Cold sore remedies are not a cure for oral herpes simplex. Cold sores are contracted through kissing, etc.

Cold Sore Remedies (Self Help)

Cold sore remedies are very limited. There is no cure for cold sores. Cold sores are caused by a virus called Herpes simplex type 1, or HSV-1 entering a mucous membrane (lips, eyes, nose, genitals, etc.) A virus is a very small organism that multiplies fast after invading living cells.

Never squeeze cold sore blisters. In addition, do not pick at the scab before it is naturally ready to flake off.

You can put ice on cold sore blisters if they are painful as a remedy. There are also over-the-counter moisturizing creams that make cold sores less painful. However, these are only cold sore remedies and do not actually prevent the cold sores or their oozing secretions from being contagious.

The following over-the-counter pain relievers can be helpful as a remedy:

• Acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol)
• Ibuprofen (e.g. Advil or Motrin)
• Aspirin, but not for children. Aspirin can cause a fatal disorder known ad Reye's syndrome in children.

A healthy lifestyle includes not sharing other people's saliva (i.e. by not kissing). Health eating is a cold sore remedy that keeps your immune system strong which limits outbreaks along with helping to cut down on contracting other diseases and infections such as cold and flu, etc. Healthy cold sore remedies include a balanced diet containing large portions of fruits and vegetables at least two meals a day, exercise, good sleep, and avoiding stress. Stress can be reduced by praying, meditating on scriptures, and worshiping God, etc.

However, healthy eating is only a cold sore remedy. It will not prevent being infected by the cold sore disease through mucous membrane contact or kissing, etc. (see Cold Sore Prevention)

Sun block is a cold sore remedy for outbreaks caused by sun exposure. It can be applied to your lips and any exposed areas affected by cold sores. Be careful, sun block does not destroy the cold sore virus.

Lip moisturizers or lip balm can be used as a cold sore remedy for outbreaks due to chapped, dry, or injured lips. Don't share your lip balm with anyone else.

Lysine is an over-the-counter amino acid supplement taken daily that can help as a cold sore remedy for outbreaks. Check with your doctor to see if lysine is appropriate for you.

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