One of the symptoms of HSV 1 or herpes simplex virus 1 is cold sores. These are small fluid filled blisters that are usually present on mucous membranes such as the buccal mucousa or at the mouth. These sores may be swollen and painful. It won’t leave scars as it heals but there are tendencies that it will reappear.

Herpes simplex virus 1 is the one accountable for the formation of cold sores. In fact, cold sores are one of its major symptoms. The virus is infectious and can be transmitted from one person to another. The mode of transmission occurs when there is an exchange of body discharges or when in contact with an active and open blister. Examples of transmission include kissing, sexual intercourse and using the same utensils with someone who is infected with the virus. When blisters are gone, it is not an assurance that you won’t be able to get the virus. HPV1 can still be infectious even if blisters already disappeared. A burning feeling on the skin is the earliest sign before blisters appear.

Photo by AJC1

As we all know HPV 1 is a communicable disease, it is still significant to get rid of it by being cautious and meticulous in dealing with person having the disease. Hand washing is the simplest form of protecting yourself from catching the virus. It is also advised to avoid touching delicate parts of your body such as on the genital area and on the eyes because these areas where the virus can replicate at its best.

Numerous studies have proved the benefits of using natural alternative cold sore remedies. These remedies are shown to be safe and effective. This article provides the list of effective home remedies for cold sores.

Home Remedies for Cold Sores

Lysine is an amino acid that not produced by our body so it has to be acquired from foods and processed supplements. Foods that contain lysine include red meat, wheat germ and dairy products. Lysine is vital in the production of protein in our bodies which aids in the formation of hormones, antibodies and body tissues. It is responsible in combating another amino acid called argenine. Argenine is an amino acid used by HPV1 in replicating itself. Lysine should be of a higher amount compared to arginine. Foods that contain argenine should be avoided. These foods include chocolates, almonds and peanuts.

Lemon Balm has an antiviral characteristic and is effective in fighting the herpes virus. When lemon balm is administered directly on the blisters it will allow the blister to heal usually in less than five days.

Peppermint oil can get into the skin assisting in the destruction of the virus and preventing its replication.

Reishi and astragalus is useful in augmenting the immune system. It is effective in diminishing the replication of the cold sores virus.

Resveratrol is also helpful in treating HSV 1. This is mainly obtained from red grapes. It helps in repressing the cold sores on lips when topically applied on the sore three to five times daily.

Propolis is also used as a cold sore treatment. Propolis prevents the HSV 1 to penetrate into the cells of the body.

A canker sore is a small yet very troublesome whitish spot found inside the mouth. They resemble small, shallow wounds that cause sudden, intense pain when touched. Anyone who has ever had canker sores know how painful they can be when they come in contact with food and drink, particularly acidic ones such as lemon or orange juice. Canker sores are quite common but only about 2% of the population experience recurring bouts. Medication is often used as canker sore treatment but many individuals frequently turn to a tried and tested canker sore home remedy for relief. Here are a few you can try:

Rinse with a Homemade Mouthwash

To 2 oz. of water, add 2 oz. of hydrogen peroxide and use this as a rinse. Hydrogen peroxide has bacteria-killing properties and is very effective in disinfecting the mouth and preventing infection. Swish the liquid around the mouth for 60 seconds or so before spitting out. Repeat the process 3 to 4 times a day. If you do not have hydrogen peroxide, mix 1 tsp. baking soda and 1 tsp. salt with 4 oz. of water and use this instead.

Photo by sgrace

Apply Alum Powder

Alum resembles a white, crystalline rock. It has a wide range of uses from styptic pencils to fire extinguishers to toothpaste to hair removal. It is also frequently used as a deodorant but is equally effective as a canker sore home remedy. The alum can be grounded into fine powder and then applied directly to the sore. Note that this solution will cause intense pain for a minute or so but if you can tolerate it, it can be rewarding. Apply the powder twice a day, allow to remain on the sore for a minute and then rinse.

Mix Your Own Ointment

In a small, clean bowl, mix 1 tbsp. of Milk of Magnesia  with 1 tbsp. of Benadryl (Benylin will do). Dip a clean cotton bud in this mixture and apply onto the sore. Milk of Magnesia contains an ingredient that acts as a coating for open sores while Benadryl helps reduce inflammation. Apply only enough to coat the sore and do not swallow.

If you want to know how to get rid of canker sores in one day, you might want to go for stronger formulations. It does help if you catch the canker sore early and most kinds of canker sore remedies will work to keep the sores in check. But if a sore is already open, consider using copper sulfate. This is a remedy that has been used for many years but is known to help resolve the problem of canker sores quickly. In some people, this remedy can work in as fast as 24 to 48 hours. It also helps to continue using mouth rinses in between and keeping the mouth clean to prevent the growth of bacteria.

Avoid hot and spicy foods and those that contain acid. If you are using toothpaste that contains SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate), switch to an all-natural or organic brand since SLS is known to trigger canker sores in some individuals. You might also want to take foods or supplements that contain acidophilus to help your body fight the infection naturally and speed up the healing process.

Hickeys are embarrassing and unsightly, and can take weeks to heal, or even fade enough to cover.  When getting ready for work, school or a night out on the town with one many people try to hide them.  Not knowing how to get rid of hickeys fast often results in wearing out of season scarves and turtlenecks. (Which can be just as obvious as the purple discoloration.)  There are several methods to fix a hickey, but keep in mind, a hickey is basically a bruise. Bruising is caused by broken capillaries bleeding under the skin, so helping prevent the blood from clotting and settling, or speeding up the process of the blood being reabsorbed back into the vessels is the only way to treat one.

The Most Common Way To Get Rid of a Hickey

The most common trick to get rid of hickeys is ice or cold spoons. If the hickey is caught quickly enough, put a couple of spoons in the freezer. Put ice on your hickey while waiting for the spoons to freeze, and after about 10 minutes, remove one.  Use the rounded side of the spoon to lightly massage the damaged area and the surrounding skin until it is warm, then repeat with another spoon.  Be sure not to massage too hard, too much pressure will make the bruising worse instead of better. The ice will prevent the capillaries from bleeding further, and the massage will help move the blood around so that it does not clot and leave a bruise. A small red mark may remain, but that is much less noticeable.

Photo by Sarah Ross photography

An Alternate Way to Treat Hickeys

Much like other injuries, a combination of heat and ice may be more effective than cold alone.  Use one spoon, then take a tea bag–green tea is less likely to stain your skin than black tea–soaked in hot water, and use it as a hot compress.  Once it has cooled to body temperature, switch back to a cold spoon. Repeat the process until the hickey is gone.

What About Topical Treatments?

When looking in to how to get rid of a hickey, several topical treatments may come up. Toothpaste, arnica gel or cream, and vitamin K are all good for helping the healing.  Apply toothpaste and wash off with a warm wash cloth after the tingling stops, or simply apply arnica or vitamin k.  Mint promotes circulation, which helps break up the clotted blood under the skin. Arnica and vitamin K are also shown to speed the healing of bruising.  Be careful when applying any of the above, excessive use may cause further skin irritation, drawing more attention to your hickey, rather than less.

How to Get Rid of a Hickey in Minutes

Want to know how to get rid of a hickey in minutes? First, take an Excedrin migraine. The acetaminophen, caffeine, and aspirin work together to dilate capillaries and thin blood, reducing clotting and increasing blood flow. Then get started with your spoons, hot compresses, and any creams you choose to massage into the area. The combination of all of these tricks is your best bet for getting rid if the hickey lightning fast. Within minutes, you’ll be looking fresh and free of any evidence of an..uh..”exciting” night.

Summer is great! The ocean, the beach, the sunburns….Oh wait…Nothing can ruin your fun in the sun faster than a nasty sunburn. A bad summer scorching can make your vacation miserable. (It can also make it harder to convince the boss that you really were “sick” yesterday). Although many people have their own sunburn home remedy that they swear by, there are several ways to manage a burn that you may have never heard of. Here’s how to get rid of a sunburn fast.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has been used for hundreds of years as a skin soother and burn reliever. It is a primary ingredient in almost every over the counter product designed for sunburn relief. The effectiveness of aloe can be boosted by mixing it half and half with pure rosewater. Chill the aloe juice and rosewater for thirty minutes in the fridge, and then mist the skin lightly as needed to relieve pain and keep the area moisturized.

Vinegar

Want to know how to get rid of a sunburn overnight? Try a vinegar bath in cool water. Seriously! Run a cool bath, and add a liter of plain white vinegar or apple cider vinegar to the water before soaking. The smell may be overpowering, but vinegar works awesomely as a sunburn cure. If soaking in a tub full of vinegar scented water doesn’t appeal to you, you can try using vinegar compresses. Just be sure to cut the vinegar in half with cool water; applied full strength, vinegar may cause more irritation and dryness to damaged skin than the burn itself. You can also put this solution in a spray bottle. If a particular area starts to burn or itch, spray it with the vinegar solution. It’s going to make you stink, but it really does work.

Photo by Kelly Sue

Comfrey Tea

Compresses made from comfrey tea are also good for mild sunburns. Make the tea full strength, then dilute with cool water. You will need 3 cups of tea for every two cups of water. Soak white, lint free cloths in the diluted tea and gently lay them across the burned areas. Replace the cloths with fresh ones as they warm against your skin. You can aim a low-speed fan on the compresses to provide even more cooling relief.

Or Just Let It Heal Naturally

Finally, consider allowing a mild burn to simply sit and dry out on its own. Your body’s natural reaction to sun damaged skin is to shed it, and the faster it dries, the faster you’ll shed. Although it looks disgusting to have layers of skin peeling off in sheets, that is exactly what needs to happen to heal from a burn. Keep the damaged areas cool with plain water compresses, but allow the skin to dry out naturally overnight. In the morning, use a moisturizing body wash and a washcloth to gently exfoliate the damaged skin. Do not apply a moisturizer after your shower, unless the damaged skin is on the face. Protect the area with SPF 50 or higher during the day, limit your sun exposure, and drink plenty of fluids until all of the damaged skin has been removed. If you must, use body makeup to disguise the burn until the redness has faded; try to find an oil free formulation and remove the makeup as soon as possible to allow the skin to breathe.

Sunburns are a universal summer annoyance, but they can be easily treated at home. Most treatments simply relieve the immediate discomfort of the burn itself, while allowing the body to heal. After treatment, please remember to always wear sun block and sun-protective clothing to spare yourself further damage and pain!