Evidence supporting the use of: Salt (unspecified)
For the health condition: Cold Sores

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Salt has been used traditionally as a home remedy for cold sores, primarily due to its perceived antiseptic and drying properties. Many anecdotal accounts and folk medicine practices suggest dabbing salt directly onto a cold sore or rinsing with salty water to "dry out" the lesion and reduce infection risk. However, scientific evidence supporting salt as an effective treatment for herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), the cause of cold sores, is lacking. Salt can act as a mild antiseptic and may help reduce bacterial contamination, but it does not address the underlying viral infection or significantly speed healing. In fact, applying salt directly to cold sores can cause irritation, pain, and may even delay healing by damaging sensitive tissue. No clinical trials or robust scientific studies have validated salt as a beneficial or primary treatment for cold sores. Evidence-based treatments (such as topical or oral antivirals) are recommended by medical authorities. In summary, while salt is used in traditional remedies for cold sores, its efficacy is not supported by scientific research, and it is not recommended as a primary treatment in modern clinical practice.

More about salt (unspecified)
More about Cold Sores

Other health conditions supported by salt (unspecified)

Addison's Disease
Athlete's Foot
Cholera
Cold Sores
Dehydration
Goiter
Hangover
Hypotension

Products containing salt (unspecified)

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.