Difference between revisions of "Heal a Cold Sore Naturally"
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| − | + | Cold sores are caused by a form of the Herpes Simplex Virus known as HSV-1. They exhibit as painful ulcers around the mouth and lips. Cold sores are also called fever blisters and are very common. This virus is similar to (but not the same as) the virus that causes genital herpes, which is HSV-2. While they are different viruses, both can be found on the lips and on the genitalia. Those infected with either virus can also spread the viruses through close personal contact during kissing, oral sex, or any oral contact.<ref name="rf16752">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cold-sore/basics/definition/con-20021310</ref><ref name="rf16753">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cold-sore/basics/causes/con-20021310</ref><ref name="rf16754">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cold-sore/basics/risk-factors/con-20021310</ref> | |
[[Category:Cold Sores]] | [[Category:Cold Sores]] | ||
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
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=== Treating with Household Items === | === Treating with Household Items === | ||
#Ice the cold sore as soon as you feel it forming. Repeat the application regularly. The herpes virus requires a moist, warm environment to grow. Cool the sore and keep it from warming back up to prevent it from growing bigger and to speed up healing. | #Ice the cold sore as soon as you feel it forming. Repeat the application regularly. The herpes virus requires a moist, warm environment to grow. Cool the sore and keep it from warming back up to prevent it from growing bigger and to speed up healing. | ||
| − | #Apply lemon balm or lemon extract directly to the sore.<ref name="rf1199" /> Soak a cotton ball in the lemon balm and dab it on the cold sore 2 to 3 times a day. | + | #Apply lemon balm or lemon extract directly to the sore.<ref name="rf1199">http://www.disabled-world.com/medical/alternative/homeremedies/cold-sore-remedies.php</ref> Soak a cotton ball in the lemon balm and dab it on the cold sore 2 to 3 times a day. |
#Make a salt, milk and lemon juice treatment. Add a little lemon juice and milk to salt. The acid in the lemon juice is buffered by the protein in the milk, so it won't sting as much. Roll the mixture into a ball. Dab on the cold sore once a day. After application, dab a little aloe vera on the cold sore. | #Make a salt, milk and lemon juice treatment. Add a little lemon juice and milk to salt. The acid in the lemon juice is buffered by the protein in the milk, so it won't sting as much. Roll the mixture into a ball. Dab on the cold sore once a day. After application, dab a little aloe vera on the cold sore. | ||
#Put salt on a cold sore.<ref name="rf1199" /> Moisten your finger and then dip it in regular table salt. Put your salty finger on the cold sore and press gently for 30 seconds to allow the salt time to enter the sore. Wash your hands with hot, soapy water after touching the sore. | #Put salt on a cold sore.<ref name="rf1199" /> Moisten your finger and then dip it in regular table salt. Put your salty finger on the cold sore and press gently for 30 seconds to allow the salt time to enter the sore. Wash your hands with hot, soapy water after touching the sore. | ||
