warm. Do this a few times per day, or more often if necessary. Always wash the compress afterward since cold sores are contagious.
Use Essential Oils
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Some essential oils have been shown to help treat cold sores, including tea tree oil, lavender oil, and peppermint oil. These oils include antiviral, anti-fungal, and antibacterial effects that help heal some wounds, including cold sores. They also help reduce the itching and pain associated with cold sores.
You can even combine an essential oil with the honey treatment mentioned above for an effective cold sore treatment. Combine 1/2 cup raw honey, 10 drops peppermint essential oil, 10 drops tea tree essential oil, 15 drops lavender essential oil. Then dab the solution onto the cold sore two times per day. Keep the mixture on the sore for as long as possible, at least for a few minutes.
What to Do if You Get a Cold Sore
After a cold sore heals, make sure to do these things afterward to prevent the virus from spreading:
- Replace your toothbrush.
- Change your pillowcase.
How to Prevent Cold Sores
You can actually use Chapstick to help prevent cold sores because sunlight is known to trigger a cold sore. Make sure the Chapstick has SPF protection. Also, stress can trigger a cold sore, so try to effectively manage your stress levels through regular exercise, meditation, or other relaxing activities.
Source: One Good Thing by Jillee
