In this article, I’m going to teach you how to use hydrogen peroxide for cold sores. And I gotta tell ya…
This subject is fascinating!!!
I’m very eager to share with you the scientific information on hydrogen peroxide for cold sores that I’ve compiled.
But first, let’s briefly discuss where cold sores come from.
It’s important to know how the cold sore virus works to be able to comprehend how hydrogen peroxide can help.
Cold Sores Overview
Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are groups of small blisters that form on or near the lips. Cold sores are a result of something called herpes simplex virus (HSV).
There are two types of HSV, and both can cause cold sores. HSV-1 typically is responsible for cold sores, and HSV-2 is most often the cause of genital herpes.
However, both types of HSV can cause cold sores or genital herpes.
After primary infection, the virus resides in the associated dorsal root ganglion (cluster of nerve cells) where it lies dormant until an external stimuli (such as stress or immunosuppression) initiate reactivation of the virus from dormancy.
The virus lives on forever, and that’s why people continue to get cold sores over and over again.
There is no cure, but with the right lifestyle changes, you can drastically reduce, or even completely eliminate cold sore outbreaks.
Hydrogen Peroxide Overview
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a mild antiseptic used on the skin to prevent infection of minor cuts, scrapes, and burns.
Hydrogen peroxide works by releasing oxygen when it is applied to the affected area.
The release of oxygen causes foaming, which helps to remove dead skin and clean the area.
During adolescence, I used hydrogen peroxide all the time, as I did a lot of BMX riding, rollerblading, and skateboarding, and I would often fall and scrape myself while trying to perform difficult tricks.
Hydrogen Peroxide For Cold Sores – Benefits
Along with being helpful for minor cuts, scrapes, and burns, you can also use hydrogen peroxide on cold sores to activate some powerful healing properties.
Here is a list of the main benefits you get from using hydrogen peroxide on cold sores:
- Antiseptic/Antibacterial – It kills and prevents the growth of disease-causing microorganisms and bacteria on a cold sore.
- Antiviral – It weakens the molecular framework of the virus by discharging oxygen atoms. Herpes simplex needs an anaerobic environment to replicate, and it cannot survive in an oxygen-rich environment.
- Anti-inflammatory – It reduces inflammation and dries out the infected area to heal sores. The herpes simplex virus needs a moist environment to replicate, so drying out the cold sore is a common treatment approach.
- Anti-scarring – It has skin-bleaching properties, so it can help to lighten cold sore scars.
How To Use Hydrogen Peroxide On Cold Sores
Now that you’ve learned all of the amazing benefits from using hydrogen peroxide on cold sores, let’s talk about the best way to use this inexpensive remedy.
How to use hydrogen peroxide on cold sores:
- Pour a small amount of hydrogen peroxide into a bowl.
- Dip a cotton swab into the hydrogen peroxide, then dab it onto the cold sore.
- Let it bubble, clean, and dry out the cold sore for a few minutes.
- Use another cotton swab to pat the cold sore dry.
- Throw away the cotton swabs.
- Wash your hands with warm water and soap, and repeat this method up to 4 times a day.
Hydrogen Peroxide For Cold Sores Conclusion
Hydrogen peroxide, a substance that is made by the body to keep cells healthy, can indeed be used to treat cold sores.
It has numerous and targeted benefits that make it an excellent natural remedy for cold sores.
If you really want to enhance the effectiveness of hydrogen peroxide, use it in combination with lemon balm oil to help a cold sore heal SUPER FAST.
Also…
My belief is that the key to cold sores is to prevent them from ever popping up in the first place…
And that’s why I HIGHLY RECOMMEND checking out my Ultimate Guide To Preventing Cold Sores.
It’s free…and it has absolutely everything you need to know.
If you have any comments or questions on the use of hydrogen peroxide for cold sores, please post them in the comment box below.
Minh Tran says
It works. I said to myself let’s kill this cold sore. HYDROGEN PEROXIDE THOSE BAD BOYS. ????
Matt says
Nice!!!
Cha says
What do you suggest to put on it afterwards. The area is white. How can you still function in society without the embarrassing white residue left behind from the hydrogen peroxide?
Matt says
Cold sores can be very unsightly as can the white residue from hydrogen peroxide. Wearing a cold sore patch in public can cover the sore and many people do that to avoid people seeing it.