Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 infection and show up as small, red, fluid-filled blisters typically around the mouth. The suffer usually feels a tingling sensation one or two days before the appearance of cold sores, which last for approximately 10 to 14 days. There is no cure for the herpes virus and stress, fatigue, fever, menstruation and exposure to the sun may trigger a recurrence. Here are some remedies to help keep the cold sores at bay.
Melissa officinalis
Melissa officinalis is commonly known as lemon balm and is a member of the mint family. In a study published in the 1999 issue of Phytomedicine, lead author Dr. Koytchev and his team, studied the effect a lip balm containing 1 percent Melissa officinalis extract on patients with recurrent cold sore infections. The team found that using this lip balm four times a day for five days helped to prevent further infection from cold sores and also reduced the healing time and symptoms of cold sores.
L-Lysine
L-Lysine is an essential amino acid, which means it must be obtained from foods, as the body can't manufacture it. Lysine-rich foods include chicken, cheese, nuts, eggs, beans and legumes. Lysine is needed for many different functions in the body including growth, absorption of calcium, formation of collagen and lowering of cholesterol.
In a study published in the 1987 issue of Dermatologica, lead author Dr. Griffith and his team found that 1,000 mg of L-Lysine three times a day for six months was effective in reducing the severity, healing time and occurrence of cold sores.
Zinc Sulfate Solution
In a study published in the 1981 issue of The British Journal of Dermatology, Dr Brody found that cold sore sufferers who applied a zinc sulfate solution daily to cold sores until they healed, then once a week for four weeks and then once every two weeks for 16 to 23 months, did not experience any cold sore outbreaks.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Cold Sores
- "Phytomedicine"; Balm mint extract (Lo-701) for topical treatment of recurring herpes labialis; Koytchev R, Alken RG, Dundarov S; 1999.
- University of Maryland: Lysine
- "Dermatologica"; Success of L-lysine therapy in frequently recurrent herpes simplex infection. Treatment and prophylaxis; Griffith RS, Walsh DE, Myrmel KH, et al; 1987.
- "The British Journal of Dermatology"; Topical treatment of recurrent herpes simplex and post-herpetic erythema multiforme with low concentrations of zinc sulphate solution. Brody I; 1981.
