7 Incredible ways of using Tea Tree Oil for Cold Sores

Updated on January 27th, 2020
Essential oils for cold sores

Our skin- the first impression, the prideful cape we wear every day, and sometimes the shade of our culture. So, it’s understandable why our skin is so important and why caring for it requires a lot of time and effort. We focus on beauty sleep, frequent visits to the dermatologist, eat healthily and have a whole post-make-up ritual that takes sacrificing hours of our precious day.

Not to forget the expensive creams, toners, soaps, cleansers, and moisturizers. But while you’re focusing on ailments like acne, blackheads, pores, and dryness, a sly illness sneaks into your system and shows itself off on your beautiful skin. What am I talking about? Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome the painful guest that visits you at least once in a lifetime, the terrible blisters who go by the name –Cold Sores.

Are you panicking? If so, Stop! Learn how to defeat this ailment instead with help of highly potent tea tree oil for cold sores.

What are Cold sores?

These are blisters caused by an infection with the herpes simplex virus (HSV).  The form lesions on your skin which are painful, itching and extremely irritating! They are very contagious so don’t be surprised if you are infected.

These embarrassing new residents of your skin are more common than you’d guess. About 90 percent of adults are exposed to the virus before the age of 50. What is worse is how tough they are to hide! And would you want even to touch these pockets of pain with your concealer? No! The irritated area doesn’t need any more pain.

If you have a Cold sore and you are reading this, I’m going to tell you how you came across the virus in the first place!

What are cold sores
Source:ShutterStock

The causes of cold sores:

As we have already established, cold sores are the outcome of HSV which is closely related to HSV -2 which causes genital herpes. You get Cold sores when you come in contact with an infected person. These are extremely contagious! They are passed on by kissing an infected person or sharing a straw, cup, utensil or razor with them. Sharing lipstick or a lip balm can get you infected. So I would suggest you wake up the germaphobe inside you and abstain from sharing your items! After all, prevention is better than cure!

[ Read: 5 Super-Effective Natural Ways to get rid of Cold Sores ]

Symptoms of Cold Sores – Do you have Cold sores? If so, what are the symptoms to look out for?

Cold sores are called Fever Blisters. They are extremely painful the first time around, and they always hang out in groups. Having several stages to them, they start as small red patches which are itchy; they eventually turn into tiny fluid-filled blisters. Once the blister bursts, they form clusters which turn into sores(1). These last for about 2 to three weeks and do not leave scars.
Some people also experience fever, headache, sore throat, eroded gums the first time they are introduced to the infectious virus. The second time around your body starts producing antibodies to fight this virus. Recurring cold sores, however, are a nightmare!

Healthcare experts say, sometimes this virus is even dormant and only turns active due to sunlight, temperature stress, menstruation or injuries to your skin due to laser treatment or chemical peel.

Symptoms of cold sores
Source:ShutterStock

These sores occur not only on your face, but you might also experience cold sores on other body parts such as: –

  • Cold sores on lips
  • Cold sores inside the mouth
  • Cold sores on face
  • Cold sores on nose
  • Cold sores inside lip

Are there severe risks to this ailment?

Well, they aren’t generally dangerous, unless, you are a kid. Children tend to fall sick when they are infected.  But it is Life-threatening for patients suffering from AIDS or patients who have weak immune systems due to diseases or certain medications.

If you are suffering from eczema, cold sores may form lesions all over your body. Although in most cases, they aren’t very dangerous; they aren’t o be taken lightly! If a cold sore spreads to your eye, it could affect your vision! Or if it spreads to your brain, you could suffer from meningitis.

Is tea tree oil good for cold sores?

A folk medicine cure awaits you! Instead of adding chemicals to the pot, let’s take a healthy organic path. Many healthcare experts suggest tea tree oil for cold sores.

Extracted from the tea tree, this pale-yellow oil is the treatment your skin needs. First found in Australia, this oil is to be applied on the affected region. The essential oil comes in two varieties –Pure tea tree oil and Organic tea tree oil(2). The all-natural combination of oils is soothing and effective!

[ Read: Using Tea tree oil for Toothache, Benefits, Uses and more ]

Why use tea tree oil for cold sores

Tea tree oil has antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. While the antiviral property has a potent effect on the HSV, the anti-inflammatory property helps with the painful, fluid oozing blisters. Once the inflammation comes down, you are very close to losing this ailment. And antiseptic, that speaks for itself. Together these properties are better than any drug.

Apart from treating you for cold sores, tea tree oil acts as a natural deodorant and as a hand sanitizer. As a plus, it also fights acne!

Essential oil for cold sores
Source:ShutterStock

How to use tea tree oil for cold sores?

Apply it with a cotton swab or a Q tip as it would be gentle on your skin. And as I already mentioned earlier in the Do’s and Don’ts’s, the oil needs a carrier so that you do not have to suffer from any adverse effects.  Dilute the tea tree oil with coconut oil or jojoba oil, and then apply to the affected area.

Side effects and Precautions while using Tea tree oil for cold sores

With its many uses, tea tree oil has some side effects too! Here are a few:

1. First of all, do not take it orally! Tea tree oil can be toxic when consumed in excessive quantities. You might have confusion, lack of muscle coordination, and lead to hallucinations.

2. Tea tree oil also skin irritation, dermatitis, dryness, itching, burning, scaling, redness, and dryness.

3. Although you might use tea tree oil in combination with drugs, no worries, tea tree oil has no side effects when used in conjunction with other medications.

4. In case of severe sores which are spreading fast and are very painful can be cured with the help of a dermatologist. Also, if you are suffering from other ailments like eczema or any other immune suppressing disease or if you are taking a drug which curbs your immune systems functions, you need a medical practitioner ’s supervision immediately.

[ Read: 10 Most Incredible Essential Oils For Cold Sores ]

Do’s and Don’ts of using Tea Tree oil for cold sores

Tea Tree oil for cold sores
Source:ShutterStock
  • You may use it up to two times every day.
  • Please do not consume it without proper guidance as it may cause drowsiness, confusion, hallucinations, and coma, and can prove to be poisonous.
  • Do dilute it before use, as a high concentration of oxidized tea tree oil can cause allergic reactions, irritation, and dermatitis.

DIY recipe for tea tree oil for cold sores

Tea tree oil is readily available, and with this recipe, you can make your cure for cold sores at home.

Tea Tree oil with apple cider vinegar

Combine three drops of tea tree oil, one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, stir well and apply on affected area. Leave on for 40-50 minutes. Then wash it off. Daily use of this lotion would clear your skin from this ailment.

You can also use tea tree oil with coconut oil, the whole idea of it is to combine the oil with a gentle carrier oil. The diluted lotion would eliminate any adverse effects.

Other methods to get rid of Cold sores

In addition to using tea tree oil for cold sores, you can also try the following home remedies and get rid of this irritating and painful health problem: –

Get rid of cold sores
Source:ShutterStock
  • You can apply ice to the affected area. This gives you an immediate feeling of relief and reduces irritation. It also reduces the inflammation and heals the sores.
  • Coconut oil works wonders without being combined with tea tree oil. It has triglycerides like lauric acid, and oleic acid helps kill the virus. Peppermint oil(3) also has antiviral properties.
  • Apply garlic to the affected area. Garlic has excellent antiseptic and antiviral properties.
  • Saltin combination with turmeric and Bengal gram lentil powder, diluted in water, works wonders!
  • Honey has antimicrobial properties which would help heal the sore, and also soothe the irritated area.
  • Applying Liquorice root stops the virus from growing and developing.

The next time you have painful blisters and the terrible sores, no worries! You now understand what they are, how they are caused. You also know how to cure them! From natural oils like tea tree oil and kitchen cures like garlic or honey, you are armed to diminish any such sores and eradicate from the root. Say goodbye to ailments and welcome your healthy skin.

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