What is a lip fire?
The lip fireis a blister or a group of blisters, mostly filled with liquid, which arespread around the mouth, dry and form some kind of crusts, with the time of appearance of the virus that causes it.
These lip flame blisters are caused by the dreaded herpes virus, only it is transmitted orally. So its transmission is very easy and can be serious, sinceanyone of any age can suffer from it.
Note: One study mentions that “Herpes or cold sore is an infection most often caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV 1), although it can also be caused by HSV 2.” (1)
Causes of lip sore
The lip firehas different causes, as said above, its transmission is very simple bythe herpes virus, however there are other external agents that cause it. The main causes are as follows:
Viral infections and fever
This is one of the main causes of cold sores, usually viral infections such as colds, hepatitis, chickenpox and even the AIDS virusin the worst case. However, fever also plays a key role, due to which many outbreaks appear in different parts of the body.
To highlight: A study mentions that “In children and adolescents these vesicles can also appear in the oral mucosa, pharynx and are associated with swollen glands, fever and headache” . (two)
Hormonal and immune system changes
Tovery recurrent alteration in women is the alteration of hormones, when the levels are not balanced and Can bring serious consequences , such as stress and dysfunction of the immune systemtag. That many times, being weak is prone to being affected by cold sores and other infections.
Sun and wind exposure
Mostly it is exposure to the sun that causes the outbreak of cold sore , due to the High Burns that can be suffered, not only would blisters grow in the mouth, but in other parts of the body, these heal easily but the pain is very frequent .
On the other hand, the exposure to the wind can vary depending on the environment , where the air can be more infected than another place.
stress and tiredness
Home remedies to get rid of a cold sore
Fortunately, there are several home remedies to eliminate cold sors . Below we present the most important and easy-to-apply remedies:
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Garlic has many healing properties and mostly acts as a Natural antioxidant and antibiotictag. The idea is to crush heads of garlic (the number of your preference) and rinse with a little warm water and place it on the affected area for at least 15 minutes.
Important: A study warns that “Caution is advised in people with diabetes or hypoglycemia, when applying any element containing garlic.” (3)
Yogurt
Yoghurtis also a great option to stop the outbreak of cold sores, it is only necessary to have natural yogurt in the house, with a small spoon take a little of it and apply for 10 to 15 minutes in the affected area.
Why? Thanks to a study, it is known that“Yogurt contains a high concentration of easily absorbed short and medium chain fatty acids” . (4)
Milk
The application of milk for cold sores can be done differently, with a very clean towel or a disinfected cloth, wet with a little milk and apply to the affected areaby cold sors. Thishelps decrease pain.
Important: Thanks to a study, it is known that milk has many healing and nutritional properties, mentioning that “The benefits of cow’s milk are not limited exclusively to its nutritional value, but extend beyond and constitute a factor of prevention in certain affluent pathologies such as cardiovascular disease, some types of cancer”. (5)
Aloe vera
Aloe vera has many benefits, mostly medicinal. This plant, also known as aloe vera,serves as a moisturizer and healing agent. Its application is using the aloe vera liquid around the affected area , gently, letting it rest for at least 10 minutes.
Black Tea
Black tea has various properties, both physical and psychological. In the case of cold sores,its application in the affected area is effective because black tea is recommended to lower blood pressure and strengthen the defenses of the immune system, complementing the reduction of stress and anxiety.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is essential, in addition to reducing pain in certain inflamed areas, it helps to heal them. It is widely used to relieve sunburn, which is why its application is useful for cold sores.
Lemon
The lemon helps to clean the toxins that exist in the cold sore , it can be painful and it feels burning, however that is the point, any bacteria or infection that is present must be eliminated from the tissues, in order to refresh and heal the area .
Salt
Salt is present in food and its medicinal application is by far not the worst option.
Note: Its application is effective, since The Salt has medicinal properties to Strengthen the immune system , in addition to preserving and delicately caring for human skin and helping reduce inflammation in the affected area.
Alcohol
It plays the same role as lemon, but it is almost twice as effective, it helps to lubricate and eliminate cold sore infections. Unlike lemon, this one does not leave stains and is less painless since it is not like an acid. So it can be more bearable.
Vaseline
Vaseline has many benefits . In the case of cold sores , it lubricates the site and moistens it, making it possible to release toxins attached to the skin of cold sores, as well as cools the area that may be irritated or inflamed.
How to prevent a cold sore?
In spite of everything, it is necessary to take precautionsto prevent the outbreak of lip fire. We present the preventions that you should take into account.
Strengthen the immune system
Keeping the immune system strong is one of the main ways to avoid the sudden and unwanted appearance of oral herpes or cold sores. It is necessary to get away from stressful situations, maintain a balanced and healthy diet.
Keep Hands Clean
You have to constantly wash your hands , to avoid touching mucous surfaces, such as the eyes, mouth, nose and even genital areas.
Tip: You have to wash with water, soap and even antibacterials that contain drops of alcohol.
Use sunscreen
During walks to the beach or exercises, sunscreens should be used to avoid skin burns and thus also prevent the appearance of blisters and spots, in the case of higher and more serious burns.
Avoid contact with affected people
Cold sore is easy to transmit,from one person to another infected person. That is whyphysical contactwith someone who is infected by cold sore or herpes, mostly known, should be kept away. This not only avoids contagion to oneself, but also transmission to others.
Avoid sharing items for personal use
Personal items should not be shared , because it is another way of transmitting the herpes virus that causes cold sores, among these objects are water bottles, eating utensils, toothbrushes, straws to drink liquids between others.
Key Findings
- Cold sore is an outbreak caused by the herpes virus.
- Its main symptoms are the appearance of small blisters or hives filled with fluids in the mouth.
- It is transmitted by physical contact.
- Different Natural Remedies can be applied to decrease pain, swelling, and infection.
- Anyone can suffer from it , regardless of age or gender.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.