Although the herpes labialis is caused by a form of the herpes virus (HSV)and while winter weather can provide the perfect environment for them to thrive, in summer we are not exempt from their appearance since sunlight, as well as dry and cold air, are triggers for the virus.
Although lip sores are harmless, they can be irritating and, in some cases, painful.
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His appearance can also be quite unpleasantand the sore itself it is really contagious even while it is healing.
Outbreaks can be addressed with a number of over-the-counter lotions and medications and can help limit the transfer of the sores.
The NHS notes that cold sores «generally It goes away on its own in 10 days, but there are things you can do to help ease the pain.»
There are a number of home remedies that you can apply to the area at home to help soothe the pain and restore your lips to their former softness.
Despite anecdotal evidence of natural remedies and their potential pain-reducing abilities, it’s important to note that these are not likely to reduce the spread of the virus.
peppermint oil
Peppermint oil can be used topically for a number of things, including headaches, muscle aches, joint pain, and itchiness.
However, among its uses is apparently its ability to relieve pain associated with a cold sore.
A 2003 lab study looking at HSV found that peppermint oil had the potential to calm some of the symptoms of the herpes strain.
Peppermint oil is most effective if diluted with water.
Patients are advised to apply the diluted solution directly on the cold sore.
aloe vera gel
Aloe vera gel is often cited for its calming propertieswhich are normally used for remove itching from insect bite and sting from sunburn.
However, research on the effectiveness of aloe vera on cold sores is still ongoing.
But in general, aloe vera is considered safe for topical use on the skin, and since it’s a natural product, there’s no need to worry if it gets into your mouth.
Every DayHealth recommends applying a little aloe vera to the cold sore during the day to relieve discomfort.
The gel can be stored in the refrigerator for an extra relaxing sensation.
lemon balm
Lemon balm is derived from an herb in the mint family and is used in both medicine and food.
Previous studies have concluded that lemon balm may help speed the healing process of HSV or reduce painful symptoms.
A study of 116 people with the virus found that those who applied lemon balm cream to lip sores saw significant improvement in redness and swelling.
Additionally, a 2014 study found that lemon balm oil could inhibit cell penetration by the herpes virus by up to 96% in drug-resistant strains.
There are numerous lip balms and creams that contain lemon balm.
tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is often cited for its ability to remove blemishes, but it can also do some wonders when it comes to pesky lip sores.
In 2009, researchers concluded that tea tree oil had a «potentially antiviral effect» on HSV.
However, this was only done on isolated samples, meaning the results were not enough to fully prove its effectiveness.
Despite this, anecdotal evidence shows that diluted tea tree oil can speed up the healing process, according to health line.
Once you’ve mixed the oil with a mild carrier oil, apply it directly to the cold sore using a clean cotton swab.
However, tea tree can be harsh on the skin, so it should not be used more than twice a day.