Over-the-counter and prescription medications for oral herpes may be big business, but many of the estimated 145 million Americans infected with the HSV-1 virus rely on home cold sore remedies to treat their affliction. The reasons for this phenomenon vary as much as the individual sufferers themselves - running the gamut from financial considerations (home remedies often utilize inexpensive items found in most households) to choices based on ideology. Just as the motivations for pursuing home treatment options vary, so too do the treatments. Despite this, it is possible to identify numerous similarities between the most-commonly practiced home remedies.
Important First Steps When an Outbreak Begins
A great deal of pain and discomfort can be avoided if you follow two basic guidelines at the very beginning of your oral herpes outbreak:
1. Apply a protective coating of petroleum jelly over the sores, and...
2. Do not squeeze, pick at, or in any other way make unnecessary contact with the blisters!
Abiding by these two guidelines is vital - regardless of which other home cold sore remedies you decide to use during your outbreak. By applying a protective coating of petroleum jelly over your blisters, you will not only prevent the sores from spreading, but will also lower the risk of secondary infection, and help speed along the healing process. Taking precautions not to excessively touch the blisters will also prove beneficial in meeting these objectives.
Reducing the Length of the Outbreak
As anyone who has ever suffered through an episode of cold sores is well aware, once the outbreak has begun, there is no choice but to ride it out. While there is nothing that can stop the outbreak in its tracks, there are several home cold sore remedies that can reduce its duration and lessen its severity. Four common items, found in most households, have been known to assist in this process:
1. Ice-cold milk
2. Ice cubes of packs
3. Licorice
4. Zinc lozenges
Applying ice and cold milk (using a cotton ball as the applicator) topically to cold sores is effective at not only reducing pain and swelling in the blisters and surrounding tissues, but at kick-starting the healing process as well. Meanwhile, ingesting licorice (the real stuff, not the licorice-flavored candy commonly sold at the supermarket) and zinc lozenges is believed to slow the spread of the virus and dramatically reduce the duration of the herpes outbreak. Most home cold sore remedies include some combination of these items.
Reducing the Recurrence of Future Outbreaks
Completely eliminating future oral herpes outbreaks is impossible since there is no cure for the HSV-1 virus. It is possible, however, to reduce the likelihood of future outbreaks if you take precautions against the triggers of herpes outbreaks. Triggers will be different for most people, but three of the most common are believed to be:
1. High levels of exposure to ultraviolet light
2. Prolonged episodes of stress
3. Prolonged periods of fatigue
Although the exact reasons are still unknown, research has shown a strong correlation between excessive exposure to ultraviolet light (from either direct sunlight, or tanning salons) and the onset of oral herpes outbreaks. For this reason, it is recommended that exposure be kept to a minimum, with sunblock applied around the mouth and lips when it is unavoidable. Stress and fatigue are also known triggers, and are best combated with regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and a healthy diet.
While it is true that researchers differ on their opinions of home cold sore remedies, the material discussed in this article represents the basis for any number of self treatments practiced by many Americans who suffer from oral herpes. If you decide to try any of the methods outlined in this article, keep in mind that their relative effectiveness is likely to vary from person to person. Additionally, as is always the case, it is recommended that you solicit the opinion of a trained health care professional before beginning your treatment.
Important First Steps When an Outbreak Begins
A great deal of pain and discomfort can be avoided if you follow two basic guidelines at the very beginning of your oral herpes outbreak:
1. Apply a protective coating of petroleum jelly over the sores, and...
2. Do not squeeze, pick at, or in any other way make unnecessary contact with the blisters!
Abiding by these two guidelines is vital - regardless of which other home cold sore remedies you decide to use during your outbreak. By applying a protective coating of petroleum jelly over your blisters, you will not only prevent the sores from spreading, but will also lower the risk of secondary infection, and help speed along the healing process. Taking precautions not to excessively touch the blisters will also prove beneficial in meeting these objectives.
Reducing the Length of the Outbreak
As anyone who has ever suffered through an episode of cold sores is well aware, once the outbreak has begun, there is no choice but to ride it out. While there is nothing that can stop the outbreak in its tracks, there are several home cold sore remedies that can reduce its duration and lessen its severity. Four common items, found in most households, have been known to assist in this process:
1. Ice-cold milk
2. Ice cubes of packs
3. Licorice
4. Zinc lozenges
Applying ice and cold milk (using a cotton ball as the applicator) topically to cold sores is effective at not only reducing pain and swelling in the blisters and surrounding tissues, but at kick-starting the healing process as well. Meanwhile, ingesting licorice (the real stuff, not the licorice-flavored candy commonly sold at the supermarket) and zinc lozenges is believed to slow the spread of the virus and dramatically reduce the duration of the herpes outbreak. Most home cold sore remedies include some combination of these items.
Reducing the Recurrence of Future Outbreaks
Completely eliminating future oral herpes outbreaks is impossible since there is no cure for the HSV-1 virus. It is possible, however, to reduce the likelihood of future outbreaks if you take precautions against the triggers of herpes outbreaks. Triggers will be different for most people, but three of the most common are believed to be:
1. High levels of exposure to ultraviolet light
2. Prolonged episodes of stress
3. Prolonged periods of fatigue
Although the exact reasons are still unknown, research has shown a strong correlation between excessive exposure to ultraviolet light (from either direct sunlight, or tanning salons) and the onset of oral herpes outbreaks. For this reason, it is recommended that exposure be kept to a minimum, with sunblock applied around the mouth and lips when it is unavoidable. Stress and fatigue are also known triggers, and are best combated with regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and a healthy diet.
While it is true that researchers differ on their opinions of home cold sore remedies, the material discussed in this article represents the basis for any number of self treatments practiced by many Americans who suffer from oral herpes. If you decide to try any of the methods outlined in this article, keep in mind that their relative effectiveness is likely to vary from person to person. Additionally, as is always the case, it is recommended that you solicit the opinion of a trained health care professional before beginning your treatment.
About the Author:
For a more comprehensive review of all cold sores treatment options, be sure to check out the author's popular blog on herpes in men. In addition to advice on diagnosis, treatment and prevention, you'll also find answers to questions like "how do you get herpes?"
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