Difference between revisions of "Heal a Cold Sore Naturally"
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| − | {{fa}}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>http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cold-sore/basics/definition/con-20021310</ref><ref>http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cold-sore/basics/causes/con-20021310</ref><ref>http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cold-sore/basics/risk-factors/con-20021310</ref> | + | {{fa}}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 == | ||
=== Healing a Cold Sore Through Diet === | === Healing a Cold Sore Through Diet === | ||
| − | #Eat lysine-rich foods. Lysine is an amino acid that some studies have shown to help treat and prevent cold sore outbreaks by blocking arginine, which is another amino acid that is required for viral growth.<ref>Wright, EF.Clinical effectiveness of lysine in treating recurrent aphthous ulcers and herpes labialis. Gen Dent. 1994 Jan-Feb;42(1):40-2.</ref><ref>Singh BB, Udani J, Vinjamury SP, Der-Martirosian C, Gandhi S, Khorsan R, Nanjegowda D, Singh V. Safety and effectiveness of an L-lysine, zinc, and herbal-based product on the treatment of facial and circumoral herpes. Altern Med Rev. 2005 Jun;10(2):123-7.</ref><ref>http://harvardpartnersinternational.staywellsolutionsonline.com/HealthNewsLetters/69,W0307e</ref> Lysine-rich foods include fish, meat (poultry, lamb, beef), dairy products, mung bean sprouts, and beans.<ref>http://nutritiondata.self.com/foods-000083000000000000000.html</ref> | + | #Eat lysine-rich foods. Lysine is an amino acid that some studies have shown to help treat and prevent cold sore outbreaks by blocking arginine, which is another amino acid that is required for viral growth.<ref name="rf16755">Wright, EF.Clinical effectiveness of lysine in treating recurrent aphthous ulcers and herpes labialis. Gen Dent. 1994 Jan-Feb;42(1):40-2.</ref><ref name="rf16756">Singh BB, Udani J, Vinjamury SP, Der-Martirosian C, Gandhi S, Khorsan R, Nanjegowda D, Singh V. Safety and effectiveness of an L-lysine, zinc, and herbal-based product on the treatment of facial and circumoral herpes. Altern Med Rev. 2005 Jun;10(2):123-7.</ref><ref name="rf16757">http://harvardpartnersinternational.staywellsolutionsonline.com/HealthNewsLetters/69,W0307e</ref> Lysine-rich foods include fish, meat (poultry, lamb, beef), dairy products, mung bean sprouts, and beans.<ref name="rf16758">http://nutritiondata.self.com/foods-000083000000000000000.html</ref> |
| − | #* You can also take a lysine supplement. The dosage is usually 500-1000 mg every day taken on an empty stomach. The safe limit of lysine is less than 3000 mg a day, so don’t take any more than the recommended dosage.<ref>Agero AL, Verallo-Rowell VM. A randomized double-blind controlled trial comparing extra virgin coconut oil with mineral oil as a moisturizer for mild to moderate xerosis. Dermatitis 2004;15:109-16.</ref> | + | #* You can also take a lysine supplement. The dosage is usually 500-1000 mg every day taken on an empty stomach. The safe limit of lysine is less than 3000 mg a day, so don’t take any more than the recommended dosage.<ref name="rf16759">Agero AL, Verallo-Rowell VM. A randomized double-blind controlled trial comparing extra virgin coconut oil with mineral oil as a moisturizer for mild to moderate xerosis. Dermatitis 2004;15:109-16.</ref> |
#Avoid foods that are high in arginine. Arginine is also an amino acid, but one that serves as a building block for the herpes virus, helping it to spread. The highest concentrations of arginine are found in whole grains, seeds, nuts and chocolate. | #Avoid foods that are high in arginine. Arginine is also an amino acid, but one that serves as a building block for the herpes virus, helping it to spread. The highest concentrations of arginine are found in whole grains, seeds, nuts and chocolate. | ||
#Stay away from acidic foods. This is particularly important if they will come in contact with the cold sore should you eat them. The herpes virus thrives in an acidic environment, so it is important to keep all acid away from the sores. Acidic foods to avoid include citrus fruits, tomatoes and anything with vinegar. | #Stay away from acidic foods. This is particularly important if they will come in contact with the cold sore should you eat them. The herpes virus thrives in an acidic environment, so it is important to keep all acid away from the sores. Acidic foods to avoid include citrus fruits, tomatoes and anything with vinegar. | ||
| − | #Take a daily zinc supplement. Zinc may help boost your immune system and help prevent future cold sores. The recommended dose to boost your immune system is 10 mg/day for adult men and women.<ref>http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/zinc/dosing/hrb-20060638</ref> For children, consult their pediatrician. | + | #Take a daily zinc supplement. Zinc may help boost your immune system and help prevent future cold sores. The recommended dose to boost your immune system is 10 mg/day for adult men and women.<ref name="rf16760">http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/zinc/dosing/hrb-20060638</ref> For children, consult their pediatrician. |
| − | #* There are also zinc creams that you can use. An example is Virunderim gel, which contains 10% zinc sulfate.<ref>http://www.drugs.com/dosage/zinc-sulfate.html</ref> You can use this for up to twelve days at the first symptoms of a cold sore to help minimize the duration. | + | #* There are also zinc creams that you can use. An example is Virunderim gel, which contains 10% zinc sulfate.<ref name="rf16761">http://www.drugs.com/dosage/zinc-sulfate.html</ref> You can use this for up to twelve days at the first symptoms of a cold sore to help minimize the duration. |
#Eat to boost your immune system and help your body to fight off the virus. Include plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables in your diet daily. Some of the best choices for boosting the immune system are cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts, broccoli, onion and garlic. | #Eat to boost your immune system and help your body to fight off the virus. Include plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables in your diet daily. Some of the best choices for boosting the immune system are cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts, broccoli, onion and garlic. | ||
=== 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 | + | #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. |
#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 | + | #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. |
| − | #Apply a teabag to a cold sore.<ref | + | #Apply a teabag to a cold sore.<ref name="rf1199" /> Soak a tea bag in hot water, allow it to cool, and then apply the wet bag to the sore for 5 to 10 minutes. Use a fresh tea bag and repeat the process every 1 to 2 hours. |
=== Treating with Herbs === | === Treating with Herbs === | ||
#Use a topical oil, such as lavender oil or melissa oil. Both are known to speed the healing of cold sores. Apply the oil to the sore several times a day. | #Use a topical oil, such as lavender oil or melissa oil. Both are known to speed the healing of cold sores. Apply the oil to the sore several times a day. | ||
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#* This is especially true before and after eating. | #* This is especially true before and after eating. | ||
#Stock up on toothbrushes. The virus can continue to live on surfaces such as toothbrushes. To avoid potentially spreading the area in which you get cold sores, start using a new toothbrush as soon as you feel symptoms coming on, and throw it away when the cold sore has healed. | #Stock up on toothbrushes. The virus can continue to live on surfaces such as toothbrushes. To avoid potentially spreading the area in which you get cold sores, start using a new toothbrush as soon as you feel symptoms coming on, and throw it away when the cold sore has healed. | ||
| − | #* As an additional safety measure, ensure that your toothbrush does not come into contact with the opening of the toothpaste tube when applying toothpaste.<ref>http://www.doctorslounge.com/dermatology/forums/backup/topic-43740.html</ref> | + | #* As an additional safety measure, ensure that your toothbrush does not come into contact with the opening of the toothpaste tube when applying toothpaste.<ref name="rf16762">http://www.doctorslounge.com/dermatology/forums/backup/topic-43740.html</ref> |
#Don’t share objects. Avoid sharing towels, razors, eating utensils, or washcloths with anyone. Make sure you wash anything that has potentially come into contact with your cold sore with hot, soapy water. | #Don’t share objects. Avoid sharing towels, razors, eating utensils, or washcloths with anyone. Make sure you wash anything that has potentially come into contact with your cold sore with hot, soapy water. | ||
| − | #Use an SPF 15 or higher sunscreen. One of the known triggers for cold sores is sun exposure.<ref>https://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/diseases-and-treatments/e---h/herpes-simplex/who-gets-causes</ref><ref | + | #Use an SPF 15 or higher sunscreen. One of the known triggers for cold sores is sun exposure.<ref name="rf16763">https://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/diseases-and-treatments/e---h/herpes-simplex/who-gets-causes</ref><ref name="rf16753" /> By using a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher, you can help the cold sore heal by minimizing the damaging effects of the sun. |
#* Consistently using sunscreen around the area even without an outbreak will help to minimize the recurrence of future cold sores as well. | #* Consistently using sunscreen around the area even without an outbreak will help to minimize the recurrence of future cold sores as well. | ||
#* Remember to wash your hands both before and after applying the sunscreen. | #* Remember to wash your hands both before and after applying the sunscreen. | ||
#Use a moisturizer. You can apply a tiny dab of petroleum jelly or propolis with a Q-tip. Organic moisturizing products that contain lysine are also helpful, such as Basic Organics Lysine Ointment or 100% Pure Lysine + Herbs by Ariva. | #Use a moisturizer. You can apply a tiny dab of petroleum jelly or propolis with a Q-tip. Organic moisturizing products that contain lysine are also helpful, such as Basic Organics Lysine Ointment or 100% Pure Lysine + Herbs by Ariva. | ||
#* Propolis is a natural, nutrient-rich resin made by bees. | #* Propolis is a natural, nutrient-rich resin made by bees. | ||
| − | #Make your own moisturizer. If you prefer to know exactly what goes into your natural moisturizer, you can make your own at home with propolis and essential oils. A 3% propolis ointment has been shown to reduce the pain of cold sores.<ref>Hoheisel O. The effects of Herstat (3% propolis ointment ACF ) application in cold sores: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Journal of Clinical Research 2001;4:65-75</ref> To make the ointment, take 0.5 ounces of propolis (equal to one tablespoon) and add 48.5 ounces of pure coconut oil, which works great as a moisturizer.<ref | + | #Make your own moisturizer. If you prefer to know exactly what goes into your natural moisturizer, you can make your own at home with propolis and essential oils. A 3% propolis ointment has been shown to reduce the pain of cold sores.<ref name="rf16764">Hoheisel O. The effects of Herstat (3% propolis ointment ACF ) application in cold sores: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Journal of Clinical Research 2001;4:65-75</ref> To make the ointment, take 0.5 ounces of propolis (equal to one tablespoon) and add 48.5 ounces of pure coconut oil, which works great as a moisturizer.<ref name="rf16759" /> From there, add one drop of each of the following: |
#* Camphor oil, which helps with pain reduction | #* Camphor oil, which helps with pain reduction | ||
| − | #* Echinacea oil, which is an antiviral herb that can help boost the immune system<ref>Bockhorst H, Gollnick N, Guran S, et al. [Therapy of herpes simplex in practice. Report on the treatment of herpes simplex labialis with Esberitox]. ZFA.(Stuttgart.) 11-20-1982;58:1795-98.</ref><ref>Senchina, D. S., Shah, N. B., Doty, D. M., Sanderson, C. R., and Hallam, J. E. Herbal supplements and athlete immune function--what's proven, disproven, and unproven? Exerc.Immunol.Rev. 2009;15:66-106.</ref> | + | #* Echinacea oil, which is an antiviral herb that can help boost the immune system<ref name="rf16765">Bockhorst H, Gollnick N, Guran S, et al. [Therapy of herpes simplex in practice. Report on the treatment of herpes simplex labialis with Esberitox]. ZFA.(Stuttgart.) 11-20-1982;58:1795-98.</ref><ref name="rf16766">Senchina, D. S., Shah, N. B., Doty, D. M., Sanderson, C. R., and Hallam, J. E. Herbal supplements and athlete immune function--what's proven, disproven, and unproven? Exerc.Immunol.Rev. 2009;15:66-106.</ref> |
| − | #* Licorice oil, which has effective properties against HSV-1<ref>Fiore, C., Eisenhut, M., Krausse, R., Ragazzi, E., Pellati, D., Armanini, D., and Bielenberg, J. Antiviral effects of Glycyrrhiza species. Phytother Res 2008;22(2):141-148.</ref> | + | #* Licorice oil, which has effective properties against HSV-1<ref name="rf16767">Fiore, C., Eisenhut, M., Krausse, R., Ragazzi, E., Pellati, D., Armanini, D., and Bielenberg, J. Antiviral effects of Glycyrrhiza species. Phytother Res 2008;22(2):141-148.</ref> |
| − | #* Andrographis oil, which has both antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties<ref>Lim, J. C., Chan, T. K., Ng, D. S., Sagineedu, S. R., Stanslas, J., and Wong, W. S. Andrographolide and its analogues: versatile bioactive molecules for combating inflammation and cancer. Clin Exp.Pharmacol Physiol 2012;39(3):300-310.</ref> | + | #* Andrographis oil, which has both antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties<ref name="rf16768">Lim, J. C., Chan, T. K., Ng, D. S., Sagineedu, S. R., Stanslas, J., and Wong, W. S. Andrographolide and its analogues: versatile bioactive molecules for combating inflammation and cancer. Clin Exp.Pharmacol Physiol 2012;39(3):300-310.</ref> |
| − | #* Sage oil, which also has antiviral properties to help dry out a cold sore and it a good alternative if you have trouble finding andrographis oil<ref>Saller R, Buechi S, Meyrat R, Schmidhauser C. Combined herbal preparation for topical treatment of Herpes labialis. Forsch Komplementarmed Klass Naturheilkd 2001;8:373-82.</ref> | + | #* Sage oil, which also has antiviral properties to help dry out a cold sore and it a good alternative if you have trouble finding andrographis oil<ref name="rf16769">Saller R, Buechi S, Meyrat R, Schmidhauser C. Combined herbal preparation for topical treatment of Herpes labialis. Forsch Komplementarmed Klass Naturheilkd 2001;8:373-82.</ref> |
=== Minimizing the Risk of Future Outbreaks === | === Minimizing the Risk of Future Outbreaks === | ||
| − | #Examine your risk for future outbreaks. Many of those who test positive for the HSV-1 virus do not experience cold sores, and many more don’t have recurrent cold sores after initial outbreaks.<ref>http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs400/en/</ref> However, those at a higher risk for recurrent cold sores include those with:<ref | + | #Examine your risk for future outbreaks. Many of those who test positive for the HSV-1 virus do not experience cold sores, and many more don’t have recurrent cold sores after initial outbreaks.<ref name="rf16770">http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs400/en/</ref> However, those at a higher risk for recurrent cold sores include those with:<ref name="rf16754" /> |
#* A weakened immune system, i.e. are immunosuppressed | #* A weakened immune system, i.e. are immunosuppressed | ||
#* HIV/AIDS, which is a cause of immunosuppression | #* HIV/AIDS, which is a cause of immunosuppression | ||
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#* Lots of fresh fruit and fresh vegetables. Include a variety of both fruits (except citrus) and vegetables. Both fruit and vegetables contain vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fiber to keep you as healthy as you can be. | #* Lots of fresh fruit and fresh vegetables. Include a variety of both fruits (except citrus) and vegetables. Both fruit and vegetables contain vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fiber to keep you as healthy as you can be. | ||
#* Complex carbohydrates versus simple sugars. This means that you should stay away from processed and packaged foods. They often seem simpler, but during the processing and packaging, all kinds of sugars are added, including high-fructose corn syrup. | #* Complex carbohydrates versus simple sugars. This means that you should stay away from processed and packaged foods. They often seem simpler, but during the processing and packaging, all kinds of sugars are added, including high-fructose corn syrup. | ||
| − | #* These sugars are associated with glucose-intolerance (pre-diabetes), diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and heart disease as well as alterations in the gut bacteria.<ref>Rippe, JM.,Angelopoulos, TJ.(2013). Sucrose, high-fructose corn syrup, and fructose, their metabolism and potential health effects: what do we really know?Advances In Nutrition, 4(2), 236-245.</ref><ref>Bantle, JP. (2009)Dietary fructose and metabolic syndrome and diabetes. J.Nut. 139(6):1263S-1268S.</ref> | + | #* These sugars are associated with glucose-intolerance (pre-diabetes), diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and heart disease as well as alterations in the gut bacteria.<ref name="rf16771">Rippe, JM.,Angelopoulos, TJ.(2013). Sucrose, high-fructose corn syrup, and fructose, their metabolism and potential health effects: what do we really know?Advances In Nutrition, 4(2), 236-245.</ref><ref name="rf16772">Bantle, JP. (2009)Dietary fructose and metabolic syndrome and diabetes. J.Nut. 139(6):1263S-1268S.</ref> |
#* Increased amounts of fish and lean poultry in your diet (as well as decreasing the amounts of red meat). | #* Increased amounts of fish and lean poultry in your diet (as well as decreasing the amounts of red meat). | ||
#* Beans and legumes, which are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals. They do contain phytic acid, but normal cooking should release most of the minerals and allow them to be absorbed by your body. | #* Beans and legumes, which are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals. They do contain phytic acid, but normal cooking should release most of the minerals and allow them to be absorbed by your body. | ||
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#Get plenty of sleep. Poor sleep schedules have an effect on both stress and fatigue levels. Ensure that you get 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. | #Get plenty of sleep. Poor sleep schedules have an effect on both stress and fatigue levels. Ensure that you get 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. | ||
#Avoid stress. Though often unavoidable at work or at home, try to avoid stressful situations as much as possible. This can mean walking away from a situation or something as simple as taking a few minutes away from your desk at work. Other steps you can take to avoid stress or at least balance it include: | #Avoid stress. Though often unavoidable at work or at home, try to avoid stressful situations as much as possible. This can mean walking away from a situation or something as simple as taking a few minutes away from your desk at work. Other steps you can take to avoid stress or at least balance it include: | ||
| − | #* Spending time with friends<ref>Grant, N., Hamer, M.,Steptoe, A. (2009). Social Isolation and Stress-related Cardiovascular, Lipid, and Cortisol Responses. Ann. Behav. Med. 37(1); 29-37.</ref> | + | #* Spending time with friends<ref name="rf16773">Grant, N., Hamer, M.,Steptoe, A. (2009). Social Isolation and Stress-related Cardiovascular, Lipid, and Cortisol Responses. Ann. Behav. Med. 37(1); 29-37.</ref> |
| − | #* Going for a walk or to the gym<ref>Gleeson,M., Nieman, DC., Pedersen, BK. (2004). Exercise, Nutrition and Immune FUnction. J SportsScience. 22(1);115-125.</ref> | + | #* Going for a walk or to the gym<ref name="rf16774">Gleeson,M., Nieman, DC., Pedersen, BK. (2004). Exercise, Nutrition and Immune FUnction. J SportsScience. 22(1);115-125.</ref> |
| − | #* Introducing deep breathing or meditation techniques into your daily routine<ref>http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4243490/</ref><ref>Homma I, Masaoka Y.. Breathing rhythms and emotions. Exp Physiol (2008) 93:1011–21</ref> You can find a guide to these techniques at [[Breathe Deeply|How to Breathe Deeply]] and [[Meditate|How to Meditate]]. | + | #* Introducing deep breathing or meditation techniques into your daily routine<ref name="rf16775">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4243490/</ref><ref name="rf16776">Homma I, Masaoka Y.. Breathing rhythms and emotions. Exp Physiol (2008) 93:1011–21</ref> You can find a guide to these techniques at [[Breathe Deeply|How to Breathe Deeply]] and [[Meditate|How to Meditate]]. |
#Boost your immune system. In addition to diet and exercise, you can take other steps to boost your immune system as well. These steps include not smoking, drinking only in moderation, avoiding sickness and other infections by washing your hands regularly, and controlling your blood pressure. | #Boost your immune system. In addition to diet and exercise, you can take other steps to boost your immune system as well. These steps include not smoking, drinking only in moderation, avoiding sickness and other infections by washing your hands regularly, and controlling your blood pressure. | ||
| − | #See your doctor. Cold sores rarely lead to any complications, and they don’t typically require a trip to your doctor. However, you should make an appointment to see your doctor if:<ref>http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cold-sore/basics/symptoms/con-20021310</ref> | + | #See your doctor. Cold sores rarely lead to any complications, and they don’t typically require a trip to your doctor. However, you should make an appointment to see your doctor if:<ref name="rf16777">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cold-sore/basics/symptoms/con-20021310</ref> |
#* You get cold sores more than 2-3 times a year | #* You get cold sores more than 2-3 times a year | ||
#* Your cold sores don’t heal within two weeks | #* Your cold sores don’t heal within two weeks | ||
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== Warnings == | == Warnings == | ||
* There are many other theories on how to heal cold sores. Some of them include applying things like nail polish remover, astringents or toothpaste. Most of these remedies are not effective, and some could burn your skin or cause other complications. Consult your doctor before trying them. | * There are many other theories on how to heal cold sores. Some of them include applying things like nail polish remover, astringents or toothpaste. Most of these remedies are not effective, and some could burn your skin or cause other complications. Consult your doctor before trying them. | ||
| − | *Many people get HSV-1 as infants and children. The virus can be spread by skin-to-skin contact; from kissing; using the same eating utensil; or sharing a toothbrush, razor, lip balm, lipstick, towel, or washcloth. HSV-2, on the other hand, is primarily transmitted through some form of sexual contact.<ref | + | *Many people get HSV-1 as infants and children. The virus can be spread by skin-to-skin contact; from kissing; using the same eating utensil; or sharing a toothbrush, razor, lip balm, lipstick, towel, or washcloth. HSV-2, on the other hand, is primarily transmitted through some form of sexual contact.<ref name="rf16763" /> |
*Cold sores are caused by viruses and usually occur around the mouth or lips. They are not the same thing as canker sores, which have no known cause and occur inside the mouth. | *Cold sores are caused by viruses and usually occur around the mouth or lips. They are not the same thing as canker sores, which have no known cause and occur inside the mouth. | ||
*Don't use lysine without checking with your medical provider if you are pregnant or nursing. | *Don't use lysine without checking with your medical provider if you are pregnant or nursing. | ||
