If you observe red and bruise skin crusting on your mouth, it can be a fever blister or cold sore. They can be painful, irritating and sometimes a major issue that can affect daily activities. You can’t find a permanent cure for it but some remedies and medications can prevent the outbreaks. In this write-up, we will discuss how to get rid of cold sores and the causes of it. 

how to get rid of cold sores?

a)Home remedies 

1.Tea tree oil

Due to its antiviral and antibacterial qualities, tea tree oil may be useful in easing the discomfort associated with cold sores. To use it- 

• Dilute tea tree oil with coconut or almond oil. 
• Apply a drop of tea tree oil with a cotton swab 
• You need to repeat the process for two or theee times a day. 

2. Ice

Ice is another natural remedy that can be helpful for those who want to know how to get rid of cold sores. It helps in reducing cold sore related swelling, discomfort, and redness. Here is how to use it- 

• Wrap an ice pack in a fresh cloth first. 
• Apply that fresh cloth or an ice pack to the affected area for about fifteen to twenty minutes. 
• For better and quick results, repeat this procedure multiple times every day.

3.Lemon Balm

Lemon balm has antiviral properties which help the cold sore to heal quickly. Follow the below steps to apply lemon balm-  

• Get a cotton swab and clean it properly. 
• Apply lemon balm ointment or extract to the cold sore using the cotton swab. 
• If you maintain good hygiene, you can use your hand too. 

4.Aloe Vera

The soothing properties of aloe vera gel can help reduce the discomfort and hasten the healing process of cold sore. You need to -  

• Get a pure aloe Vera gel which is freshly extracted from aloe leaf. 
• Apply a small amount immediately to the cold sore. 
• Do this several times every day.

5.Honey

Honey is naturally antiviral and helps quicken the healing process. If you want to know how to get rid of cold sores using honey, follow the below steps-

• Collect a cotton swab and clean it. 
• Apply a tiny amount of raw and organic honey straight onto the cold sore. 
• Then just repeat it three or four times a day. 

6.Coconut Oil

Another great and easy to use home remedy is coconut oil. It is used to treat cold sores because of the antiviral properties it has. To use the oil - 

• First, clean your fingertips properly with hand sanitizer. 
• Then apply a small quantity of coconut oil onto the cold sore. 
• For quicker results, epeat this method three times a day.

7.Milk

Milk has L-Lysine and proteins which can fight herpes virus. That is why many people who are suffering from cold sores want to find out how to get rid of cold sores using milk. For that you need to- 

• Get a cotton ball and dip it in cold milk. 
• Apply the cotton to the cold sore for a few minutes.
• Several times a day, repeat this method.

8.Witch Hazel

Witch hazel was found to lessen the size of cold sores and the spread of inflammation. To apply witch hazel you need to follow the below steps- 

• Just like milk, get a cotton ball and dip it in witch hazel extract. 
• Apply the ball to the cold sore for a short while. 
• For quick and better results, do it times a day.

b)Other medications 

1.Antiviral Drugs

Most physicians advise antiviral medications for mouth blisters as it is extremely helpful. The medications usually work by forestalling the virus from reproducing. Other than that it can decrease the aggravation of the mouth blisters by lessening the length of the outbreak. 

2.Echinacea

Supplements containing echinacea may help strengthen the immune system and lessen the frequency of cold sore outbreaks. Follow the dosing instructions on the product's label or the advice of a healthcare provider.

3.Over-the-Counter (OTC) Creams

So, how to get rid of cold sores using medications? Several OTC creams are offered for treating cold sores and include antiviral components. Docosanol is one such component that prevents the virus from infecting healthy skin cells. 

4.Topical Anaesthetics 

Topical anaesthetics can momentarily numb the affected region and lessen the pain caused by cold sores. For this purpose, creams or gels with substances like lidocaine or benzocaine are recommended by doctors. 

Causes of cold sores 

Now that you know how to get rid of cold sores, let’s check out the causes of it. 

1.Dental Treatment 

A cold sore breakout could be caused by dental treatment. A cold sore blister can develop as a result of pressure placed on the lips or mouth during dental treatment, as well as from the tension and worry some patients experience while the treatment is going.

2.Weak Immune System 

The cold sore virus stays inactive in the nerve cells around your lips. Although your immune system typically prevents the virus from reproducing and leading to blisters, if it's preoccupied with battling another virus or infection, such as the flu or a cold, you may experience a cold sore outbreak.

3.Temperature variation

Your body's capacity to prevent the virus from causing blisters can be severely hampered by variations in temperature and air moisture. Your lips may become dry from the winter's dry air, chilly temperatures, and wind, which makes them more prone to developing blisters.

4.Stress

According to research, feeling pressed for time or stressed out might have an impact on your physical health. Our body can’t function properly when we are under stress. This provides the dormant cold sore virus with an opportunity to reproduce and wreak havoc by forming blisters.

5.Hormonal changes 

Cold sores can also be caused by the ups and downs in hormone levels that occur during a regular menstrual cycle. Due to the hormonal fluctuations, cold sores are often noticed right before or during period. Some women also experience the breakouts while they are pregnant.