The worst thing to encounter on our face besides acne and pimples is the tingly, itchy sensation at the edge of our lips. Yes, cold sore that pops up on or around our lips is bothersome. Cold sore blisters certainly cause discomfort and the troubled us take help from prescription face creams and pain killers to fight these fluid-filled lesions. But thanks to home remedies, we can kick off the cold sores. Here are some ways to prevent and battle out the core sores:
Eat Lysine-rich foods e.g. dairy products, potatoes, legumes (peas, lentils, beans) meat (specifically red meat, pork, and poultry), cheese (particularly parmesan), fish (such as cod and sardines), nuts, eggs, soyabeans, spirulina, fenugreek seed and brewer’s yeast.
Use a separate towel and face cloth so as to prevent its contamination from spreading and affecting the family members.
Use an anaesthetic ointment to numb. This technique will help to alleviate the pain if you encounter a bad bout of cold sore.
Boost your immune system by taking Echinacea or other immune boosting supplements to help knock off cold sore attacks on the head.
Keep the affected area moisturised. Vaseline or petroleum jelly helps a lot, but there are several cold sore and chapped lip creams available too. Keeping the cold sore moisturised will aid healing. However, always wash your hands after application of the cream or jelly.
Apply a cold pack. Ice is known to help dull the pain so try a cold pack or compress to numb the discomfort. It will help ease out the swelling and provide temporary relief.
Protect your lips by wearing a good sun-screen lip balm in direct sunlight. In winters, make sure to keep lips moist by using a lip balm. Healthy lips will be less prone to cold sores as the skin becomes stronger and supple.
Take vitamin supplements such as Zinc, Vitamin B and E to help heal the sensitive skin around lips.
Exercise is a must as it builds up the immune system. It’s an effective way to fight stressful factors. Yoga, pilates and mediation are great stress busters.
Sleep upright. If you have a cold sore, put a few pillows behind your head during bedtime. This will allow gravity to help drain the sore blisters.
Apply Aloe Vera to the affected area. Aloe is known to reduce pain and speeds up the healing process of cold sore. Best home remedies using aloe vera >>
Apply topical creams to fight pain and symptoms. Some of the recommended ones available over the counter are FDA-approved Docosanol (Abreva), Acyclovir and Denavir (Penciclovir).
Minimise and banish the cold sores for good by using caution and discretion!