How to Quickly Get Rid of a Cold Sore ?

Cold sores can be quite unbearable, and it is possible for you to experience great discomfort each time you attempt to chew your food or smile. What’s worse, you may have to deal with this condition for a week or two before it heals completely. Sounds frustrating? Don’t worry - these practical tips on how to quickly get rid of a cold sore can help speed up the healing process, so you can put an end to your discomfort and pain.

10. Milk

Applying milk on the affected area can reduce the size of that cold sore in a matter of days. Moreover, it cuts down the recovery period to a few days, so you will not have to wait for a couple of weeks before the cold sore heals. The secret to milk’s amazing power is the fact that it contains essential proteins or immunologists that work by shielding your body from viruses such as herpes. Milk also contains a special substance called L-lysine, and this is responsible for reversing the devastating effects of arginine. Since arginine can cause outbreaks of cold sore, it will help to keep this type of amino acid under control. Dip a piece of cloth on milk and dab it on the painful area, and repeat as necessary.

9. Tea Tree Oil

This essential oil contains impressive antiseptic, anti-viral and antibiotic properties that are known to treat cold sores. Tea tree oil also aids in keeping the sore under control, so it reduces any chances of inflammation while minimizing the size and severity of the sore. For some people, applying tea tree oil can reduce the sore’s size by at least 50 percent after a couple of days. To ensure astounding results, simply dab a few drops of tea tree oil to the infected part. If you suffer from sensitive skin, you may have to dilute this herbal oil into water before applying this mixture directly on the cold sore.

8. Sea Salt

Aside from its usual function as a condiment for your recipes, sea salt can help heal a broken, inflamed or irritated skin. Thus, it is ideal to use sea salt when you want to heal or reduce your cold sores. In preparing the sea salt solution for cold sore, you only need to mix a teaspoon of salt and 250 ml of water, preferably lukewarm. Stir this mixture and gargle it while making sure that this powerful cold sore treatment touches the affected area. You may also apply another method of using sea salt, which is by dabbing it directly and pressing onto the sore for at least half an hour. Afterwards, rinse off with water and perform this technique at least thrice a day.

7. Witch Hazel

Witch Hazel is a North American tree that is proven to heal several conditions affecting the skin. If you are worried about your cold sores, you may choose to purchase witch hazel hydro-sol that can be applied on the painful part. Basically, hydro-sol is a distilled liquid form of witch hazel, and it can take effect easily when applied at least two times a day for outstanding results.

6. Styptic Pencil

Most barber shops have this tool in their supplies desk, as it can help heal small and minor cuts due to shaving. It contains alum, a special ingredient that helps contract the blood vessels for quicker effect. However, it may hurt when the pencil touches the cold sore, although the pain will eventually wear off and diminish any pains associated with it.

5. Peppermint Oil

This ingredient is potent in treating various health conditions, as long as they are related with skin problems. Since this product focuses on the root of the problem, you can prevent the condition from recurring. Hence, you can experience comfort when there is nothing else to worry about cold sores.

4. Licorice

Licorice is another effective and natural remedy for cold sores, which you can try for yourself for immediate relief from this oral problem. Licorice root is a rich source of glycerine acid, or a type of substance that works by reducing virus cells while minimizing painful symptoms. Furthermore, licorice possess anti-inflammatory properties, so you can rely on this ingredient to reduce pain caused by cold sores. The best way to use licorice for your condition is by getting the powdered variety that can be mixed with some water to form a paste or cream. This will be applied on the affected portion, and you should allow it to remain on that part for several minutes. An alternative technique is by preparing a warm cup of licorice tea that you can drink, instead of opting for the topical treatment.

3. Cornstarch

Cold sores usually grow in acidic areas, and one way to fight them off is by using an alkaline substance. Cornstarch is effective in minimizing the size and painful sensation that cold sores bring since it helps neutralize the pH level of the sore. You can easily prepare cornstarch paste by adding some water to a teaspoon of cornstarch, and just mix the two ingredients thoroughly. Dab the thick cornstarch paste onto the sore and leave it on for at least 30 minutes before you rinse it off with cold water.

2. Vanilla Extract

Vanilla is naturally an alcohol-based substance, which is effective in preventing the spread of viruses such as the ones that cause cold sores. Choose organic vanilla as treatment for your condition, and make sure you dab this substance carefully on the infected part. For best results, you should use vanilla extract before any symptoms get worse.

1. Aloe Gel

Aloe is a precious herb that can treat a wide range of conditions such as cold sores. What’s more, aloe vera is easy to find, and you may even have one in your garden. It works by fighting off bacteria that causes damages to your skin, and it prevents the sore from getting bigger and more severe. Use aloe gel, which is easier to apply on the sore, and make sure you use this product as soon as one symptom appears. Aloe gel is available in most local pharmacies or skin care shops.