Does earwax help cold sores?
Yes, Earwax is good for the treatment of cold sore because it has a lot of antibodies, antibacterial and anti viral peptides. The cold sore will be healed slowly without applying any kind of creams such as Abreva cream is the used for this purpose that heals very fast.
The treatment using earwax should commence at the earliest indication of a cold sore forming. Typically, individuals experience a burning, itching, or tingling sensation, indicating the irritation of the facial nerve
To apply the remedy, take a cotton swab and collect a small amount of earwax or cerumen. Gently rub the earwax over the affected area and leave it on overnight. Alternatively, if the lesion has already formed or ruptured, the wax can be directly applied to the sore. Repeat the application process as needed during any stage of formation.
Stage of Formation | Application Process |
---|---|
Early indication | Gently rub a small amount of earwax over the affected area |
Lesion formation | Apply earwax directly to the sore |
Ruptured lesion | Repeat the application process as needed |
Does earwax help cold sores? You Must Know Everything about it
1. Validating the Folk Remedy:
While earlier laboratory tests conducted in the 1960s and 1980s demonstrated the anti-infective properties of cerumen, skepticism within the medical community persisted. Recent studies, however, have supported the initial findings, shedding light on the scientific basis behind this folk remedy.
In these studies, diluted earwax samples were exposed to various bacterial strains in controlled conditions. Results showed that cerumen effectively killed between 17 to 99 percent of the bacterial colonies tested. Furthermore, lysozyme, the key fatty acid in earwax, has been found to exhibit antiviral properties as well.
2. Treatment and the Application Process:
Advocates of using earwax for cold sore treatment suggest starting the remedy at the first signs of a cold sore. These signs may include a tingling, burning, or itching sensation in the affected area. The application process involves the following steps:
- Using a clean cotton swab, retrieve a small amount of earwax or cerumen.
- Gently apply the earwax to the tender area of the cold sore.
- If the cold sore has already formed or ruptured, the earwax can be directly applied to it.
3. Reported Effects of Earwax Treatment:
According to those who support the earwax treatment method, it is believed to have several potential effects on cold sores:
- Disappearance: Some individuals claim that applying earwax can make cold sores disappear faster.
- Size Reduction: Earwax application may help reduce the size of cold sores.
- Accelerated Healing: It is suggested that earwax treatment can expedite the healing process of cold sores.
However, it is important to note that scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited.
4. Exploring the Composition of Earwax:
Key Components and Chemical Compounds:
Earwax is a waxy substance produced by glands in the ear canal. Its composition includes:
- Dead skin cells: These shed skin cells make up a significant portion of earwax.
- Hair: Tiny hairs present in the ear canal can become trapped in the earwax.
- Ceruminous and sebaceous gland secretions: These glands produce the waxy substance known as cerumen.
- Chemical compounds: Earwax contains various compounds, including alcohols, fatty acids, and squalene.
5. The Role of Lysozyme in Earwax:
One particular chemical compound found in earwax is lysozyme, a fatty acid. Lysozyme is believed to be responsible for earwax’s potential antimicrobial properties. It is known to have antibacterial effects and has also demonstrated antiviral properties in some studies.
6. Considering Scientific Studies and Findings:
Laboratory Tests on Earwax’s Antimicrobial Properties:
Laboratory tests conducted in the past have provided some insights into the antimicrobial properties of earwax. In these studies, researchers diluted earwax and tested its effects on various bacterial strains.
The results showed that the cerumen dilutions effectively killed a notable percentage of bacterial colonies. However, it’s important to note that these studies were limited and further research is necessary to fully understand the antimicrobial potential of earwax.
7. Additional Antiviral Properties of Lysozyme:
Apart from its antibacterial effects, lysozyme, present in earwax, has been found to possess antiviral properties. Although the exact mechanisms of action are not yet fully understood, this finding suggests that earwax might have the potential to combat viral infections, including those caused by the herpes simplex virus.
Conclusion:
You can use the earwax for the treatment of cold sore is the coldsore is at initial stage, it can spread sharply if you avoid it and the virus spread on other parts of the face, then you need some medication, Abreva is expensive but also considered as the best option from dermatologists, you can use the cream and it will heal in just 2 days.
There is a limitation of scientific evidence when using the earwax that has the ability to fight against the bacteria and viruses. My recommendation is to use it if you have cold sores