8 Home Remedies for Cold Sores

Published by

Clare Whitfield

Last Updated

December 15, 2025

Close-up of lips with cosmetic tattooing for enhanced shape and colour.

7. Tea Tree Oil

via Women Daily Magazine

Tea tree oil is a much gentler method but works in the same way as above. Simply apply some directly to a cotton ball and then to the cold sore for about 30�seconds.

8. Apple Cider Vinegar

Use a clean cloth and dab it into apple cider vinegar before placing the cloth onto the cold sore. The mixture may sting a little but it will also kill the virus and hopefully leave your face clean and free of cold sores much sooner.

If you become concerned about any symptoms, please seek immediate medical attention we have some hotlines and suggested websites for further information and advice�https://stayathomemum.com.au/my-kids/babies/important-hotlines-websites/

SAHM takes no responsibility for any illness, injury or death caused by misuse of this information. All information provided is correct at time of publication.

Clare Whitfield Chief Editor

Clare Whitfield is the Editor of Stay at Home Mum and a recognised voice in practical home management for Australian families. Based in the northern suburbs of Sydney, she balances editorial leadership with life as a stay at home mum to two school age children. Her background in home economics and more than a decade of experience in recipe development, family budgeting, and household systems inform her work.

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Responses to “8 Home Remedies for Cold Sores”

tam

September 12, 2013

Glen 20 sprayed onto a cotton ball works…says right on the can it kills the herpes simplex virus 🙂

Reply
Pinky

September 12, 2013

ice! hold an icy pole or freezer block to it and it stops it growing.

Reply
sandii g

September 12, 2013

L-lysene is great at preventing them and reducing the duration. Well documented. Available from the chemist. It’s in the vitamin section. Hubby takes it once a day to prevent them and then twice a day if he gets one. Some people need a higher dosage though.

Reply
Tania

September 12, 2013

I mix tea tree into a medium like vaseline or paw paw and I apply every night as a preventer (and moisturiser for my lips) then if I do get one (which inevitably happens) I apply tea tree directly to the area for a couple of days. It gen works well as a preventer and reduces the time that the infection is about. The mix is good for children as the paw paw or vas reduces the sting. Good tip about the toothbrush though.

Reply
Christine Sirko

September 12, 2013

the tv show The Doctors recommended eye drops for cold sores and pimples

Reply
Naomi Greenwood

November 14, 2013

Cosmetic friendly coconut oil used like the cold sore cream along with the L lysine tabs

Reply