Cold sores are not only cosmetically unappealing, but they can also be painful, so they are not welcome on the face or on the body. Now, if you want to prevent and get rid of cold sores, keep your eyes on this article right now.
How To Prevent Cold Sores In Children And Adults – Top 18 Home Remedies
Now, I will reveal some effective ways on how to prevent old sores in babies and adults in details. Therefore, if you want to know how to prevent cold sores in nose and on lips, let’s spend time reading this article and then try to follow one or more of these home remedies as soon as possible.
CONTENTS
I. Causes And Symptoms Of Cold Sores
Cold sores are small, fluid filled lesions, which can pop up on or around the lips, cheeks, chin, inside nostrils, on the gums. They often cause pain, a sensation of burning or itching. Generally, these blisters often go together and once they break, they can result in sore. They often go away within 7-10 days without needing any treatment. A person can have only one outbreak while other people can have 2-3 outbreaks every year.
The most common cause of fever blisters or cold sores is the virus called herpes simplex type 1. But, in some cases, the virus herpes simplex type can cause this health condition. The virus is contagious and it can be transmitted through close direct contact.
Many people can carry the virus but do not show any symptom. In most cases, there is no other obvious symptom of a cold sore. Some symptoms of cold sores include:
- Blisters, lesion, ulcers on the mouth or tongue
- Lip swelling
- Tongue or mouth pain
- Sore throat
- Swallowing difficulties
- Swollen glands
- Dehydration, high body temperature
- Headaches, nausea
Actually, there is no treatment for the cold sores. We can only take preventative measures to reduce the outbreaks, duration and severity. And when the cold sores occur, there are a few home remedies that can help ease the discomfort and diminish their appearance.
II. Home Remedies For Cold Sores
Here are some of the best home remedies that can help you prevent cold sores naturally at home. Discover and follow them for good.
1. Vanilla
Organic vanilla extract is a natural home remedy for cold sores that you should know and make use for good. This is because the alcohol-based vanilla runs along these lines, making it difficult for the virus to survive and simultaneously reducing the severity and duration of the outbreak. Directions:
- Soak a cotton swab or pad in pure vanilla extract until thoroughly saturated.
- Then, apply it directly to these cold sores and hold it in place for about 60 seconds
- Repeat this process 4 times daily to get the best results.
To know home remedies for fever blisters naturally at home, read on 30 Best Tips On How To Get Rid Of Fever Blisters Naturally
2. Milk
Another way on how to prevent cold sores in children and adults that I want to reveal in this article is to use milk. Having a whole milk compress on the cold sores can help you boost up the healing process and relieve pain. According to a study [1], milk contains immunoglobulins, which are antibodies that help the body fight off viruses-like herpes. Besides, whole milk contains I-lysine, which helps boost the healing process as well. To prevent outbreaks, simply, drink whole milk. And if you want to get rid of cold sores, make a milk compress to fight off the virus and ease the pain. If you want to make use of milk, use the following recipe:
Directions:
- Let the whole milk come to room temperature or place it in the fridge
- Soak a cotton ball in 1 tbsp. of milk
- Then, apply it directly to your sores for a few minutes
- Use a towel that is moistened with some water to wipe off the milky residue
- Finally, apply a layer of petroleum jelly if required.
List of 27 Best Home Remedies For Cold Sores On Lips And In Mouth will help you discover some of the best ways to treat cold sores naturally at home, so check it out!
3. Peppermint Oil
According to a research [2], peppermint oil has properties that can kill off virus floating around a cold sore. Remember that when applied this oil directly to cold sores, you have found that these sores heal faster. This is actually one of the best ways on how to prevent cold sores in children and adults that you should know look down, but try to make use for good, especially if you want to prevent this disease naturally.
Directions:
- Rinse the surface of your cold sores with water
- Soak a cotton swab in clean water and then soak it into good-quality peppermint oil.
- Then, apply it directly to your cold sores
- Repeat this process twice a day until you get an improvement.
If you want to know some of the natural oils that you can add to your skincare routine, read on List Of Natural Oils For Skin Care – Top 30 Great Oils To Apply
4. Throw Out The Toothbrush
A toothbrush is a vessel to carry the virus causing cold sores and you can trigger an outbreak if you continue using the same toothbrush. So, when the blisters have formed, throw out your toothbrush. Similarly, you should throw out some things that are in contact with your mouth areas such as make-up tools or lip balm.
To know some of the best uses of lip balm, you should spend time reading the 33 Best Benefits Of Lip Balm For Women And Men
5. Reduce The Stress Levels
According to a study [3], stress can weaken your immune system, thus allowing herpes simplex virus to spread. So, reducing the stress from your daily life is a great way on how to prevent cold sore outbreaks. Some natural stress-reducing methods include yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises and tai chi. Actually, it is one of the best ways on how to prevent cold sores in adults that you should follow, especially if you want to reduce the risks of getting cold sores on lips or in mouth.
Read On: Top 48 Best Home Remedies For Stress Relief
6. Cornstarch Paste
According to a study about uses for cornstarch [4], cornstarch paste can help relieve the itching, pain and burning sensation of a cold sore when topically applied. To seek relief, simply whip up a cornstarch paste on your cold sores.
Directions:
- Mix 1 tbsp. of cornstarch and 1 tsp. of water in a small bowl. Try to add water slowly until you get a paste-like consistency.
- Apply it directly on your cold sores before going to bed and gently wash it off the next morning
- Repeat this process nightly until your cold sores are gone.
There are some other ways on how to prevent cold sores in children and adults in this article. Continue reading this entire article to know all of these effective ways and then try to follow them as soon as possible.
7. Licorice Root
One of the best home remedies for cold sores that you should know is licorice root. In fact, glycyrhizic acid found in licorice root has been proven to reduce the symptoms of cold sores due to its anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties. You can make a cream from licorice powder or try drinking licorice tea daily.
Directions:
- Mix 1 tbsp. of licorice root powder or extract and ½ tsp. of water to get the cream consistency you want.
- Alternatively, mix licorice root powder and 2 tsp. of petroleum jelly.
- Gently apply a thin layer of the cream over your sores and ensure that they are completely covered
- Allow it to stay on for a few hours or overnight if possible.
8. Ice
Another effective way on how to prevent cold sores in children that you should know and then follow for good is to make use of ice. To make use of ice for cold sores, you tke the following steps:
Directions:
- Hold an ice cube on your cold sores for as long as you can
- When you have done, pat any remaining water from the sore
- Apply a layer of petroleum jelly to keep bacteria out and reduce the skin-splitting sensation that occurs when cold sores get too dry after using ice cubes.
9. Aloe Vera Gel
To soothe minor skin irritations, you can use aloe vera gel to provide a relief from the pain. Also, aloe vera gel can fight off bacteria that may irritate the sores, thus making it disappear faster. If you want to make use of aloe vera gel, you should follow the instructions below:
Directions:
- Apply aloe vera gel directly to your cold sores
- Leave it on before rinsing it off with water
- Note: You can take the gel from a fresh aloe vera leaf or buy a good aloe vera gel sold in stores.
In fact, this is another one of the best ways on how to prevent cold sores in adults that you should remember and then try to apply if you want to keep cold sores at bay.
10. Witch Hazel
This is another one out of the best ways on how to prevent cold sores on lips and in nose that a lot of people have been making use. It has been proven that using witch hazel can help you prevent and get rid of cold sores.
Directions:
- Soak a cotton swab or pad in 1 tsp. of witch hazel.
- Apply it directly onto the cold sores and let it sit on
- Repeat this 1-2 times on a daily basis as needed
11. Hydrogen Peroxide
Using hydrogen peroxide can be an effective home remedy for cold sores. It boosts up the healing process and prevents the surfaced sores from spreading or worsening. Now, follow the instructions below to treat cold sores at home:
Directions:
- Soak a cotton pad or cotton ball in 1 tbsp. of hydrogen peroxide
- Apply it directly on the cold sores and hold it on for a couple of seconds
- Let it sit on for 5 minutes before rinsing it off.
In fact, hydrogen peroxide is known as one of the best ways on how to prevent cold sores on lips and in nose that you should not look down, but try to follow this home remedy for good.
12. Echinacea
Drinking Echinacea tea can improve your immune system, making it harder to catch cold sores.
Directions:
- Place a bag of Echinacea tea in a mug and then pour a cup of hot water over it.
- Let it steep for about 10 minutes
- Take the juice out of the tea bag when removing it to have all the solution.
Actually, this is one of the best ways on how to prevent cold sores in adults that you should know and then try to make use for good.
13. Wear Sunscreen On The Lips
Exposure to UV light can be a contributing factor in outbreaks. So, remember to apply sunscreen to the face and lips with an SPF value of at least 15.
Do you want to know other ways on how to prevent cold sores on lips and in nose in babies and adults at home? Continue reading this entire article and then try to apply at least one of these home remedies for good.
14. Practice Good Hygiene
Try to wash your hands after you touch your cold sores or touch people with cold sores with regular soap and water. This can help you prevent them from spreading and reduce your risk of catching the virus.
Actually, practicing good hygiene is one of the best ways on how to prevent cold sores in nose and on lips babies and adults that you should not ignore, but try to follow for good.
15. Be Careful Who You Have Sexual Contact With
When it comes to ways on how to prevent cold sores in adults, you need to be careful with your partner who you have sexual contact with. The herpes simplex virus is transmitted through close contact, either by kissing or oral sex. So, you should ask all your partners about their sexual health status before having sexual contact with them. If you are not sure, avoid exchanging fluids and kissing skin abnormalities.
16. Avoid Sharing Foods And Beverages
As mentioned above, herpes simplex virus can live in blood and saliva under some certain cases. So, you can reduce the risk of exposure with infected saliva by not sharing beverages and foods and items such as spoons, forks and straws with others. Similarly, you should also avoid sharing lipstick, lip balms and facial creams with others.
Actually, this is another one on the list of ways on how to prevent cold sores on lips and in nose in babies and adults that you should know when you want to prevent this disease naturally at home.
17. Vitamins C And E
Vitamins are good for our health and for cold sores, so if you want to prevent cold sores naturally at home, you should increase te intake of vitamins C and E at home. While vitamin C helps to speed up white blood cell count, which are the body’s defenders; vitamin E, when topically applied, has been proven to ease the painful and irritating discomfort caused by cold sores and reduce the occurrence of scarring. To get both vitamins, you can add vitamins-rich foods to your diet or take in an oral supplement.
Some great food sources of vitamin C include kiwi, tomatoes, red berries, broccoli, red and green bell peppers and spinach. Some food sources of vitamin E are leafy green veggies, avocados, nuts and whole grain.
18. Increase The Intake Of Lysine
This is the last but very important way on how to prevent cold sores in adults that you should not look down, but try to increase your intake of lysine as soon as possible.
Lysine is an amino acid that may be good for human health. Some studies show that supplementing with lysine regularly can help prevent cold sore breakouts and reduce their duration or severity. Lysine can be found in pill form and creams. Some lysine-rich foods you can add to your daily diet are chicken, beef, fish, green beans, dairy products, most fruits and vegetables.
After reading this article that includes 18 effective ways on how to prevent cold sores in nose and on lips in babies and adults, the readers of Healthy Guide should follow one or more of these home remedies as I mentioned above as soon as possible. These preventative measures above have supported a lot of people in the world without causing any side effects, so you can feel free to follow them at home. If you know other ways to prevent cold sores at home, remember to share these preventative measures with us by leaving your comments in the comment box below.
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