subject: Home Remedies For Cold Sores [print this page] Cold sores are among the most distressing things that a person has to go through, and the difficulty in finding a solution only makes things worse. The fact of the matter is that there is currently no known cure for cold sores, and most of the so-called treatment methods available on the market do little more than to make the condition more bearable.
This isn't a bad thing in itself since easing the symptoms of the condition can help make the recovery process go by much faster. Furthermore, many treatment solutions available on the market can help prevent the condition from worsening and even prevent passing the infection from person to person. For these reasons alone, cold sore remedies are worth trying out even of they don't actually provide a cure.
Given that most cold sore treatment solutions are basically equal, there are few compelling reasons to go for over-the-counter solutions in preference to home cold sore remedies. It may surprise you to know that you could get considerable relief from ingredients that you already have at home. Easily available and easy to use, home remedies for cold sores may be feasible alternatives to over-the-counter remedies and they may just provide you with the relief you need while letting the episode run its course.
One of the most commonly utilized home remedies for a cold sore is petroleum jelly. Most homes will have a tub of petroleum jelly handy, but if not, they can be found in practically any grocery or pharmacy. All you have to do is to dab on a bit of petroleum jelly on the affected area and coat the sore gently.
Even better results can be obtained by using an anesthetic ointment in place of the petroleum jelly, especially one that contains benzocaine. This option is particularly suitable for cases wherein the cold sores are extremely painful and begin to affect normal day-to-day activities such as eating, speaking, or yawning.
Regardless of what cold sore home remedies you opt to use, you will want to have some types of over-the-counter painkiller handy. Aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen will all work for this purpose, and they can greatly reduce the pain and discomfort that comes with cold sores.
You might not think of candy when considering home remedies for a cold sore, but licorice sticks might actually be of value in such a situation. This is because licorice contains glycyrrhizic acid, which has been proven to have a beneficial effect on cold sores. One thing that you have to make sure of is that what you are getting is actually licorice. Most so-called licorice sticks sold today are actually only flavored with anise, so they will not provide the same benefits as real licorice. What you want to look for in the label is "licorice mass," which means that what you are buying is the real thing. Alternately, you may opt for licorice powder mixed in with a bit of vegetable shortening. The resulting cream should then be applied directly onto the sore.
