Question:
Any tips on treating cold sores on kids ? It seems impossible to get them to lea
ve the sore alone.
Answer:
Tea Tree Oil contains terpinen-4-ol, which has some antibacterial
properties. It won't have any direct effect on the cold sore, because the
sore is caused by a herpes virus. But it might prevent infection. Do be
sure that the oil is from the Maleluca_alternifolia species; others of that
genus can contain cineole, which is an irritant that could *cause*
infection. [This from Varro Tyler's book The_Honest_Herbal]
There are antiviral drugs which have some effect on the duration of cold
sores and other aspects of herpes outbreaks. But from the studies I've
read, only the oral version is even marginally effective if the dosage is
begun after the sore apprears. So these drugs tend to be used only for the
primary infection, or continuously if severe oubreaks persist.
