The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Honey
Posted by Vic (Agadir, Morocco) on 02/10/2009
★★★★★
Honey for Cold Sores: I had this horible Cold Sore all over my mouth together with cracked and chapped lips and nothing seemed to help. Thought about hearing something about honey being used to heal such issues. Tried it and my mouth is almost healed after just 24 hours. MIRACULOUS!!!
Artificial Sweetener Link to Herpes
Posted by Patricia (Elmont, NY) on 02/02/2009
emergen-c caused a herpes simplex outbreak. I was shopping at Trader Joes and I picked up a pack of emergen-c. thinking that it will supply me with needed vit-c. I took one packet right at the store with water that I bought there. I felt really weird after taking it. I read the ingredients and I noticed natural flavors and natural sucrose. I know from previous time that anything edible containing natural flavours it is MSG. No sooner did I get into my car to leave,my lip became inflamed and I had the start of a cold sore. I returned to the store and got my money back. I later spoke to the manager about the situation and he said he cannot pull anything off the shelf. It has to be done by headquarters. Now I only depend on good quality Vit C. Emergen-C is on my not-to-buy-list!
Artificial Sweetener Link to Herpes
Posted by Steve (Birmingham, UK) on 01/08/2009
I regulary have outbreaks of coldsores, although they seems to be to two different types.
The first type - normal, typical ones that are on the lips, they start small with the tell tale tingle and spread, with recovery expedited with the use of Acyclovir.
The second type are a bit different these seem to be a much larger pre-determined size,they have more smaller fluid filled welts, a far greater distance from my lips either on the tip or side of my nose or upper chin. They do not have the tell tale tingle, nor do they do respond well to acyclovir.
The second type I used to strongly believe was an allergic reaction to either bannanas or artificial sweeteners as opposed to coldsores because of these differences, however medical tests confirmed that they were cold sores. I currently avoid both potential triggers and seem to get far less outbreaks, however artificial sweetners are almost impossible to avoid.
Who knows!!??
Dietary Recommendations
Posted by Glenn (Perth, Australia) on 02/13/2009
★★★★★
I suffered frequently from cold sores most of my life. The embarrassment of a large outbreak on the lips is enough to want to hide away at home until the sore dimishes to just a small scab. But that's not possible when you need to work. It's even worse if, like in my job you need to interface with the public a lot.
A few years back I changed my diet by excluding or seriously restricting all wheat flour products because I was getting overweight and could hardly tie my shoe laces without needing to come up for air to finish the knot. It was hard to start with because these foods are so tasty and addictive. But as a result of the diet change I not only lost 15 kilograms but also found that I no longer suffered from cold sores or head colds either.
On the very rare occasion that I do get a cold sore now I can immediately trace it to a binge on bread, pizza, pasta or rice the previous day, and the lesion is tiny in comparison with the past. To control it I abstain from the flour products and rice and try not to lick my lips, and it goes away within days. Nuts, chocolate and citrus fruits are not a factor in my case nor are diet drinks because I don't really go for them much.
I wonder if genital herpes would respond to the same dietry restrictions.
Sauerkraut Juice
Posted by John (Altoona, Wisconsin) on 12/30/2008
★★★★★
I suffered from cold sores for many years. Then I read about a cure that used sauerkraut juice to cure them. I tried it at several outbreaks and they quickly disappeared. It may be the L-lysine in the juice. They went away and have not come back for years.
Acetone
Posted by Bright Eyed Girl (Oyster Bay, Ny, Usa) on 05/27/2012
★★★★★
Hi Everyone, Just wanted to pop in and comment as I usually don't give feedback, but I realize how important it is for people to see the success or failure of a certain recommendation. I know I have found earth clinic's posters to be informative and helpful so I figure I should add on to possibly be helpful to a new sufferer.
When I first read about Acetone, I thought, humm that's strange. Then I said oh well if I use it on my nails then it's seeping into my body anyhow. Maybe not the best attitude, but it always marvels me when I hear people say they can't use something on their skin, but they use it other ways.
Anyhow, I found this info after I had an attack and it pretty much resolved itself. I told myself I have to remember this Acetone method and use it the next time I have an episode. So pow, another episode on Thursday, about 3 days ago. I ran for the Acetone instead of the common brand I use and started to apply it. The particular brand I buy at my local pharmacy did work, but never quickly, never stopped the sore from becoming a sore and I would spend about $22.00 bucks for a small tube which I would use only until the sore was gone and then put it away. By the time I would get another flare-up the cream would have expired - URGH--and then off to spend another $22 bucks!!! So I decided, what the heck, let me try this while praying and see if it works. Well surprise, surprise, IT WORKED!!!!!!!
I was so amazed and excited! The first tingle was in the a.m. on Tursday so I used a Q-tip and kept applying the Acetone after the Acetone evaporated (using a new Q-tip each time of course). I did that for a bit. It got swollen and red, but that's it and yes it burned, but that was fine as long as it would work. Next morning I started again with the same process, but fewer applications because of schedule. By Saturday morning it was still a bit red, the swelling wnt down and a tiny bump remained. I didn't apply anymore and then today it scabbed over! Yup that was it. All gone now.
I couldn't believe my eyes! My friend was also amazed and said she's gonna try it when she has an outbreak. Thanks everyone for the suggestion. ACETONE WORKS!!!
Calamine Lotion
Posted by Vera (Colorado) on 09/20/2023
For herpes sores, what works best for me is lemon balm ointment, L-lysine, and dabbing with 3% peroxide. If I catch it early, this is all that's needed.
I used to get really bad sores every 4 months or so, and found acyclovir invaluable in that. I still keep an old prescription on hand.
Alcohol
Posted by Mary (Vancouver, Canada) on 10/23/2008
★★★★★
Cold Sore Remedy: This remedy came from my mom who is 80 years old this year. I developed a cold sore at the corner of my lips. I tried food grade Hydrogen Peroxide which did not seem to do anything. Next I tried Apple Cider Vinegar which relieved much of the burning and tingling. Unfortunately the ACV did not appear to heal the sore or stop it's spread. My mom said to use any type of alcohol on it. Not wanting to put any propyl or Isopropyl alcohol on my skin I used 40% proof vodka. Within a couple of hours I saw a major reduction in the size of the sore. My mom said to apply it often and I did. Twenty-four hours has passed and the sore has healed up and the burning and scabbing is going away. I wanted to share this with everyone here as it is sure working fast.
Alcohol
Posted by Caroler (Kilgore, Texas) on 12/19/2011
★★★★★
Alcohol can kill the virus before the sore pops out. Just dip a Q-tip in Vodka or a mouthwash high in alcohol. The secret is to hold it on the spot and soak it for 5 or 10 minutes. I think this is safer than nail polish remover.
Acidophilus
Posted by Marvia (St. Catherine, Jamaica ) on 09/30/2008
★★★★★
I've always had outbreaks of cold sores for more than ten years until a friend told me about Acidophilus. Whenever I feel the tingling on my mouth I crush two tablets of the (Probiotic) Acidophilus (preferrably the Schiff brand) with 1 tsp. of milk and take and repeat this three times a day.
The outbreaks of my cold sores usually happens after the intake of antibiotics which usually breaks down the friendly bacterias so the acidophilus regularises the friendly bacterias and it's a great digestive support.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Shelly (Middlebury, Vermont) on 09/22/2008
★★★★★
I currently have an outbreak (the second one in 2 weeks) and I used peroxide on my second one after the first day. I didn't catch it in time but I'm finding that using the peroxide only 2 times has prevented it from really blistering and scabbing over too much. I popped the blister and drained it with a tissue and then used a qtip to dab it on a few times. It seems to take out the infection and dry it up faster. I'm going to continue applying peroxide every few hours and see how it works. I think if I'd have done this quicker, it wouldn't have blistered out quite so much. But it's less sightly than it would normally be.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by K (Atlanta, GA) on 03/21/2009
★★★★☆
Using peroxide on gential herpes at the sign of itching is a sure way of stopping the itch and speeding up the healing process. Have used it and it does work. Must try the other remedies I have read about.
L-Lysine and Vitamin C
Posted by Cathy (Playa del Carmen, Mexico) on 09/14/2008
Without a doubt, CAYENNE pepper. Put it directly on the cold sore. It will sting but the next day it should be 90 % better. I have used Oil of Oregano and it works very quickly but Cayenne is the fastest. Good luck!
L-Lysine and Vitamin C
Posted by Jay (San Francisco, CA) on 09/14/2008
Questions to Cathy:
O, well do i have to rip the scab off first before applying the cayenne pepper?, cause i don't think the cayenne pepper will go to the source without peeling the scab off first, so what do you think? Also, which brand of kind do u suggest? Also, when i peel the scab off, yellow liquid immediately starts to slowly come out so just apply the cayenne pepper onto the whole infected area? What kind of cayenne pepper, like the liquid kind or powder form?What kind do you use?
L-Lysine and Vitamin C
Posted by Anita (New York, Ny) on 09/08/2010
I'm a picker myself and must say that I do believe Lysine and Vit. C does help. It the picking that keeps it going! Try putting a rubber band on your wrist and each time you have the urge to pick snap the band. Hope this helps...
Astringent Toner
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 08/26/2008 489 posts
To correct error in L-lysine for Herpes Simplex or cold sore. Should read 2 grams or (2000mgm) four times per day.
Astringent Toner
Posted by Surfcity (Orange County, Ca) on 12/06/2010
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
When rubbing anything on a coldsore NEVER break it open. I made the mistake of my life in thinking I could break open a very small cold sore with a Qtip and rubbing alcohol thinking it would kill everything and dry it up. WRONG! It spread across my lip and up to the bottom of my nose, with my lip swelling to at least twice it's normal size. It was extremely painful and embarrassing.
Neosporin
Posted by Jungle (NY, NY) on 08/09/2008
★★★★★
i don't know how advanced my sores are, they're not all that bad, but whenever i get the slight notion of a tingle on my lip i slather my lips in neosporin, the anti-bacterial stuff in it kills it i suppose!
L-Lysine, Nail Polish Remover
Posted by Victoria (Saint Johns, FL) on 08/06/2008
★★★★★
I get about 2 or 3 cold sores a year. Unfortunately, the last cold sore I got hit me in the middle of the night as I slept so when I woke up, it was already in the painful stage. Finally fed up with these unsightly things, I did some internet searches and found several positive remarks about applying nail polish remover AND so I immediately dabbed a q-tip in it and stuck the tip directly at the cold sore site. The sore had come out by this time but it was still small and had not broken the skin. I made sure to place a folded tissue on my lips to catch any nail polish liquid excess. After a few seconds, I felt it burning inside! I repeated this for a total of 3 times that day and twice the next day and my small cold sore only lasted 3 days! Otherwise, it would normally have lasted 7 days. It never became a scab. I also read up on L-Lysine capsules and decided to keep them at hand for my next cold sore. Well, this morning, I felt a tingling on my upper lip which started to turn pink and swell so I immediately took 2 500MG capsules of L-Lysine and dabbed on some nail polish remover (2 times). I can honestly say that it is completely gone! No sore, no redness, no swelling! I am also taking 2 more L-Lysine capsules before going to bed as a precaution. I am recommending this remedy to everyone I know.
Ear Wax
Posted by Helena (New York, NY) on 06/24/2008
I've heard about using ear wax on cold sores, was surprised not to see it mentioned here. You put it on when you first get the sore. Take a Q-tip, get some ear wax out and spread it on your sore. Be careful not to put the q-tip back in your ear, you might cross-contaminate!
Unfortunately didn't know about this until mine had horribly popped and scabbed over. I tried icing it, and putting apple cider vinegar on it but didn't seem to help much... Hopefully I'll not have a chance to try this remedy out soon! Hopefully no cold sores again soon.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Carol (Greenville, USA) on 06/23/2008
★★★★★
I too have had coldsores all my life and am 50 yrs old now. I had a sore in the inside of my nose for 3 days , first I dapped peroxide.3% on the outside and the inside where I felt it sore and there was no change into the 3rd day. On the 3rd day I inhaled 3 or 4 puffs of a mix of half water and half .3% peroxide cheap Wal -Mart kind, from a 2 oz spray bottle that you can buy at Wal Mart for .50 in the toothpaste aisle where they have travel size items, and 2 hours later all the nose pain was GONE and no longer had a sore in my nose , it vanished. I also used Apple cider Vinegar the off brand at Wal- Mart GV . It's such a great value too, only $2.99 and I take the pinch or 1/4th tsp of Baking Soda and 2 TBLS of APPLE CIDER VINEGAR in 4 oz of COLD WATER and it has lowered my heartrate from 117 to 72.This has also lowered my BLOOD PRESSURE from to 112/60 I feel full of energy and I do this before I eat first thing in the morning and last thing at night. I sometimes take it at NOON for a pick me up. I no longer have acid reflux/ GERD. I sleep and breathe better as I have sleep apnea.
EC: Read more about the Hydrogen Peroxide Inhalation method here.
Sweet Orange Oil
Posted by Bishop (Tempe, Arizona) on 04/30/2008
★★★★★
Put drop or two of Sweet Orange Oil (Citrus sinensis) on the "fat/cracked lip" just before bed. Cures the problem overnight! This is a painless, tried and true remedy that I've given to many people. Some gentlemen note that, while the oil does NOT burn the lip, any of the oil that drips down onto shaved parts of the face will cause a rather nasty burning sensation. The solution is to smear some lavender oil below the lip, BEFORE applying the orange oil, to keep this from happening. Olive oil or most veg oils will also work but lavender oil works best. Since this burning sensation is rather common, anyone who shaves below the lip always should use the lavender oil first, then apply the sweet orange oil to the lip. If orange oil is not available, zest a little of the peel of an orange and apply to the lip. Anyone who tries this remedy, please email me and tell me how it worked.
Artificial Sweetener Link to Herpes
Posted by Sue (Miami, Florida/USA) on 01/17/2009
Since the age of 6 years old I have struggled with severe episodes of oral " herpes" lesions. The would start as a single lesion and spread throughout my entire mouth (interior lips tounge AND THROAT) to the point where my glands and lips would swell and I could barely talk or eat. My father is a dentist & was against me chewing sugared gums- so I was always handed sugarless gums. from the age of 6 untill I was 13 years old I was taken to every allergist in town and put on every food/additive restrictive diet that the medical profesionals could thing of (illimination of: various food colors (one color at a time), sugar, preservatives...etc). I was stuck with more needles than any child should ever experience...Yet the doctors still had no conclusive results. By the age of (about) 11-12 I started to illiminate gum and noticed a slow down in the frequency of my outbreaks. I missed gum chewing so I tried introducing sugared gums- and was thrilled to experince no outbreaks. I am now 40 years old. I have not chewed sugarless gum since the age of 13....Also, throughout the years I have noticed several other causes of outbreaks. I will still get oral herpese "cold sores/ulcers" if I eat certain "gummy" like substances (sugarfree or sugared)...I can not eat: gummy candies (bears/worms ~ect), licorice (black or red) or jelly beans. Within the past 10 years I (reluctantly) began to try sugarless candies/mints and powdered drinks...To my surprise, I did not experience outbreaks from these (though I believe that as a young child crystal light drink mix was a trigger for my outbreaks). Once in a very blue moon I will sneak a piece of black liccorice into my mouth (I love the taste!!!)- Though I can expect to will be "penalized" the following day with a coldsore or two (not a mouthful- which, I believe, is because I only eat a small amount).
I may have a rare allergy that baffled doctors for so many years... But I fugured I would take advantage and share my experiences & uears of trial and error so that someone out there (suffering from a similar situation/allergy) may be helped.
Artificial Sweetener Link to Herpes
Posted by Lou (Tyler, Tx) on 07/20/2020
You probably have a gelatin allergy. I recently discovered I am allergic to gelatin. It is in gummies.
Acetone
Posted by Christine (Virginia Beach, USA) on 04/09/2008
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
While I am sure that acetone will work against cold sores, you should never use acetone or put it on your skin and nails. There's a reason that acetone smells nasty - because it actually IS nasty. It can cause cancer and is poisonous. NEVER put on your skin what you cannot put in your mouth. Poisons can enter your body through your skin, and many cosmetics are, unfotunately, poisonous.
Acetone
Posted by Karen (Lindenhurst, NY) on 05/06/2008
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
I just want to say Dont use nail polish remover~!!! I tried this remedy and gave myself a bad chemical burn on my face. :-( Now I wish it was just a cold sore. I'll stick to L-Lysine in the future!
L-Lysine
Posted by Michelle (Minneapolis, MN) on 12/12/2008
I thought you were supposed to take L-Lysine everyday, which is what i've been doing for a year, as a preventative. I'm glad to finally figure this out.
I used to get cold sores at least every other month when I was a student. They were brought on by stress, and also seemed connected to my period. Acyclovir works for me but I have to double dose and also use abreva and carmex.
I started taking a Vitamin B-complex, Sunmark's Stress Vitamins, daily. I was also taking L-Lysine with this, which I will now quit. It greatly reduced the frequency and duration of my outbreaks. I get them 3 time a year now, compared to at least 6 and they are usually really small and last no more than 3 or 4 days.
I have a tiny one right now, it looks more like a little zit above my lip. But I am excited to go home and start the L-Lysine regiment now that I know the appropriate way to do it.
Symptoms will get better with time for a lot of people. It's important to track your behaviors and habits closely so you can know the triggers and if you've never used it before i highly recommend acyclovir from your dr. Take about 4 right when you feel the tingle and then 2 more that day and it will knock it out before it even becomes a cold sore.
Acetone
Posted by Randy (Arizona City, Az) on 03/29/2008
★★★★★
This may sound strange, but when I feel a sore spot beginning to come on my lip, I take fingernail polish remover and dab it on the spot with my finger, 3-4 times a day. In many instances the eruption never happens... and if it does, it immediately starts drying up. I've taken care of my blisters for about 25 years this way with no adverse side effects. Works better than anything you can buy at the Drug Store!
Acetone
Posted by Lewis (Circleville, Ohio) on 05/13/2009
Oreganol oil and DMSO will get rid of a cold sore fast. I make a little paste, and use a Q-tip to apply.
Ear Wax
Posted by Hugh (Queenstown, New Zealand) on 10/26/2008
I heard this remedy when I was mining up in the Yukon Territory. I think there is something in the earwax that is designed? to prevent infections in the ear. It is serendipity that it also works on coldsores!
Vicks
Posted by Cherry (Powder Springs, Georgia) on 03/03/2008
★★★★★
Vicks Vapor Rub or Carmex never fails to stop the development of a cold sore. I only get the itch indicating a cold sore is coming once or twice a year. As soon as I feel that itch I put a gob of vicks or carmex on it and it stops itching immediately and never develops into the sore. I thinks it's the camphor and menthol that cures.
