Cold Sores Symptoms, Causes, Home Remedies for Cold Sores

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (No Ratings Yet)
Loading ... Loading ...

What is a cold sore? What causes cold sores?

Cold sores is a common man’s term for Herpes labialis. Herpes is a viral infection and is caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and is primarily responsible for infection around mouth.

DNA virus of herpes simplex causes a grouped vesicular eruption (fluid filled eruptions) of skin and mucous membranes and they form painful ulcers when inside the mouth or ugly scabs if they are on the edge of the lips or elsewhere near the mouth
Other type of herpes simplex virus type 2 - usually causes genital infections.

Cold sores or herpes labialis - causative factor being a virus that can be activated by certain factors like fever, strong sunlight, local trauma, emotional stress, menstruation.

Being a viral infection it usually has a rapid onset and a rapid progress. A few hours of burning or pain which is usually around lips and adjoining skin (at muco-cutaneous junction). This is followed by a crop of vesicles (fluid filled eruptions) which usually gives a burning sensation and it breaks down in 48 hrs. This crops of eruptions recur and the complete attack lasts for one to two weeks. There may or may not be a scar left after the attack.

Complications which can occur due to cold sores are that there may be a simultaneous bacterial infection in these eruptions which may require anti-bacterial therapy.

Home Remedies, Preventions and Natural Cures for Cold Sores

  1. Indian gooseberry, botanically known as Emblica officinalis, is highly useful, fresh juice extracted from the fruit along with some sugar, if consumed daily on empty stomach works wonderfully in this condition, especially for those who have recurrent cold sores.
  2. Certain plants which have astringent properties, like wild snake gourd, bacopa, aloe etc., are very useful in treatment of cold sores.
  3. Take a tea break - hold a wet tea bag to a cold sore, black tea contains tannin, an astringent with pain relieving power.
  4. Sucking an antacid tablet, as it neutralizes acids of digestive juices in the mouth, that may aggravate sores or raw spots. Applying a antacid gel around the mouth will also help
  5. Styptic pencils have a core of alum, that helps stop bleeding if any and also helps to dry up the blisters caused by cold sores.
  6. Ice packs are invaluable for reducing swelling and hence it can be applied on the tender cold sores.
  7. Use of tobacco in any form should be avoided.
  8. Use of green vegetables and fruits should be increased, as the natural vitamins in them help in increasing immunity to fight against any type of viruses.

Most minor cold sores simply fade away within a week or two. Those which persists deserve a doctors attention.

Related Posts on:
Sphere: Related Content

September 23, 2008 | Filed Under Natural Home Remedies 

Comments

Leave a Reply