Cold sore alternative treatment

Cold sore alternative treatment 

Fever blisters or cold sores are caused by the Herpes Simple Viruses 1 and 2. They usually appear with a cold and are seen in the form of small, reddish, fluid-filled blisters that appear around the lips and nose. Although they show up with a cold or fever, they are actually a fresh outbreak of an existing virus. There is no permanent cure for cold sores as such but here are some measures you can take to help with the pain:

• Apply an ice compress to the area every hour or so.
  
  
  
• Take probiotics or eat plenty of yoghurt
• Apply aloe gel to the sores
• Take a B complex supplement containing B12 and folic acid
• Use a warm tea bag as a compress
• Petroleum jelly may help soothe the area
• Make an infusion of sage leaves and ginger and drink it 3 times a day
• Apply a paste made out of corn flour
• Wear a sunscreen while in the sun as sunlight may aggravate the sores.
  

And here are some measures you can take to prevent cold sores :     

• Avoid sexual activity with someone who has the herpes virus
• Do not kiss someone with cold sores
• Try not to touch your sores and then touch other parts of your body. Always handle the sores with clean sterilized hands and always wash your hands with antibacterial soap or rubbing alcohol after touching them
• Don't share your toiletries and other personal items with other people
• Replace your toothbrush after the sores have subsided
• Recognize your triggers.
  
  
  For some people cold sores are caused by certain foods, medications or even just stress. Try and identify what these triggers might be and see if you can eliminate them.
  

The primary thing to do is to boost your immune system and this can only be done by getting a healthy balanced diet and exercise.