The tingling, burning pain you notice around your lip generally means a cold sore is rising. Cold sores (fever blisters) are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1, and usually occur when something triggers the dormant virus to reactivate, such as stress, illness, menstruation or sun exposure. Dr. Andrew Weil, integrative physician, states that cold sores usually go away in 10 days without any need for any type of treatment. Keeping the infected area clean and dry is generally good enough; however, there are a variety of home remedies recommended by Weil and other physicians that may reduce cold sore pain and hasten healing.
Ice
Ice or a cool compress can assuage the pain and tenderness of a cold sore. In "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies," virologist James F. Rooney, M.D. of the National Institutes of Health states that some patients claim that putting ice directly on the spot where they first feel tingling and pain reduces their symptoms. "I'd say that ice does decrease inflammation," Rooney states, "and if inflammatory substances aid the reactivation process, this could help."
Zinc
Applying a topical water-based zinc solution at the first signs of pain and tingling can help cold sores heal more rapidly. In "The Doctor's Book of Home Remedies," Dr. Milos Chvapil of the University of Arizona College of Medicine explains that zinc may inhibit the replication process of the herpes simplex virus. Zinc gluconate, which is sold at many health food markets, is preferable to zinc sulfate.
Monolaurin
Weil suggests using an oral antiviral supplement called monolaurin, which can also be purchased at many whole food markets, to help along the healing process. Take one capsule (one gram) three times a day right before you eat, Weil advises.
Lysine
Another remedy Weil suggests is applying lysine cream directly to the cold sore. Additionally, if you take the amino acid L-lysine as an oral supplement (500 to 1,000 mgs) each day, this might reduce your chances of getting cold sores in the future.
Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly can be applied to cold sores to sooth and protect, says "The Doctor's Book of Home Remedies." Just make sure that you don't apply it and then reach back into the jar with your treating finger, as this can infect the rest of your petroleum jelly with HSV-1.
Pain Relievers
To reduce cold sore pain, the Mayo Clinic suggests reaching into the medicine cabinet for an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Aspirin should not be given to children with cold sores, warns Mayo Clinic experts.
Drying Agents
Rooney states that some people advocate breaking the watery blisters of a cold sore and then applying alcohol or witch hazel to help it dry out and heal more quickly. However, the Mayo Clinic states that it's inadvisable to pick at cold sores because not only can the virus be transferred to another part of your face or body, but also this could lead to infection and scarring.
Other
HSV-1 can infect your personal items--namely your toothbrush. Weil advises purchasing a new toothbrush after your cold sore is gone. While it's still active, be careful not to touch the rim of your toothpaste tube to your toothbrush, so the virus won't transfer to the toothpaste and infect others in your family.
