Cold Sores are fluid-filled, painful and small blisters that generally occur on lips, roof of mouth or gums. They are caused by a virus known as herpes simplex and are very contagious.
Individual may feel a tingling sensation or little pain for 1 or 2 days before it appears. Cold sores get clear generally within 7 to 10 days. Cold sores are often confused with canker sores. Canker sores are not contagious and produce painful, small ulcers on soft tissues of mouth.
Causes Of Cold Sores In Mouth
Cold and flu, fatigue, stress, fever, any kind of lips injury, menstruation or calcium deficiency may weaken and hamper the functioning of the immune system of the body making the body susceptible to attack of “herpes simplex virus” ‘type 1’ and ‘type2’.
Symptoms Of Cold Sores In Mouth
Fluid-filled, small and painful blisters on red area of the skin, around mouth. Tingling or pain, called prodrome which is followed by the appearance of the blisters within 1 or 2 days.
8 Home Remedies For Cold Sores In Mouth
Cold sores remain in the mouth for ten to fourteen days. But if cold sores stay more than 2 weeks or are appearing frequently on your mouth then you need to seek medical attention. There are many over-the-counter medications available for cold sore but none of them are devoid of side effects. However, cold sores can be effectively treated with home remedies which are absolutely natural and side effect free. If you want to avoid the side effects try the following remedies:
Ice
Wrap an ice cube with a slender cloth and place it onto the blister for some minutes. It will lessen the redness and also relieve the pain. You can also apply the ice cube directly on the blisters to ease the pain.
This remedy may not accelerate the healing time, but will help you to get rid of the blister easily. Application of ice will further reduce the chances of the development of the cold sore on the affected region. This is a simple natural remedy for cold sores in mouth.
Tea Bags
Application of tea bags on the cold sores is a very trusted and proven home remedy for cold sores in mouth. Tea contains tannic acid that works anti to the virus and further reduces its development.
You can also place a tepid tea bag onto the cold sore. Continue this home remedy for five days at a stretch and your cold sores will disappear.
Coconut Oil
Combine coconut oil with Carbolic acid and any anti septic lotion. Use the concoction topically on the cold sores. This remedy will aid to lessen the cold sores. You can bottle the solution for many months.
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel contains astringent which is very effective in the treatment of cold sores. Apply Witch hazel topically to ease the pain. This remedy will also help to dry the blisters.
With the help of a cotton ball apply solution of Witch hazel directly on the cold sores frequently in a day. You can also use rubbing alcohol to dry up the blisters. It works similarly like Witch hazel. This is one of the effective natural remedies for cold sores in mouth.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera works excellent in treating cold sores naturally. Rub aloe gel or aloe juice on the cold sores to get benefitted results.
Common Salt
Moisten your index finger and apply common salt on the affected region of your mouth with the tip of your finger. It will help you to get rid of the cold sores very quickly, within 2 to 3 days.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Lemon balm contains antiviral properties. According to a study and research conducted in a dermatology clinic in Germany, healing of cold sores or blisters can be promoted in 5 days with the usage of lemon balm extract or cream.
Regular use of lemon balm may also reduce the chances of its recurrences. It will also reduce the symptoms of cold sores and accelerate healing.
Reishi (mushroom)
Reishi, also known as ‘Ganoderma lucidum’ is a certain type of mushroom which has been used in Asian medicine for strengthening the immune system. Evidences have shown that reishi can reduce the spreading of the virus ‘herpes’.
A dose of 600 miligrams is enough for one or two times a day. Reishi can be consumed either in supplement form or in powdered form. However you should consult your doctor before using reishi.
Tips To Prevent Cold Sores
Preventing cold sores is much easier than curing. Follow the prevention tips: Avoid using same plates, cups, razors, towels and utensils of individuals already infected with cold sore virus. It is highly contagious so avoid any skin contact.
Apply sunscreen of more than 15 SPF (sun protecting factor) on your lips and other exposed and vulnerable area toprevent getting cold sores.
If you get it, avoid touching it with hands, if have touched it accidentally thoroughly wash your hands. Replace toothbrush after the treatment of cold sores.
Diet For Cold Sores In Mouth
A weak immune system means not only vulnerable to cold sores but also a number of diseases. Include fruits and lots of green leafy vegetables in your diet. Include sea foods in your diet. Foods that are high in vitamin B-12 helps in producing red blood cells. B-12 helps in preventing the further spread of the cold sores. Clam, Mollusks, beef, liver and fortified cereals, salmon and trout are rich sources of this vitamin B-12. Include tomato and lettuce in your diet as vegetables. Avoid salty and acidic foods and foods that are high in ‘arginine’ like peanuts and other tyoes of nuts, chocolates, peas, seeds, whole-wheat products and oatmeal. You need to limit intake of coffee.
You have to take cold sores seriously as they are caused by herpes virus which is very contagious. Home remedies use natural ingredients so are safe on both children and adults. Choose any of the remedies or a couple of remedies and follow with consistency. You will get a natural cure of the cold sores in mouth.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.