Cold sores, which are also called fever blisters, can be itchy, painful, and embarrassing. They are typically caused by the herpes simplex virus an infection that may cause only a single cold sore or an outbreak of several cold sores. Until a cold sore is scabbed or crusted, it’s extremely contagious and can even be spread to other parts of the body, including the eyes and genitals. As per a study, 90 percent of the population gets at least one cold sore in a lifetime and 40 percent of American adults repeatedly get cold sores. They can be painful, uncomfortable and downright unattractive, beginning as a blister and eventually forming a crust. Once you’ve had one cold sore, stress, sunlight, or hormonal changes can trigger the virus to activate and give you another one.
There are good news for people that get cold sores because essential oils might have a lower risk of harsh side effects than pharmaceutical cold sore treatments. Some strains of herpes have developed resistance to the drugs we’ve been using to treat them for years, but essential oils can be effective against these strains. I Got Youth Essential oils are very concentrated plant oils. They’re not meant to be taken orally — some are toxic when ingested.
The following essential oils may be useful for treating cold sores:
1. Lavender:- Lavender oil has been used for years to treat a variety of issues, including skin irritation and bruises. Although it may not have any effect on the virus, lavender oil may be helpful in reducing pain associated with cold sores. In one study, lavender oil appeared to have the potential to decrease pain and inflammation.
2. Sandalwood oil:- Sandalwood oil is known for its distinct and powerful scent, but its components can also fight the cold sore virus, according to a lab study. Diluted sandalwood oil can be directly applied to a cold sore when it appears. The strong scent of sandalwood might be irritating to your nose, so mix it with one of the other oils on this list, as well as a carrier oil, if you choose to use this remedy.
3. Tea tree oil:- According to a review published in the International Journal of Dermatology, tea tree oil has shown the ability to stop or kill the herpes simplex virus. The oil is strong, so it is best to use it with caution. Users should dilute it with a carrier oil to decrease the chances of a skin irritation.
4. Thyme oil:- Thyme oil has been examined to determine its ability to treat herpes simplex virus type 1. The results of one study indicated that the essential oil shows antiviral action against the virus. Thyme oil should always be diluted with a carrier oil before it is applied to the cold sore.
5. Eucalyptus oil:- Cell structure tests were done in a lab revealed that eucalyptus oil could reduce the duration and severity of cold sores. Some people say that eucalyptus oil has a calming scent and a soothing sensation on the skin when it’s applied. Always dilute eucalyptus oil well before applying, and limit it to four applications per day.