Cold Sore Relief

Cold sore relief is available in many different forms, so finding the right combination of methods which work and provide relief for you is just a matter of searching. The first step in the search should be your doctor, because they can give you advice on where to start with treatments considering your own unique medical history and condition. There are herbs that can be taken which will increase the ability of your body to fight off the virus which causes cold sores, and there are things that can be done which will minimize the pain and other symptoms of a cold sore outbreak.

Cold sore relief can help you to deal with the pain and unsightly blisters that occur during an outbreak. Pain medication can be taken to help, and acetaminophen and ibuprofen may be taken together by most people for more effective relief of pain and inflammation. These medications should be taken on a regular schedule during the course of the outbreak for the best outcome. Herbs can also provide relief from cold sores, and these can be used in many different forms. Herbs can be steeped in water, and this solution can be drunk or used as an astringent on the blisters to help healing of the affected area. Lemon balm can be used in this way, and licorice is another good herb for treating cold sores.

Cold sore relief is available in many home remedies using ingredients found in most households. Salt can be a terrific treatment to help dry out the fluid in the blisters, and helping to speed up recovery. Ice can help to relieve the pain and swelling of the area which is broken out, and it should be applied for ten minutes every two hours for maximum relief. A moistened teabag can be used in the same way, and this will help to cool and soothe the area containing the blisters. Witch hazel can be applied to the blisters to help dry them out, but this may also dry out the surrounding skin, so care should be used to only apply this to the blisters. It is possible to treat cold sores, you just have to find the treatment methods which are most effective for you.