Is a cold sore holding you back from having fun this summer? Editor Trudi Brewer shares some natural remedies from a virus specialist to speed up healing.
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Why do cold sores often flare up as soon as the sun’s out? You are not alone; up to 80 per cent of the New Zealand population has the herpes strain that causes cold sores to break out when they feel run down or exposed to UV light. Caused by the HSV virus and herpes simplex virus, triggers include injury to the area and hormonal changes, such as perimenopause, as well as fatigue and stress, which can cause a weakened immune system, resulting in more frequent outbreaks. While a cold sore typically clears up within two weeks - if you need a helping hand, Marian Nicholson, virus specialist and director of the Herpes Virus Association in the UK, has some suggestions. "Once the cold sore has broken your skin and caused a blister, it will only improve when your body has built new skin cells to fill the hole." She adds, "If you get enough sleep, eat good food and don’t do anything 'bad' for your body, the quicker it will heal." Avoid other known triggers, like sunbeds and excess UV light sources, and always apply a lip balm with SPF when you're outside, drink plenty of water, and avoid behaviours that can weaken your immune system - even temporarily. Nicolson adds, “Cold sores are contagious from the moment you first feel tingling or other signs of a cold sore coming on. While you have a cold sore, don't share towels, cutlery, makeup (especially lip balm) or anything that may have come into contact with your cold sore until it has completely healed.
Recommended natural remedies
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Nicolson recommends that once you feel the sensation of a cold sore coming, a cool compress can help speed up the healing process and reduce inflammation and the pain associated with the outbreak. She adds, "It can also help prevent a cold-sore outbreak in the first place. Hold an ice cube off and on the skin for 30 minutes, or try a pack of frozen peas."
Lemon balm
Essential oils have been used medicinally for centuries, and lemon balm is one oil thought to ease cold sores as the leaves contain a plant chemical called terpenes, which may have antiviral properties.
"My favourite is lemon balm (Melissa Officinalis)," says Nicholson. "Research from the University of Heidelberg shows it has molecules to block the virus from getting into the skin cells. Apply lemon balm cream such as Lomaherpan on the spot you feel the cold sore coming about five times a day to prevent the sore."
Tea bags
You can also try a humble tea bag. Nicholson says that as well as acting as a cold compress to reduce inflammation and redness, “There's evidence to suggest that terpenes—the same active ingredient in lemon balm and tea—can promote healing. A cold, damp tea bag may be a bit messy, but the terpenes in tea are effective," says Nicholson. Terpenes are naturally occurring compounds with several medicinal qualities, including antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
Saltwater
Thanks to its mineral content, salt water is an age-old cure-all. Gargling with it will help soothe a sore throat, and it can also help speed up the healing of cold sores. Saltwater can affect the environment around the cold sore, making it harder for the virus to thrive.
Fast and naturally. A virus specialist weighs in.