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How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar to Dry Up a Cold Sore Faster
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a potent home remedy that some people regard as a good overnight treatment for cold sores. Containing antibacterial properties as well as antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agents, ACV could be a worthwhile treatment.
Others are more suspicious because ACV is highly acidic. Cold sores tend to find life less tolerable in an alkaline environment, but ACV may assist in terms of regulating the body’s pH levels. We also know that the direct application of ACV to a cold sore will result in a stinging sensation.
In this post, you will find several techniques for getting rid of cold sores fast with apple cider vinegar. You will find out about the positive attributes of ACV itself. You will also learn how to navigate the ‘potential’ negative side effects that some people will inevitably experience.
While over-the-counter products work really well, not everyone chooses chemical-based treatments. Natural remedies for cold sores have become a way of life for some, so the avoidance of traditional medicines that are approved by the FDA is commonplace.
What works wonders for one person is not guaranteed to work for everyone. This is why a certain amount of trial and error is necessary in order to get the quickest results. Let’s take a closer look at whether apple cider vinegar is good for cold sores, or if there are better options, such as HERP-B-GONE cream.
Is Apple Cider Vinegar a Good Cold Sore Remedy?
There are no scientific studies that prove or disprove these claims but apple cider does seem to be beneficial.
Courtesy of this triple threat combination, it’s believed that ACV can fight against HSV-1, the virus that is responsible for the development of cold sores. Serving to relieve pain and inflammation, this potent natural vinegar has become a trendy ‘fix’ for many health conditions in recent years.
Due to the aforementioned antibacterial agents, potent antiseptic, and critical anti-inflammatory properties, ACV can serve to relieve your pain. This powerful vinegar can reduce the size of the sore while also drying it out thus quelling irritation.
How Does Apple Cider Vinegar Work?
Listed below are several ways they can remove cold sores:
- Helps to balance pH levels of the skin. This process helps to turn the blister (sore) dry thus removing fluids and serving to heal the area.
- Like so many natural remedies apple cider vinegar is loaded with critical nutrients that can serve to build up your immunity. This positive attribute serves to allow your system to naturally fight the infection in question.
- Finally, ACV contains a potent antioxidant property that shields the virus from attacking the skin. Additional antiseptic properties also prevent the virus itself from spreading beyond the problematic sore. This serves to quarantine the virus.
How to Use Apple Cider to Remove Cold Sores
When it comes treatments, the techniques and instructions are quite simple. Many techniques only involve ACV, a cotton ball, one small bowl, and a few moments of your time.
Listed below is the most common techniques:
- Take one small bowl and fill with an adequate amount of ACV.
- Using a single cotton ball, dip the ball into the vinegar.
- Squeeze the cotton to eliminate any excess vinegar to prevent dripping.
- Place the saturated cotton on the problem area and leave in place (holding the ball with your fingers) for several minutes.
- Upon completion of the aforementioned application simply rinse your face with some tap or slightly warm water.
- As noted above, you’ll experience a sharp stinging sensation.
And here are a few alternative treatment methods:
- By adding surgical or bandage tape to the fold, treatment can be more effective. Tape a soaked cotton ball, or even a small cotton swab, directly on the impact area for overnight treatment. This act of prolonged contact will serve to dry out the cold sore at an even faster rate.
- Another method involves adding a small amount of tea tree oil to the area following completion of the above techniques. Simply apply the oil to the sore (at your leisure) and modify the method according to your personal needs.
There are also several ways one can ingest apple cider vinegar and utilize this form of treatment to your advantage. For example:
- Measure one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
- Consume it straight or mix it with water to reduce the harshness and acidity of the taste.
- Rinse your mouth with fresh water after consumption to eliminate unwanted acidity within the mouth and gum area.
- Complete this process up to three times per day for maximum effectiveness.
Because ACV contains antioxidants and can regulate pH within your body, the basic act of consumption is becoming more popular. Additionally, one theory suggests that consuming apple cider vinegar can prevent a cold sore from developing in the first place.
Important: This may not be a good option if you regularly suffer from heartburn or acid indigestion.
Precautions & Potential Side Effects
As is the case with most any remedy, natural or otherwise, complications or issues pertaining to effectiveness can present themselves. This typically occurs when it’s discovered that your body isn’t tolerant of a certain product or substance.
In respect to apple cider vinegar for the treatment of cold sores, some minor pitfalls can arise if precautions are not taken.
- Always use organic apple cider vinegar. If the product is not organic, raw, unpasteurized, and unfiltered, the positive attributes can be hampered. The end result from using the wrong type of vinegar could come in the form of limited success.
- If your skin is dry or sensitive it is critical to avoid direct application without diluting the vinegar with water. Applying ACV directly to an inflamed skin can cause a painful stinging sensation. It is critically important to remember that ACV is harsh and acidic.
- As it relates to potential infection, it is essential that all cotton balls and/or swabs are sanitary. Applying ACV to cotton that has already been compromised can conflict the healing process. Lack of sanitation can also promote an aggressive infection on or near the application site.
- If you have an open sore it is important to avoid exposing the area to direct contact with vinegar. While the risk of infection is slight, the actual pain from direct contact can be quite intense. The old expression concerning salt in an opened wound certainly applies in this case.
Is Apple Cider Vinegar Right for You?
While the choice to use ACV as a cold sore treatment is yours, the verdict is relatively positive, albeit anecdotal. If used properly ACV ‘may’ help some people to heal cold sores faster.
Logically speaking, and coming from a health first perspective, it is essential to research the subject in detail. Ultimately you are the test subject. Draw your own conclusions about whether it works in a positive fashion for you.
Although ACV has some annoying side effects and can prompt pain in and around the sore, negative issues are minor.
As is the case with virtually every aspect of health and medicine, proper education is the key. If you decide that ACV is the best plan of action for your needs it is paramount to conduct research. Selecting the proper brand for your personal needs and following the aforementioned techniques is critical for success.
If you are looking for some tried-and-tested OTC products, find out about the best over-the-counter cold sore medicines. Many of these products are natural and utilize state-of-the-art technology so we invite you to take a closer look at what they have to offer.
Last update on 2022-05-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API