Cold sores are a form of fluid-filled blisters that appear at the surface of the lips or skin surrounding the mouth. They usually last for ten days and can end up breaking open with oozing before it crusts over. While there is definitely some pain associated with the discomfort that these blisters cause, there are effective home remedies for cold sores that can come in handy.

Here is a list of six home remedies you can use for cold sores.

1. Lemon balm
Lemon is known for its medicinal benefits. Lemon balms come in handy to control the redness and swelling of cold sores. You can pick any form of balm that contains about 1% of lime in the mix and apply it slowly and carefully to the affected area to control the sores. They also help with preventing future infections if you are prone to recurring breakouts.

2. Kanuka honey
This is a specific form of honey that is extracted from hives in the manuka trees in New Zealand. They have been used in treating various forms of skin injuries and wounds and are known for their effective healing properties. All you need to do is apply the honey topically on the affected skin, and the healing happens on its own with repeated application. It also soothes the skin.

3. Ice
When we think of a skin breakout, the first thing that comes to mind is applying ice to the skin. This is also true for cold sores. While they may not aid in containing the breakout phase of the blisters, they do go a long way in alleviating skin inflammation and ease any discomfort. This is the best home remedy you can use when you need a quick fix.

4. Sunscreen
While this may sound startling, sunscreen with SPF 30 will heal cold sores, especially when you step out in the sun. They also help prevent the future onset of cold sores if you apply sunscreen every day before stepping out.

5. Essential oils
Tea tree oil, sandalwood oil, and peppermint oil are known to be effective in dealing with cold sores. They can be used for topical application to ease a current cold sore breakout as well as prevent future ones.

6. OTC medication
Over-the-counter antiviral medication that contains benzyl alcohol or docosanol is known to heal cold sores faster. You can also buy lysine-based creams for topical application as they help with easing the inflammation and discomfort while cutting down the duration of the outbreak.

While these home remedies can come in handy with a controllable cold sore break, you may need to pay attention to detect any persisting issues. If the symptoms do not ease up or you end up having frequent cold sores, it is best to consult a doctor to get treatment.