If an oozy, crusty sore has appeared on your lips, you have a cold sore, scientifically known as a herpes simplex virus type 1 infection. You may notice a tickling sensation on your lip before a cold sore pops up. Although creams and balms may reduce pain and speed up healing, a cold sore will usually go away on its own. Consult your doctor before using any topical treatment on your cold sore.
Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly won't help heal your cold sore, but it may help protect it, prevent infection and keep the sore from cracking or scabbing. Dab a small amount of petroleum jelly on the sore with a cotton swab. Do not dip the same used cotton swab or your fingers into the jar of to prevent contaminating the jelly.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm, known scientifically as Melissa officinalis, has antiviral properties that may help speed up cold sore healing, says James A. Duke in his book "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook." He recommends drinking hot mint tea with a few spoonfuls of lemon balm in it. After the tea is gone, hold some of the lemon balm and the teabag against your cold sore.
Camphor Ointment
Camphor is a numbing ingredient found in a variety of over-the-counter cold sore ointments. Although a product containing camphor will not make the sore heal faster, it may make the days of healing more bearable. Creams with camphor usually contain emollients that help prevent scabs from forming and soften the sore, which prevents cracking.
Lidocaine or Benzocaine Ointment
Over-the-counter cold sore ointments that contain the active ingredients lidocaine or benzocaine may reduce the pain and discomfort associated with cold sores. Apply the ointment with a cotton swab or tissue as directed by the product's label. Both lidocaine and benzocaine are local anesthetics that temporarily numb the area, making it easier to eat and talk without pain.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Cold Sore
- "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies"; Deborah Tkac; 1990
- "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook"; James A. Duke; 2000
