Introduction
are red, pus-filled blisters caused by the herpes simplex virus. They are infectious skin blemishes that usually appear around the lips, chin and nose. People react differently to the herpes virus. Some people get just one cold sore, while others get frequent outbreaks. There is currently no cure for the herpes simplex virus, though usually heal in 7 to 10 days. But to shorten the healing time, there are many home remedies and commercial products available to alleviate the symptoms.
Easy Home Remedies
Cold sores are usually painful, so putting an ice pack on the blister can numb it a bit and reduce the pain. Ice packs also help with any swelling. Leave the ice pack on for only 15 minutes at a time. A cold and damp washcloth applied to the cold sore may work just as well.
Medications
There are also over-the-counter creams and lotions to heal cold sores. Abreva is a popular cold sore remedy. If you have numerous cold sores that don't respond well to other types of treatment, see your doctor. Prescription drugs can accelerate the healing time, but these drugs are also more toxic and may cause side effects.
Vitamins and Cold Sores
There are four vitamins that are particularly helpful in relieving cold sore: vitamins A, B, C and E. The best sources of these vitamins is from food, but supplements are an option. Vitamin A is a popular vitamin for the skin. One vitamin A derivative is called retinol, used to help renew and repair skin. Vitamin B complex helps to relieve cold sores by relaxing the body, since stress is a known trigger of cold sores in some people. Vitamin B6 produces antibodies that fight infectious diseases. Vitamins C and E are very useful because they are both antioxidants and remove free radicals from the body. Free radicals are toxins that cause damage at the cellular level. Vitamin C is also known to fight infections of all kinds. In some people, the vitamin reduces the frequency of outbreaks. According to the website Best Herpes Treatments, vitamin C "can activate white blood cells and promote interferon production, a natural antiviral agent." Vitamin E can be taken internally as a supplement or used topically on the cold sores. Vitamin E oil has many curative properties, and reduces the pain and itching of cold sores (see Resources).
Tags: cold sores, cold sore, cold sores, Cold sores, healing time, herpes simplex