Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It is commonly passed on by skin contact. Therefore, you should be careful who you come into contact with once you develop cold sores, to avoid passing the infection. Cold sores are characterised by red itchy blisters that turn into sores. These sores are tender and painful. There are a number of home remedies you can turn to in order to seek relief from cold sores.

A simple home remedy is placing a cold, wet towel on the sores that can help reduce the redness and swelling. The pain caused by cold sores can be eased by applying a cold compress of witch hazel to the affected area. Witch hazel has astringent properties and is thus useful in relieving cold sores.

You can apply turmeric paste to the sores for half an hour and wash it off. Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory agent and a natural painkiller. Another substance you can apply on your sores is honey. Honey is an anti-viral agent and also acts as an antibiotic. You should also apply aloe vera gel on the sores. Aloe vera helps stimulate the production of white blood cells that may help fight viruses. Rubbing the sores lightly with tea tree oil is also beneficial as tea tree oil has antiseptic properties.

Further, garlic is one of the most powerful and well proven remedies to cure infections. Crush a clove of garlic and mix it with water and drink this concoction. Garlic contains allicin, a chemical that can hamper the activity of viruses, and is helpful in fighting the infection.

If you have sores in your mouth, rinse your mouth with water mixed with baking soda for a soothing effect. The herpes virus cannot replicate in an alkaline environment. Baking soda raises the pH level to slow down or stop the viral activity.

Your diet is extremely important as eating healthy will build the body’s immune system and help fight the infection. A diet high in lysine and low in arginine is required. This can be obtained from dairy products, fruits, fish, and red meat. In order to avoid further infection to other parts of your body, wash your hands if you touch the sores. Take special care in avoiding contact with your eyes because this virus can damage vision. Also, avoid picking at the sores as this can result in a bacterial infection of the sores.