Can you use apple cider vinegar to get rid of cold sores fast? Experts have scientifically shown that ACV has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. A virus causes cold sores. Hence, applying apple cider vinegar to the affected area may not cure cold sores. However, some believe it boosts natural healing for cold sores because it may remove dead skin cells, making cold sores disappear faster once they reach the scabbing stage. Introduction Cold sores refer to the blisters that develop inside and around the mouth and nose.HSV-1, a herpes simplex virus causes these sores. Also, HSV-2, a virus that causes genital herpes can cause them. Cold sores have numerous stages. Initially, they may look like red spots before forming fluid-filled, red bumps. These bumps can leak to form open sores which become crusty before scabbing until they heal completely. Although more evidence is necessary, some use apple cider vinegar for mouth sore believing that its alkaline nutrients lower the virus potency. Others believe its anti-infective properties make it helpful in treating sores, ulcers, and wounds. Apple cider vinegar is believed to be effective in treating cold sores caused by HSV-1 or HSV-2 due to its alkaline nutrients and anti-infective properties. Apple Cider Vinegar for Cold Sore Benefits Apple Cider Vinegar Although apple cider vinegar may not kill the virus that causes cold sores, its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties make it helpful. It helps with dead skin cell removal. Consequently, it makes cold sores disappear faster once they get to the scabbing stage. Since ACV is antiseptic, it also reduces the risk of secondary infection that cold sore causes. Read More: Apple Cider Vinegar: Benefits, Uses, Dosage and Recommendations How to Treat Cold Sores with Apple Cider Vinegar Apple Cider Vinegar If you want to use apple cider vinegar for cold sore, you can try several methods, including the following: Dilute apple cider vinegar: Dilute ACV with clean water in a ratio of 1:10. After that, soak a clean cotton ball in the mixture and apply it to your cold sores once or twice per day until the scabs heal. Avoid applying full-strength ACV on the skin because it can irritate or burn your skin, causing scarring. Apple cider vinegar and honey: Dilute ACV and mix it with honey to prepare a paste. Apply it as an apple cider vinegar cold sore treatment once or twice per day for five to ten minutes. Remove the paste by dabbing it with a soft cloth gently. Since the honey might be affixed to the scabs, avoid premature pulling by removing the paste too vigorously. Apple cider vinegar and tea tree essential oil: ACV and tea tree essential oil are among the most prevalent natural remedies for cold sores. Tea tree oil helps with inflammation reduction and has antiviral effects on HSV-1 and HSV-2. To use this treatment, dilute five tea tree oil drops in one ounce of carrier oil like sweet almond oil. Combine the mix with ACV and use the solution to treat cold sores. Apply once or twice per day with a cotton ball, leaving it on the affected area for 5 minutes. Repeat this treatment until the sores disappear. Side Effects and Precautions Knowing the possible side effects is vital when using apple cider vinegar for colds. Although it possesses alkaline properties, ACV is an acid. Therefore, avoid applying full-strength apple cider vinegar on lips and other sensitive areas, such as the mouth and around the eyes. It can cause stinging, irritation, and serious burns. Also, it can dry out your skin and cause discomfort. Other Cold Sore Home Remedies The connection between ACV and cold sores requires further investigation. However, many people consider it among the top natural remedies for cold sores on lips. If this treatment doesn’t work for you, you can try alternatives like over-the-counter medication with docosanol or benzyl alcohol. Also, you can eat foods rich in lysine, unprocessed coconut oil, diluted oregano oil, and witch hazel. Conclusion Many people use ACV as a cold sores on the lips home remedy. However, the scientific community has not yet demonstrated its effectiveness. If you use apple cider vinegar for colds, dilute it to avoid the risk of irritation or burning on the skin.