A to Z Medical DiseasesPractical Information on Medical Diseases

Home-made cures for cold sores are becoming more well liked as they have proved to be just as, or more, effective as conventional medicine. There is no cure for cold sores but these cures will reduce the severity and frequency of the cold sores. At-home cures also prevent the virus from spreading further in the body and form person to person.

Below are some straightforward treatment for cold sores you may use at home. Some of the best cold sore medications include:

Trigger
Get in tune with your body and focus on what causes or trigger a cold sore outbreak. Discover if there is any similarity or a pattern in what predates the onset of a cold sore. Some common triggers include colds, fever, exposure to sun, stress or menstruation. When you know what triggers your cold sores you may know exactly what to avoid! This is probably the easiest remedy for forestalling cold sores.

Clean and dry
Avoid frequently touching the cold sore and covering it up with makeup as this may get worse the condition and may even cause secondary infections.

Toothbrush
Replace your toothbrush when you feel the tingling sensation at the onset of a breakout and again after the blister breaks and when the sore is gone. This can forestall reinfection of the cold sore.

Petroleum jelly
Cover the cold sore with petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to assist healing and to prevent the area form drying out and cracking. It is vital to bathe your hands before and after you have touched the cold sore, or even better, use a cotton swab.

Zinc
This mineral has the facility to bind with the herpes virus on a molecular level and this prevents the virus form duplicating and spreading. You can apply a water-based zinc ointment on the cold sore 3 to five times a day.

Lysine
This amino acid is very important in the fight against cold sores. Lysine inhibits the expansion of cold sores. Taking lysine supplements or including lysine-rich foods, will ease potatoes and dairy goods, will ease and shorten the period sore.

Arginine
The herpes pathogen desires arginine to grow and reproduce, so you need to avoid foods rich in this amino acid like chocolate, grain cereals, cola, peas, peanuts, gelatine and beer.

Ice
When you feel the 1st shivering of a cold sore in the making, apply a cold compress to the area immediately. The cold will stunt the expansion of the cold sore and it will decrease the inflammation.

Immune system
If you suffer from cold sores frequently give your immune system a boost every now and then. Echinacea and goldenseal are excellent immune boosters. Taking a daily Vitamin B complex supplement will also help the immune system and will quickly improve the cold sore.

Protection
If you know you have the herpes pathogen, be certain to guard you lips form over the top UV and wind exposure. If you have to go out into the sun, apply a high factor sunscreen.

Abreva cold sores
Another popular medication is from Abreva. Its had mixed results and will cost between $10-$15.

There is no treatment for the herpes virus and it is better to prevent a future breakout. You can prevent recurring cold sores by learning how to cope with stress, a strong immune system, relaxing, good health and regular exercise.