How To Treat Cold Sores on Your Lips Naturally

Learn How You Can Prevent and Treat Your Cold Sore With Home Remedies

Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash

That little white patch on your mouth does not mean you’re about to get sick. It’s an indication that you’re already sick… with an infection.

Cold sores are painful blisters that appear on your lips or around your mouth that are caused by the herpes simplex virus. These sores can be triggered by stress, fatigue, or even too much sun.

If you’re dealing with a cold sore, the discomfort will affect your lifestyles, social interactions, and your desire to always look good.

You should treat your cold sore to improve your health and also maintain your confidence and well-being in your daily life.

That’s why in this article, you’ll learn simple and natural ways to prevent and treat your cold sore.

Cold sores are filled with fluid that are uncomfortable and painful. These sores start with a tingling or itching sensation before they become visible.

They’re caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and there are two types of this virus; HSV-1, which usually causes cold sores, and HSV-2, which is more commonly associated with genital herpes.

Once you get the virus, it stays in your body and can cause your cold sores to reappear from time to time.
Certain factors can trigger the virus and cause your cold sores to reappear;

• Stress: High levels of stress can weaken your immune system, and make you more susceptible to cold sore outbreaks.
• Fatigue:When you’re not getting enough rest, it can also trigger your cold sore.
  Sun Exposure: Too much sun can damage your lips and trigger your cold sore to reappear.
• Illness: Being sick with a cold can prompt your cold sore to reappear too.
• Hormonal Changes: Changes in your hormones, such as those during your menstruation, can also trigger your cold sores.

ALSO CHECK OUT: How To Treat Boils On Your Skin

Prevention Tips For Your Cold Sore

Daily habits you should learn to prevent outbreaks of your cold sore include;

• Use a good lip balm to prevent your lips from getting dry and cracked.
• Try not to touch your face with unclean hands, especially your lips, to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
• Avoid sharing things like your lip balm, towel, or utensils with others.
• Eating a balanced diet to keep your immune system strong, making it easier for your body to fight off infections, including cold sores.
• Exercise regularly to help reduce your stress and boost your immune system.

Natural Remedies For Your Cold Sore

Aloe vera

Photo by pisauikan on Unsplash

Aloe vera is a natural plant that has soothing and healing properties. It helps to reduce the pain and inflammation caused by your cold sore.

Aloe vera also has antiviral properties that can help fight the herpes simplex virus, speeding up your healing process.

Using aloe vera can help soothe the discomfort and increase the rate of healing of your cold sores. When you want to use aloe vera to treat your cold sore;

• If you have an aloe vera plant, cut a small piece of the leaf. If not, you can use aloe vera gel you bought at a store.
• If you’re using a fresh leaf, squeeze out the clear gel from inside the leaf.
• Then apply the gel directly to your cold sore using a clean finger or a cotton swab.
• Allow the gel to dry on your skin. You can reapply several times a day for best results.

Lemon Balm

Photo by Tamanna Rumee on Unsplash

Lemon balm is a herb known for its antiviral properties, which can fight the herpes simplex virus that causes your cold sores.

It also has anti-inflammatory and soothing effects, which can reduce the redness and discomfort, making your cold sore to heal faster.

Using lemon balm can help reduce the seriousness and duration of your cold sores, making the healing process quicker and less painful. When you want to use lemon balm to treat your cold sores on your lips;

• You can buy lemon balm cream or extract from health stores or online.
• Then dab a small amount of lemon balm cream or extract onto your cold sore using a clean finger or a cotton swab.
• Apply the lemon balm 3-4 times a day until your cold sore heals.

Honey

Photo by Arwin Neil Baichoo on Unsplash

Honey has natural antibacterial and antiviral properties that can fight your infections, including the herpes simplex virus that causes your cold sores.

It also has soothing and anti-inflammatory effects, which can reduce your pain and swelling and help your lips heal faster.

Using honey as a natural remedy can soothe and heal your cold sore faster. When you want treat your cold sore with honey;

• Use raw or manuka honey for the best results, as these types have the most healing properties.
• Then dab a small amount of honey onto your cold sore using a clean finger or a cotton swab.
• Let the honey stay on your sore for about 20 minutes.
• Rinse with warm water and pat the area dry. You can repeat this process several times a day.

ALSO CHECK OUT: Top 10 Home Remedies For Your Bad Breath

Home Care Tips

Other home remedies you can try to treat your cold sore involve keeping the sore area clean, avoiding spreading the virus, and what to do and not to do during your outbreak of cold sore on your lips. They include;

• Clean the cold sore area gently with soap and water. Pat it dry with a clean towel.
• Don’t pick at your sore, because this can cause more infection and delay your healing.
• Always wash your hands after touching your cold sore.
• Avoid kissing and close contact to prevent spreading the virus. Save the romance till you’re healed.
• Use an ice pack to reduce your swelling and discomfort.
• Avoid touching your cold sore as much as possible unless you want to apply treatment.
• Stay away from foods that can irritate your sore, like spicy foods.
• Don’t pick or scratch your sore, as this can worsen it.

When to See a Doctor

When you’re treating your cold sore, there are signs that show that you require medical attention and should see your doctor.

• If you get cold sores often, you should see a doctor.
• If the cold sore is extremely painful or large.
• If the cold sore spreads to your eyes, it can be serious.
• If the cold sore doesn’t start to heal after a couple of weeks of natural treatment.
• If you have a condition that weakens your immune system, like HIV, or if you’re undergoing chemotherapy.

ALSO CHECK OUT: How To Stop Your Hiccups

In Conclusion…

I hope these tips help you manage and prevent your cold sore outbreak. Do you have any personal tips or experiences with cold sores? Share them in the comments below. For more health and wellness tips, be sure to follow my blog to stay healthy.