Cold sores or fever blisters are small sores or lesions developed on the lips, around the mouth, or any other face part. They look like blisters and are painful. Although the name is ‘cold sore,’ these fluid-filled wounds are, in fact, the results of viral infections. This article will discuss the potential causes of cold sores and some helpful remedies.
Potential Causes of Cold Sore
Cold sores result from a specific infection caused by HSV-1 (Herpes Simplex Virus – type 1). A rare version of this condition caused by HSV-2 (Herpes Simplex Virus – type 2) can also be found in some people. In most cases, oozing blisters are the symptoms of contagious cold sores. But you may get the virus transmitted to your body even when there is no presence of blisters.
There may be several ways, such as kissing, having oral sex, or sharing utensils, toiletries, etc. (with a person who has been suffering from it), through which HSV strains are spread. At first, they enter the nerve cells buried under the skin and remain inactive for some time. But as soon as our body gets exposed to some triggers, they activate and give us cold sore outbreaks.
Usually, cold sore triggers are not the same for all. Discovering what is giving you such ugly blisters before you get ready to take on them is essential. So, let’s know about the factors that contribute to it. Some of the most common triggers of cold sores are:
- Damage caused by an injury to the old or freshly developed blister
- Exposure to intense sunlight
- Contact with dry winter wind
- Extreme mental stress, tension, or anxiety
- Too much fatigue is caused by a weak immune system
- Viral fever or any infection
- Depression or deep sadness
- Hormonal imbalances experienced during the menstrual cycle
- Dental procedures that affect the troubled areas
Also Read – 8 Amazing Herbal Remedies for Sunken Eyes
It has also been seen that cold sores can relapse at the same place or in a different part of the body. People with relatively weak immune systems are more prone to develop it repeatedly. Certain risk factors increase the chance of cold sore complications. These include:
- AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) treatment
- Cancer treatment (especially chemotherapy)
- Excess consumption of alcohol
- Taking steroidal medicines
- Taking anti-rejection medicines (during organ transplants)
- Skin issues like eczema
- Severe burns
Valuable Remedies for Cold Sore
Cold sores don’t have a proper cure. All you can do is take some preventive measures to avoid the outbreaks or use some home remedies to ease discomfort and fade away the marks. Let us take a look at some of the most effective home remedies for cold sores: (1) (2)
Pure Vanilla Extract
Soak a cotton swab in pure organic vanilla extract and apply it to the affected area for a few minutes. Repeat this process at least four times daily for noticeable results. The alcohol content in vanilla extract acts as a deterrent to viral growth, reducing the severity of the blister.
Licorice
Mix a tablespoon of licorice root powder with one teaspoon of petroleum jelly or half a teaspoon of plain water. Cover the sore with this smooth paste and leave overnight. The glycyrrhizic acid in licorice root is known to combat virus cells or destroy them successfully, making the blisters disappear.
Whole Milk
Saturate a cotton swab in 2 tablespoons of cold whole milk and use it as a compress on the affected area. After 5 minutes, dab the milk off carefully with a soft, damp towel and apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly. The immunoglobulins in milk work as antibodies, while the l-lysine content prevents arginine’s harmful effects on our bodies. As a result, the outbreaks start to heal efficiently.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Soak a cotton swab in a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide and hold it on your sore for 5 minutes. Dab it around the wound for a few seconds and then rinse with fresh, plain water. It acts as a typical disinfectant and reduces the severity of the blister to a great extent.
Peppermint Oil
Dilute two tablespoons of peppermint oil by adding a few drops of pure water. Apply it to the sore and let it sink into the skin thoroughly. Practice it twice every day. The antiviral properties of peppermint will kill the herpes viruses outside your skin cells and stop the sore from spreading.
Echinacea Tea
Prepare a cup of fresh Echinacea tea by allowing a tea bag to steep in boiling water for 10 minutes. Drink it every day to get rid of cold sores. It will strengthen your immune system and help your body fight against the attacks of herpes virus.
If these home remedies do not work, you should seek the help of a doctor to cure your cold sores. However, in most cases, these ugly blisters go away within 7 to 14 days.
Summary
Cold sores, painful blisters around the mouth, result from HSV-1 or HSV-2 infections. Transmission occurs through kissing, oral sex, or sharing items with an infected person. Triggers include injury, sunlight, stress, fatigue, viral infections, and hormonal imbalances. Complications arise with weak immune systems or specific medical treatments. While cold sores have no cure, preventive measures and home remedies like vanilla extract, licorice, whole milk, hydrogen peroxide, peppermint oil, and Echinacea tea can ease discomfort and aid healing. Seeking medical help may be necessary if home remedies prove ineffective.
