Is DMSO the New Cold Sores Remedy?

Around 70% of Australian adults suffer from Cold sores. HSV 1 is the virus responsible for creating cold sores. People affected by this virus should take adequate precautions during visible infection. Some of the common symptoms which may trigger the cold sore are sun exposure, fatigue, menstruation, fever, common cold, skin related diseases, etc. These are just some of the symptoms which can trigger cold sores but there are many other reasons which are responsible.

Some of the drugs used to treat cold sores are cimetidine, probenecid, non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs, etc. These drugs are known to reduce the inflammation and also provide some soothing comfort to the patients. There are naturally available products which can treat the core sold virus such as Redoxon, Lysine, Aloe Vera, Lemon balm, etc. Some of the tropical medications are Docosanol marketed under the name of Abreva, tromantadine, Zilactin, lipactin, etc.

These are some of the tropical medications which might help you in recovering from the pain and eradicating or removing the blister from your face. Some of these medications are taken orally and others are applied as a gel on the infected part. It is always recommend that you consult your doctor for advice.

DMSO or dimethyl sulfoxide is known to cure herpes simplex virus. DMSO is helpful in treating inflammation, scleroderma and interstitial cystitis. For directions regarding its usage please take advice from your doctor. This solvent is known to permeate the living tissue and stimulate cellular process. DMSO helps to block pain, kill bacteria, reduce inflammation, kill fungi, neutralize free radicals, improve blood circulation, reduce blood clotting, simulate the immune system, etc. For general usage many people use 70% concentrated solution. There are many publications, books and journals which explain in detail about DMSO.

There are certain steps which you need to take before applying DMSO on the visible infection. First the visibly infected part should be cleaned with soap or an anti bacterial agent. Use cotton to clean the infected part and dispose of the cotton in a very hygienic manner. Contact with the sore should be minimal because it can possibly spread and it is also unhygienic. After sanitizing the sore clean it up with an anti bacterial agent and lukewarm water. Alternatively, you can use any anti bacterial agent which contains alcohol to disinfect the sore. DMSO is unpleasant to smell and can cause you irritation, in such cases it is recommended to use scented DMSO with Aloe vera.