Effective Home Remedies For Cold Sore Breakouts

Cold sore breakouts can be exceptionally uncomfortable, and most who have contracted the HSV-1 or HSV-2 virus already know the impacts these incurable virus infections can have on self-confidence. Unfortunately, once you have acquired either of these common viruses, you are likely to experience breakouts for an indefinite period. However, HSV-1 breakouts can be triggered by a few factors, which include stress, fatigue, other viral infection, skin injury, exposure to wind or sunlight, and even hormonal changes. The HSV-1 virus is more common than the HSV-2 virus, as the latter is considered a sexually transmitted virus.

With that said, if you experience an active breakout, your first concern is to ease the blistering areas as soon as possible. While you can find out more about cold sores on LuminanceRed, here are a few effective home remedies to consider.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil shows promise in alleviating the symptoms of the herpes simplex virus, and the essential oil offers a lengthy list of other medicinal benefits. Applying a diluted formula of tea tree oil and purified water to the affected area should alleviate the blisters within a few days. It is best to use the formula at least three times each day until the breakout clears up.

L-Lysine Supplement

L-lysine, or lysine, is an amino acid that assists explicitly with strengthening and rebuilding mouth and gum tissue while also helping with collagen production. This supplement can assist in reducing the symptoms of cold sore breakouts in just a few days. However, it is best to pair the supplement with a topical treatment, such as tea tree oil or others, to alleviate the pain of the blistering area.

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is another excellent home remedy for cold sores. Lemon balm is a herb associated with the mint family, and research shows that the properties found in lemon balm are effective at fighting the symptoms of cold sore breakouts. Applying lemon balm to the affected area will alleviate the blistering and encourage healing.

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is yet another potent and effective essential oil that can be used as a topical applicant to alleviate cold sore symptoms and encourage skin healing. However, peppermint oil is effective for treating both HSV-1 and HSV-2 symptoms. This essential oil is pretty potent, so you will need to dilute it before application.

When To Consult A Doctor

If cold sore symptoms do not subside and seem to spread and worsen over a few days, you should consult your doctor as you may require antibiotics and antiviral medications to clear up the breakout area. While home remedies are often effective, there are various instances in which commercial medications are needed to ease symptoms and treat the breakout of cold sores. Because cold sores can be painful, it is essential to note your symptoms and any progression to know when to consult a doctor. Even though these viral infections are not considered life-threatening, they can impact self-confidence. Just as you would seek medical treatment options for sore muscles if home aids don't subside symptoms, you should consult a doctor if your cold sore break out does not clear up within two weeks or seems to worsen and spread within one week.