Don't be embarrassed by a cold sore instead fight it with these 6+ home remedies

Caused by the herpes simplex virus, cold sores or fever blisters are painful and unattractive. The virus is easily spread, so you want to be careful when treating them. Often stress, too much sun or a fever can cause an outbreak of the virus.
Trying to get rid of the sore quickly, without spreading it, can seem like a chore. Although over-the-counter remedies tend to work really well, you can make your own with some simple ingredients. Check out the 6+ remedies you can use.
Advertisement
1. Petroleum jelly. You can treat your cold sore by simply putting on a coating of petroleum jelly, according to Everyday Health.
2. Cold compress. Another easy treatment is using a cold compress on the sore. Healthline points out that the cold compress won't heal the sore, but it will help with any discomfort.
3. Lemon balm. To both "soothe and seal" your cold sore, Everyday Health recommends using a lemon balm lip balm. Make your own by combining 2 tablespoons coconut oil, 2 tablespoons sunflower oil and 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon of grated beeswax. Melt these together in a double boiler over low heat. Once melted, mix thoroughly and add 10 drops of lemon balm. Pour this into your containers, let it cool, and use.
4. Cornstarch paste. Medical News Today says you can use a cornstarch paste made from equal parts cornstarch and water.
5. Witch hazel. To help dry the cold sore out, Everyday Health says to dab some witch hazel directly onto the cold sore.
6. Aloe vera gel. If you haven an aloe plant, Reader's Digest says to apply the gel from a leaf directly onto the cold sore. If you don't have a plant, you can use aloe vera gel from the store. Just make sure it's a high percentage of actual gel.
7. Licorice root. If you want the healing power of licorice root and petroleum jelly, Medical News Today says to mix some licorice root powder with petroleum jelly and put it on your sore.
8. Peppermint oil. Medical News Today lists peppermint oil as an essential oil that helps treat cold sores. Be sure to cut the oil with a carrier oil before dabbing it directly on the cold sore.
Advertisement
If you struggle with cold sores, keep some of these items on hand. You may be able to heal them quickly.
Resources
RemedyDaily.com does not give medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.