When you experience that tingly feeling or burning sensation on your lip or around your mouth, then you know a cold sore is definitely on its way. Although embarrassing or unpleasant, this infection has no known cure; however, there are some home remedies that can help heal or manage the infection. These include: dipping a tea bag in hot water, letting it cool, and placing it on the blister for 30 seconds. Common table salt is also said to help heal the blister quickly. Dip your index finger in the salt and hold it on the infected area for 30 seconds. This may be a bit painful but very helpful. Avoiding foods rich in arginine is another home remedy for cold sores. This is because arginine is an amino acid which our bodies need to make proteins that fight antibodies, enzymes, hormones, and body tissues that inhibit the spread of the herpes virus. However, it is used in conjunction with another amino acid called lysine. These two must be proportional; therefore, if you eat too much food rich in arginine, you may trigger the herpes virus that causes cold sores. Such foods include chocolates, peanuts, almonds, cereals, etc. Applying petroleum jelly on the sore is another home remedy. This will help heal the sore faster. You can also apply sunscreen cream on your lips or a lipstick with sunscreen, especially when you are going to expose yourself to direct sunlight. This helps to heal and prevents you from triggering the herpes virus that causes this infection. Cut down on stimulants such as tea and coffee as they act as triggers. Mercy Maranga reports on health and fitness issues. Visit her site here for more information on cold sores and their management regarding HERPES.