Cold sores are a viral infection caused by one of two types of the herpes simplex virus, usually type 1, explain oral surgeons Paolo G. Arduino and Stephen R. Porter in the February 2008 issue of the "Journal of Oral Pathology and Oral Medicine." According to Arduino and Porter, cold sores begin as floppy fluid-filled blisters that spontaneously rupture after a few days, leaving behind a weeping open sore that gradually acquires a sandy, yellow crust. By 10 to 14 days, the cold sore should be completely gone. There are many uses for vinegar and cold sores, however you should start by talking to your doctor.
Definition
Vinegar is an acidic solution formed by the fermentation of food, such as apples, grapes, cane sugar, barley malt or rice. According to the Vinegar Institute, bacteria ferment the sugars in food to alcohol, then alcohol itself is fermented into vinegar. The name "vinegar" comes from the French phrase, vin aigre, which means "sour wine." The name reflects the now 10,000-year-old discovery that over-aging wine produces vinegar.
Analgesic Properties
MayoClinic.com says soaking in dilute solutions of vinegar may relieve itching and pain caused by an array of skin conditions, including toenail fungus, groin rash and swimmer's ear. The American Academy of Family Physicians makes a similar recommendation for people with skin sores caused by shingles, a virus that belongs to the same family as the herpes simplex virus. To use it, soak a clean cloth in a solution of one part white vinegar and one part cool water, and apply it to sores for 10 to 15 minutes. For genital sores, consider soaking in a sitz bath or basin.
Sanitizing Properties
The virus that causes cold sores can be spread through contract with contaminated objects, such as eating utensils, drinking glasses and cosmetics. A study published in the Feb. 1, 2010, issue of the medical journal, "PLoS One," concluded that a diluted solution of malt vinegar was as effective as commercial cleaning products for sanitizing surfaces contaminated with the common viruses. To use it, mix one part malt vinegar to 10 parts water.
Nutritional Properties
Vinegar is low in calories and carbohydrates. For healthy adults, a study published in the winter 2010 issue of the "Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism" found that consuming 2 tsp. vinegar with a meal significantly decreased the post-meal rise in blood sugar that has been linked to an increased susceptibility to infections. If you suffer especially frequent or severe cold sore outbreaks, try consuming a spoonful of vinegar with your meal or consider adding vinegar-containing foods, such as salad dressing or pickles.
Options
Some vinegars, according to the Vinegar Institute, use flavoring agents, such as spices or fruit juice. If you have cold sores, steer clear of specialty vinegars. Some spices irritate cold sores while the sugars in fruit juices leave a sticky film. Colored vinegars, especially wine and balsamic vinegars, may stain clothing or surfaces. The Vinegar Institute says that all vinegars sold in the United States are subject to oversight by the FDA, so you can be sure that whatever product you choose meets minimum standards for purity and quality.
Considerations
Vinegar does not replace conventional medical treatment for cold sores or any other medical condition. Although cold sores usually resolve with no treatment at all, people who experience severe, frequent or long lasting --- longer than two weeks --- outbreaks, should see a doctor.
References
- "Journal of Oral Pathology and Oral Medicine"; Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Infection; Paolo G. Arduino, D.D.S., M.Sc. and Stephen R. Porter, D.D.S, Ph.D.; February 2008
- "PLoS One"; Effectiveness of Common Household Cleaning Agents in Reducing the Viability of Human Influenza A/H1N1; Jane S. Greatorex, Ph.D., et al; Feb. 1, 2010
- "Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism"; Examination of the Antiglycemic Properties of Vinegar; Carol S. Johnston, Ph.D., et al; Winter 2010
- The Vinegar Institute: Vinegar Lore
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Shingles
- MayoClinic.com: Nail Fungus: Lifestyle and Home Remedies
