Cold sores are more conspicuous than painful. Short of wearing a pair of candy store wax lips or growing the quickest moustaches on record, they're really no way to hide the angry red cold sore that has popped up on your lip. Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are small red lesions that appear on the lips, the nostrils and sometimes the gums or the roof of the mouth. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus known as type 1 (as opposed to the type 2 virus, which causes genital herpes). The herpes virus is so contagious that about 90% of all Americans are exposed to it by age 5. Once you're infected, the virus lies dormant in your body until a cold or fever triggers a flareup. Sunshine and extreme temperatures can also bring on a cold sore, so wear a lip balm containing sunscreen, and protect your nose and mouth from the cold with a scarf.
Some natural remedies used in conjunction with medical care and your doctor's approval may help prevent cold sores or may prevent sores or speed up their healing, according to some health professionals.
FOOD THERAPY
Eat more yogurt, recommends registered pharmacist Earl Mindell, R.Ph. D., professor of nutrition at Pacific Western University in Los Angeles. The acidophilus in the live cultures acts as a natural antibiotic to the virus that causes cold sores. Dr. Mindell also points out that certain foods may trigger cold sores because they contain arginine, an amino acid that the herpes virus needs to thrive. Arginine-rich foods include cola, chocolate, peanuts and cashews, gelatin, beer, and peas. so, if you're prone to cold sores, limit your intake of these foods and eliminate them completely during an outbreak.
HERBAL THERAPY
Europeans depend on lemon balm ointment to treat cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus. The leaves and flower tops of this fragrant plant have antibacterial and antiviral properties. To make a strong lemon balm tea, pour 1/2 cup of boiling water over 2 to 3 teaspoons of finely cut dried leaves, available in most health food stores. Let the mixture steep for 20 to 30 minutes, then strain the solution so that there's no dried herb left in the tea and let thetea cool. Dip a clean cloth into the tea and dab it on the cold sore 3 to 4 times daily.
Consult Your Health Care Provider When:
- You get 4 or more cold sores a year.
- You experience fever, swollen glands or fluelike symptoms with a cold sore.
- Your cold sore is so painful that you have trouble eating or carrying out normal activities.