Though there are a few factors that doctors will use to distinguish cold sores and fever blisters, they are essentially the same thing. They are sores that occur around the mouth when a virus flares up in the system, and they can be painful to deal with.
If you are someone who deals with these sores on a regular basis, or if your children do, you should consider how you can fight them. You do not have to sit helplessly by while they run their course!
Know Your Triggers
Cold sores and fever blisters happen when something provokes the virus that causes them. You can go for months or even years without an outbreak, but then something happens and you are having issues opening your mouth because of a sore that has formed there. For many people, these sores happen when they are stressed or sick. If you notice that you always get cold sores and fever blisters when you are stressed at work, make time for yourself to rest and recuperate. Get plenty of fluids, lots of sleep and do whatever it takes to stay calm.
Skip the Spicy Foods
No matter how much you really love those enchiladas, all of that hot sauce is not doing you any favors. Hot foods are hot because they irritate the sensitive tissues of your skin, and cold sores are by definition very sensitive. It may mean that you are stuck eating cheese sandwiches and soups, but dial back your spicy craving. This can help you heal much faster in the long run.
Baking Soda to the Rescue
You probably already appreciate baking soda as an essential ingredient in baked goods, but have you thought about how it can help you with cold sores? Baking soda is a great choice for treating cold sores because it dries the sore out while also pulling away any acids that might be irritating the area in question. Simply add a few drops of water to a small spoonful of baking soda until a paste forms. Dab the paste very carefully on the affected area, and let it sit for a full five minutes. After that, rinse it off. Repeat this procedure once or twice a day until the cold sore goes down. Remember, of course, to wash your hands thoroughly whenever you touch the cold sore to prevent the virus from spreading to other parts of your body.
The Soothing Power of Aloe Vera
Someday, we’ll find something thing that is not improved by aloe vera. Most of us stick with using aloe vera for burns, but we never think about what it does. Aloe vera contains chemicals that allow it to cope with inflammation, that is, swelling and feelings of heat. That means that it is just about ideal for taking care of fever blisters and cold sores! Smear a small amount of aloe vera over the cold sore and work it in very gently. Wipe away any excess with a very soft, disposable napkin. The key is to avoid irritating the area.
Tea Time
If you are looking for a great and simple way to sooth a cold sore, head right to your cabinets and pull out a plain black or green tea bag. Tea contains a high amount of natural tannin, which is a perfect way to sooth inflammation on your body. Soak the tea bag in cool water, and then apply it to the affected area for a few minutes. Do this once or twice a day. This can help a cold sore shrink very quickly, and you do not even have to touch it with your fingers in this remedy.
When you are thinking about cold sores and fever blisters, remember that at the end of the day, you are simply dealing with something that will heal with time. Be patient, and keep the area clean. Even doing just that will ensure that the sore area heals without a problem.
Cold Sore Remedies – Proven Remedy For Cold Sores:
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