There are many websites that claim to have the best cold sore home remedy, but how do you know which ones will actually work unless you go ahead and try them? Please note that sometimes the claims made are unproven and may not be as effective as others; some of the so-called remedies even make your condition worse. So it’s imperative that you know the facts before making a decision, so here’s a quick introduction to get you started.
Understanding is key
First of all, as with anything that involves your health, you need to make sure you make an informed decision before doing anything else. Unfortunately, the herpes simplex virus is known to infect 1 in 500,000 people a year, and while it affects so many people annually, science has only gone so far in curing it. The most visible symptom of the virus is what is commonly called cold sores or cold sores and for now you can just try to find the best cold sore home remedy that works for you.
Hope is not lost
However, keep in mind that just because something has no cure does not mean you should give up hope. You can manage the virus and at best it’s just an annoyance that comes up from time to time.
There are a number of ancient remedies that are known to be the best home remedy for cold sores. These are usually the simplest solutions, such as applying ice or a cold tea bag to the cold sore blister to reduce swelling and the spread of the virus. Rubbing the blisters with ice or a cold tea bag for 5 to 10 minutes every hour is usually effective in preventing the outbreak from spreading.
Use mouthwashes every half hour, such as chamomile tea, echinacea, lemon balm, salt water or aloe vera juice to return the PH balance in the mouth to a normal level. Lemon balm and aloe vera can also be applied directly to the affected area, these are known to be effective in shrinking the size and sometimes even reducing pain caused by cold sores.
Changes in lifestyle
It’s been suggested that caffeine and stress can trigger the spread of the virus, so it’s a good idea to keep them under control as well. You should drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration and to make sure you get enough rest and sleep.
For those who suffer from cold sores more often, you may want to switch your toothpaste to a brand that does not contain sodium lauryl sulfate.
To control the spread of cold sores, you need to make sure not to touch the lesions and blisters, as that is the most well-known way of spreading the virus. Remember, we may not have a cure yet, but there are countless ways to manage and control the condition; it is your choice whether you find a way or not.