How to Antique Brass

New brass is a shiny golden color, but over time it darkens and takes on a green, brown, or reddish patina. If you prefer the appearance of older brass, there are several ways to hasten or imitate aging. Read on to discover which method to select for your purposes, and how to prepare your brass beforehand to ensure the antiquing process works.

Steps

Preparing the Brass

1. Make sure the object is brass. Some other metals look similar to brass, but will respond differently to these aging methods. The wrong treatment could corrode your object, so take your object to an antique shop or other expert if you can't identify it yourself.
   
   • Clean brass has a bright, golden brown appearance. The most similar metals in appearance are copper, which is brown or pink-brown, and bronze, which is a much darker brown.^[1]
   • Brass is slightly magnetic, but should only respond noticeably to a powerful magnet. If a small magnet sticks firmly to the surface, you probably have an object made from a different metal, then plated with a thin layer of brass.
2. Learn what to do if your object is not brass. If your object is only brass-plated, try using a gentle treatment such as vinegar or salt water, as harsher materials may corrode through the thin brass layer. If you are trying to age copper, see these linked instructions. To antique bronze, purchase a "bronze ager" and follow the Using Antiquing Solution method.
   
3. If the brass is lacquered, remove it with nail polish remover. Lacquer is a clear, hard, protective finish that prevents the brass from oxidizing, which is the aging process you're trying to encourage or imitate. Apply the nail polish remover, also known as acetone, to the object to strip off the lacquer.^[2]
   
   • Wear rubber gloves and work in a ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes.
   • Let small objects soak in the acetone.
   • Use a paintbrush to brush the chemical onto large objects. Be sure to coat every corner of the object.
   • Methyl alcohol, paint remover, or lacquer thinner will also do the job.^[3]
4. Pour hot water over the object after treating it with nail polish remover. Wait a few minutes or until the lacquer is peeling off or dissolving into goo. Wash the object in hot water to remove the lacquer
   
   • Check to make sure there is no remaining lacquer. Modern brass objects are often protected with tough lacquer that can take several attempts to remove entirely.
5. If there is a thin protective film or no finish at all, wash with gentler materials. If the object feels greasy or has a thin layer of polish on it, you can probably clean it with a cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol or a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water. For completely untreated brass, a thorough wash with soap and water should be enough to prepare it for antiquing.
   
   • Wear gloves even when using these skin-safe cleaning products, since oils from your hand can get on the brass and prevent the antiquing effect from taking place evenly.
6. Dry completely before continuing. Do not begin the antiquing process until the brass is completely dry. A hair dryer, propane torch, or oven can speed up this process.^[4]
   
   • Be cautious when applying heat to a brass object that recently had its lacquer removed. If you missed a piece of lacquer, it could catch on fire or release fumes. Dry the brass in a well-ventilated area with no flammable objects nearby.
   • You can now use any of the methods described below. If you're unsure which to use, read the first step of each one to learn the benefits of each option.

Using Salt Water or Vinegar

1. Use vinegar or salt water to antique your brass safely and easily. Any type of household vinegar or even table salt in water can be used to antique brass. This can take longer to take effect than the other methods — several hours for vinegar, and up to several days with salt water— but you do not have to handle any dangerous chemicals and probably already have the necessary ingredients in your kitchen.
   
   • Prepare the brass first as described above to ensure the antiquing succeeds.
   • Wear rubber gloves for any method to prevent getting oil on the brass.
2. Apply salt water to make brass slightly darker. A mix of equal parts table salt and water will oxidize the brass, simply speeding up the natural aging process brass undergoes. Apply it with a small paintbrush over the entire surface and reapply daily until you've achieved the appearance you enjoy.^[5]
   
3. Coat with vinegar instead for more pronounced aging. Apply with a brush or simply dip the piece in any type of vinegar. Allow it to dry, then apply an additional coat if you'd like a darker color.
   
   • Mix a spoonful of table salt into the vinegar for a greener patina.^[6]
   • Heating the brass with a hair dryer or oven to around 450ºF (230ºC) will produce more noticeable results, but you'll need oven mitts or thick gardener gloves to handle it at this temperature.^[7]
4. Use vinegar vapors for a warm brown appearance. This may not achieve the authentic appearance that ammonia or antiquing solution will, but some people prefer the "gingerbread" appearance that results.^[8] In any case, it is certainly safer and less expensive than those methods.
   
   • Pour some vinegar into a plastic bucket with an airtight lid.
   • Place wooden blocks or other objects into the bucket so a stable, flat surface is dry above the level of the vinegar.
   • Place the brass on top of the objects.
   • Seal the lid to trap the vinegar fumes and let them alter the brass for several hours or overnight.
5. Whichever method you used, wash with warm water and dry. Once the result you want is achieved, which may take several applications, wash the brass in warm water. Dry it gently with a towel or by applying heat.
   
   • Once it is dry, you have the option to preserve its color by coating with a brass lacquer or wax.

Using an Antiquing Solution Product

1. To age brass rapidly, purchase an antiquing solution. This is the quickest of all methods, but it does require you to purchase a specialized product. These are sold as antiquing solutions or brass agers. The specific brand will determine the appearance of the antiqued piece, but the process should be similar regardless.^[9]
   
   • Always follow the instructions for Preparing Your Brass before beginning any antiquing method.
   • This is not a good method to follow if you're not certain that your piece is solid brass. See Using Vinegar or Salt Water instead.
2. Use rubber gloves, safety goggles, and good ventilation. Antiquing solutions can be made with a variety of chemicals, most of which can damage skin and eyes or release toxic fumes. Protect yourself with basic safety equipment and open the windows before you begin.
   
   • Be especially careful if your product contains any of these hazardous chemicals: ammonium hydroxide, glacial acetic acid, nitric acid, or sulfuric acid.^[10]
3. Dilute the antiquing solution according to the manufacturer's instructions. Read the label carefully. Some solutions may not require diluting, whereas others require as much as 10 parts water to 1 part antiquing solution. Use room temperature water and mix in a ceramic or plastic container large enough to submerge the entire brass object.^[11]
   
   • Do not use container made from other materials, as the acids in the solution could corrode them.
   • Do not fill the container too full. Leave room to fit the brass object without the container overflowing.
4. While wearing gloves, agitate the brass object beneath the surface of the antiquing solution. Hold the brass in the solution and move back and forth to dislodge air bubbles. Make sure the solution covers the entire object, but doesn't reach near the top of your gloves.
   
   • Air bubbles that remain on the brass will cause bright spots where the brass was not aged.^[12]
   • Turn the brass object in your gloves so you get even exposure to the solution.
5. Watch the color change and pull out when the desired color is reached. It should take between a few seconds and a couple minutes to begin changing colors, moving from pink to red to brown to black. Pull it out when you see the color you're aiming for.
   
   • If you plan to brighten your object with highlighting (see below), let it get slightly darker than the color you want.^[13]
   • Don't worry that you'll ruin your brass. If you pulled it out too early, simply put it back and shake again. If you pulled it out too late, scrub with a scotch-brite pad or lightly with steel wool to remove the color so you can try again.
6. Rinse the object to highlight (optional). Rinse with hot water and clean off the resulting white powder using a sponge or scotch-brite pad. This results in a brighter, accented object compared to the darker, even patina it had immediately after treatment.
   
   • If you are trying to create a black or almost black patina, you'll have better results getting the patina to stay if you dip it in two or three stages, rinsing between each one.
7. Dry evenly. Once you are satisfied with the color, immediately dry the whole object. Wet patches will dry darker than the rest of the surface. You may want to use a paper towel or rag, since some color could rub off onto it.
   
8. Treat with lacquer or wax to preserve the current color (optional). Applying a brass lacquer or other brass finishing treatment will prevent the brass from aging further. This is recommended if the brass is handled frequently or if you want to preserve the current color.
   

Using Ammonia Fumes

1. Apply ammonia periodically to produce the most natural aged appearance. Ammonia is a caustic substance that should be treated with caution, but it does come closer than any other method to creating the green brown appearance of naturally aged brass.
   
   • Ammonia will eventually evaporate off the brass, so you'll need to commit to repeating this process every time your brass returns to its old appearance. How long this takes depends on the exact qualities of your object.
   • This process will not succeed if you do not follow the steps for Preparing Your Brass beforehand.
2. Buy ammonia and a sealable bucket from a hardware store. You'll need "full strength" or "clear" ammonia, not the dilute household ammonia more commonly sold at supermarkets. The hardware store is also a good place to buy a plastic bucket with airtight sealable lid, sometimes called "pickle buckets".^[14][15]
   
   • For tiny pieces of brass, you can use a glass bottle with airtight cap instead of a bucket. Tie it with a cord and suspend it over a small amount of ammonia, screwing the cap firmly to hold the cord in place and trap the ammonia fumes.
3. Wear rubber gloves, safety goggles, and work only in areas with excellent ventilation. Ammonia fumes are toxic and should never be inhaled. Work outside if possible or in a room with great air flow.
   
4. Place a wooden block in the bottom of the bucket. You should create a stable, flat "shelf" large enough for the brass object to sit on. Use a piece of plywood for large objects, stacked on top of several pieces of wood to make it stable.
   
5. Pour ammonia into the bucket. Keep the ammonia level below the upper surface of the wood. You don't need too much, although more ammonia may hasten the process.
   
6. Place the brass objects on the wooden "shelf". Make sure they are stable and in no danger of falling into the ammonia. If they do, remove it with gloved hands and wash in warm water. Dry before returning to the wooden bucket.
   
7. Seal the lid and check back periodically. Depending on the temperature and humidity, freshness of the ammonia, and exact characteristics of your brass, the antiquing could take hours to take effect. Check back every hour or so to see how its progressing, taking care not to breathe the fumes that escape the bucket.
   
   • Open the lid slightly for a quick glance, then close it tightly to keep most of the ammonia fumes in.
8. Let the brass dry in a ventilated area. Once the desired color is reached, let it dry naturally in an area with flowing air. Wax it if you want a more polished effect.
   
   • The aging effect of ammonia is only temporary, so you probably don't want to lacquer the brass since you would eventually need to remove the lacquer to re-antique the brass.
   • You can use the same ammonia bath to treat other brass objects, but not indefinitely. Eventually the ammonia's potency will be used up and you will need to replace it.^[16]

Video

Tips

1. • Whichever method you followed, you can apply a brass wax or lacquer to the object once it is dry to prevent it from aging further.
   • If you have the proper lab equipment and chemistry experience, you can make your own antiquing solution. Test out a new solution on a small corner before applying to the entire object, as this list is compiled from a variety of sources.
   • Another method of applying ammonia is to place the brass object in a garbage bag containing a rag soaked in ammonia, then twist it tight. This is easier but not otherwise recommended, as it will only create a light patina, and can result in an uneven finish if the climate is hot and humid.^[17]

Warnings

• Do not use Clorox or sodium hypochlorite solutions to antique brass. It is more dangerous and more difficult to control than the methods described here.^[18]
• If you aren't sure whether an object is brass, take it to an antique shop owner or other expert for identification. Bronze, copper, or brass-plated objects could be damaged by the antiquing treatment.
• If a magnet attaches to your "brass" object, it is most likely a different metal beneath a brass plating. This can still be antiqued, but you should be gentle when scrubbing and use small amounts of chemicals during the antiquing. Treating it too roughly could eat through the plating and reveal the other metal underneath.^[19]

Things You'll Need

Preparing the Brass:

• Brass object
• Rubber gloves
• Acetone, lacquer thinner, or paint remover (if object is lacquered)
• Vinegar, rubbing alcohol, or soap and water (if object is not lacquered)
• Heat source (to speed up drying)
• Small magnet (if identification is unsure)

Using Vinegar or Salt Water:

• Rubber gloves
• Table salt or vinegar (any type)
• Water
• Small paintbrush
• Plastic bucket with airtight lid (optional)

Using an Antiquing Solution:

• Brass antiquing solution or brass ager
• Water
• Ceramic or plastic container
• Safety goggles
• Rubber gloves
• Well ventilated area
• Scotch-brite pad or plastic kitchen scrubber
• Towel

Using Ammonia Vapors:

• Plastic bucket with airtight lid
• Well ventilated area
• Ammonia
• Rubber gloves
• Safety goggles

Related wikiHows

• How to Refinish Brass
• How to Antique Mirrors
• How to Antique Kitchen Cabinets
• How to Refinish Antique Furniture
• How to Buy Antiques
• How to Price Antiques and Collectibles

Sources and Citations

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How to Get Rid of Teenage Acne

Approximately 85% of all teens deal with acne to one degree or another.^[1] Contrary to popular belief, no link has been found between diet and acne.^[2] The actual cause is due to hormonal changes in teenagers, which produce additional facial oils. Most of these cases are basic and can be cleared up with a daily washing regimen that combats the extra facial oil. However, some cases may be severe or persistent enough to warrant a trip to the dermatologist.

Steps

Using over-the-Counter Treatments

1. Keep hair clean. This step is especially important for teens with long hair. Oily hair or hair products in constant contact with the face can help clog pores. Even those with short hair can see blemishes around the hairline due to oily hair or hair products. Ensure hair is cleaned regularly.^[3]
   
2. Wash twice daily. One of the biggest causes of teenage acne is increased oil production based on hormonal changes. Washing your face once a day can still leave oil behind to clog pores. Instead wash once in the morning and once in the evening with warm water and a mild oil-free cleanser.^[4]
   
   • Use clean fingertips and not a washcloth to clean your face.^[5]
   • Do not use a regular bar soap or body wash. Always use a gentle scrub especially formulated for facial skin.
   • Do not over wash. Washing the face more than twice a day can dry out the skin, which can actually cause the oil glands to go into overdrive production and make the acne worse.^[6]
   • It can take anywhere from four-to-eight weeks of a daily regimen before you notice a significant difference.^[7]
3. Use over-the-counter medications. Depending on the severity of your acne, you should also use an over-the-counter medication once or twice a day. The two most commonly used OTC acne treatments are benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.^[8]
   
   • OTC medications come in gels, lotions, creams, soaps, and pads.^[9] Gels and creams are good for spot treatments of problem areas whereas pads, soaps, and lotions are more commonly used on the entire face.
   • In addition to clearing pores, these medications have slight antibacterial qualities that make it more difficult for the acne-causing p. acnes bacteria.^[10]
   • Benzoyl peroxide formulations are usually a 2.5% solution and salicylic acid formulations are usually 2% solutions.^[11]
4. Apply a moisturizer. Since the additional washing and OTC medications can dry out skin, you want to add a daily moisturizer to your regimen. A standard lotion can have oils that will clog pores as well, so find an oil-free moisturizer that is nonacnegenic or non-comedogenic.^[12] These words simply mean that the product will not cause acne or clog pores.
   
   • If you apply a moisturizer for daytime use, then you should find one with an SPF of 30 as well.^[13]
5. Use non-comedogenic cosmetics. While certain cosmetics like eye makeup and lipstick aren’t likely to cause acne trouble, others such as blushes and foundations can clog pores and worsen acne.^[14] Make sure than any cosmetics applied to other parts of the face say they are non-comedogenic, which means that they will not clog pores. All major brands provide such products, so they are not difficult to find.^[15]
   
   • Mineral-based makeup powders can also cause or exacerbate acne, so they should be avoided as well.^[16]

Treating Persistent or Severe Cases

1. Consult a dermatologist. If you have persistent acne that doesn’t respond to the first method or if you have severe, cystic acne, then you should consider meeting with a dermatologist who can prescribe other medications.
   
2. Ask about birth control. For many women, certain birth control medications can help regulate acne-causing hormones. Since hormones are the initial cause of acne, regulating these hormones can lead to decreased breakouts.^[17]
   
3. Ask about acne-treating antibiotics. Oral antibiotics can decrease the amount of the p. acnes bacteria on your skin, which can decrease inflammation.^[18] Oral or topical antibiotics may be one of the first treatments that a dermatologist recommends for persistent acne.
   
   • Antibiotic treatments will usually require daily dosages for four-to-six months. After which point, they will be tapered off.^[19]
4. Ask about other topical prescription options. In addition to some topical antibiotics, a dermatologist may want to prescribe other topical medications. These can range from prescription-strength benzoyl peroxide to azelaic acid^[20] or tazarotene.^[21]
   
   • Most of these medications are meant to reduce skin lesions and inflammation associated with acne.
5. Ask about isotretinoin. Isotretinoin is one of the most effective acne treatments available. However, it’s also the medication with some of the worst side effects and usage is closely monitored.^[22] Isotretinoin actually shrinks the size of oil glands, which causes them to produce less oil.^[23]
   
   • Side effects of isotretinoin include increased risk of depression, and it has also been tied to birth defects, so women who are pregnant will not be prescribed the medication.
   • The medication is typically taken once or twice a day for sixteen-to-twenty weeks with results that are often permanent.^[24]

Tips

• Don't use a regular lotion as moisturizer. It can also clog pores, make sure you use something for your face.
• Since a cleaning regiment can take several weeks to produce a significant difference, you’ll have to stick with it and have patience.
• Don't use just any soap as your cleanser. Hand and regular bar soap will clog pores and make acne worse.
• Make sure to wash your face shortly after exercise, sports practice, or any other activity that can lead to clogged pores from sweating.
• Do not pick at or squeeze blemishes. In addition to causing inflammation, you can spread around acne-causing bacteria.^[25]
• Don't sleep with make-up on. Make sure to wash your face with water and use facial wipes.
• When you wash your face, always put cold water on it as soon as you're done as this will close the pores and will stop bacteria or germs getting into the pores.

Warnings

• Isotretinoin use should always be closely monitored. Women who have the risk of becoming pregnant should not take the drug, and anyone who starts feeling symptoms of depression while taking the drug should consult with their dermatologist immediately.

Things You'll Need

• You will need a gentle cleanser. It doesn't have to be a cleanser that specifically treats acne. As long as it fits your skin type (oily, dry, normal, sensitive, etc.) it will work.
• A spot treatment such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid
• Moisturizer

Related wikiHows

• How to Clear up Acne With Birth Control
• How to Reduce Pimple Redness and Size (Aspirin Method)
• How to Make Your Own Pore Strips at Home
• How to Make an Acne Zapping Facial

Sources and Citations

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How to Heal a Cold Sore Naturally

Cold sores are caused by a form of the Herpes Simplex Virus known as HSV-1. They exhibit as painful ulcers around the mouth and lips. Cold sores are also called fever blisters and are very common. This virus is similar to (but not the same as) the virus that causes genital herpes, which is HSV-2. While they are different viruses, both can be found on the lips and on the genitalia. Those infected with either virus can also spread the viruses through close personal contact during kissing, oral sex, or any oral contact.^[1][2][3]

Steps

Healing a Cold Sore Through Diet

1. Eat lysine-rich foods. Lysine is an amino acid that some studies have shown to help treat and prevent cold sore outbreaks by blocking arginine, which is another amino acid that is required for viral growth.^[4][5][6] Lysine-rich foods include fish, meat (poultry, lamb, beef), dairy products, mung bean sprouts, and beans.^[7]
   
   • You can also take a lysine supplement. The dosage is usually 500-1000 mg every day taken on an empty stomach. The safe limit of lysine is less than 3000 mg a day, so don’t take any more than the recommended dosage.^[8]
2. Avoid foods that are high in arginine. Arginine is also an amino acid, but one that serves as a building block for the herpes virus, helping it to spread. The highest concentrations of arginine are found in whole grains, seeds, nuts and chocolate.
   
3. Stay away from acidic foods. This is particularly important if they will come in contact with the cold sore should you eat them. The herpes virus thrives in an acidic environment, so it is important to keep all acid away from the sores. Acidic foods to avoid include citrus fruits, tomatoes and anything with vinegar.
   
4. Take a daily zinc supplement. Zinc may help boost your immune system and help prevent future cold sores. The recommended dose to boost your immune system is 10 mg/day for adult men and women.^[9] For children, consult their pediatrician.
   
   • There are also zinc creams that you can use. An example is Virunderim gel, which contains 10% zinc sulfate.^[10] You can use this for up to twelve days at the first symptoms of a cold sore to help minimize the duration.
5. Eat to boost your immune system and help your body to fight off the virus. Include plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables in your diet daily. Some of the best choices for boosting the immune system are cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts, broccoli, onion and garlic.
   

Treating with Household Items

1. Ice the cold sore as soon as you feel it forming. Repeat the application regularly. The herpes virus requires a moist, warm environment to grow. Cool the sore and keep it from warming back up to prevent it from growing bigger and to speed up healing.
   
2. Apply lemon balm or lemon extract directly to the sore.^[11] Soak a cotton ball in the lemon balm and dab it on the cold sore 2 to 3 times a day.
   
3. Make a salt, milk and lemon juice treatment. Add a little lemon juice and milk to salt. The acid in the lemon juice is buffered by the protein in the milk, so it won't sting as much. Roll the mixture into a ball. Dab on the cold sore once a day. After application, dab a little aloe vera on the cold sore.
   
4. Put salt on a cold sore.^[12] Moisten your finger and then dip it in regular table salt. Put your salty finger on the cold sore and press gently for 30 seconds to allow the salt time to enter the sore. Wash your hands with hot, soapy water after touching the sore.
   
5. Apply a teabag to a cold sore.^[13] Soak a tea bag in hot water, allow it to cool, and then apply the wet bag to the sore for 5 to 10 minutes. Use a fresh tea bag and repeat the process every 1 to 2 hours.
   

Treating with Herbs

1. Use a topical oil, such as lavender oil or melissa oil. Both are known to speed the healing of cold sores. Apply the oil to the sore several times a day.
   
2. Use an herbal remedy.
   
   • Dab the sore with the topical form of Saint John's wort several times a day, following packaging instructions carefully. Topical Saint John's wort should only be used externally, and never while taking other forms of Saint John's wort, as too much of the herb can be dangerous.
   • Take 1 teaspoon of strong Echinacea root 3 times a day. Swish it around in your mouth for 2 to 3 minutes, then swallow it.
   • Apply chamomile tincture to the sore a few times a day. Or, drink chamomile tea and let the hot liquid linger on the sore. Chamomile contains bisabolol, a substance that helps to heal sores on mucous membranes.

Trying Other Solutions

1. Avoid touching the cold sores. In addition to aggravating the cold sore, touching it can transfer the HSV-1 virus responsible for cold sores to your fingers. This makes it easier to spread the virus by accident due to other contact. The virus can infect the skin cells with which it comes in contact even when they’re skin cells on another part of your own body. Avoid this complication by avoiding contact with the cold sore as much as possible.
   
2. Wash your hands often. Even when mindfully trying not to touch a cold sore, people often poke at them without thinking. Wash your hands often, especially after realizing that you have touched the cold sore or the general area around your lips and mouth.
   
   • This is especially true before and after eating.
3. Stock up on toothbrushes. The virus can continue to live on surfaces such as toothbrushes. To avoid potentially spreading the area in which you get cold sores, start using a new toothbrush as soon as you feel symptoms coming on, and throw it away when the cold sore has healed.
   
   • As an additional safety measure, ensure that your toothbrush does not come into contact with the opening of the toothpaste tube when applying toothpaste.^[14]
4. Don’t share objects. Avoid sharing towels, razors, eating utensils, or washcloths with anyone. Make sure you wash anything that has potentially come into contact with your cold sore with hot, soapy water.
   
5. Use an SPF 15 or higher sunscreen. One of the known triggers for cold sores is sun exposure.^[15][16] By using a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher, you can help the cold sore heal by minimizing the damaging effects of the sun.
   
   • Consistently using sunscreen around the area even without an outbreak will help to minimize the recurrence of future cold sores as well.
   • Remember to wash your hands both before and after applying the sunscreen.
6. Use a moisturizer. You can apply a tiny dab of petroleum jelly or propolis with a Q-tip. Organic moisturizing products that contain lysine are also helpful, such as Basic Organics Lysine Ointment or 100% Pure Lysine + Herbs by Ariva.
   
   • Propolis is a natural, nutrient-rich resin made by bees.
7. Make your own moisturizer. If you prefer to know exactly what goes into your natural moisturizer, you can make your own at home with propolis and essential oils. A 3% propolis ointment has been shown to reduce the pain of cold sores.^[17] To make the ointment, take 0.5 ounces of propolis (equal to one tablespoon) and add 48.5 ounces of pure coconut oil, which works great as a moisturizer.^[18] From there, add one drop of each of the following:
   
   • Camphor oil, which helps with pain reduction
   • Echinacea oil, which is an antiviral herb that can help boost the immune system^[19][20]
   • Licorice oil, which has effective properties against HSV-1^[21]
   • Andrographis oil, which has both antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties^[22]
   • Sage oil, which also has antiviral properties to help dry out a cold sore and it a good alternative if you have trouble finding andrographis oil^[23]

Minimizing the Risk of Future Outbreaks

1. Examine your risk for future outbreaks. Many of those who test positive for the HSV-1 virus do not experience cold sores, and many more don’t have recurrent cold sores after initial outbreaks.^[24] However, those at a higher risk for recurrent cold sores include those with:^[25]
   
   • A weakened immune system, i.e. are immunosuppressed
   • HIV/AIDS, which is a cause of immunosuppression
   • Eczema
   • Cancer who are taking chemotherapy
   • An organ transplant, which means the patient is taking immunosuppressant drugs to prevent organ rejection
   • Severe burns
2. Examine your potential outbreak triggers. Certain triggers are tied to the likelihood of a person experiencing future outbreaks as well. These triggers include:
   
   • Fever of any kind (whether from another viral or a bacterial infection)
   • Menstruation
   • Stress of any kind (physical, mental, or emotional)
   • Fatigue
   • Sun Exposure
   • Surgery
3. Avoid too much time in the sun. Since sun exposure is a trigger for cold sore outbreaks, you should minimize your time in the sun. Remember always to wear sunscreen as well to minimize effects when you are outside.
   
4. Eat a balanced diet. A balanced, nutritious diet can help reduce triggers like fatigue and stress. The main components of a healthy diet include:
   
   • Lots of fresh fruit and fresh vegetables. Include a variety of both fruits (except citrus) and vegetables. Both fruit and vegetables contain vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fiber to keep you as healthy as you can be.
   • Complex carbohydrates versus simple sugars. This means that you should stay away from processed and packaged foods. They often seem simpler, but during the processing and packaging, all kinds of sugars are added, including high-fructose corn syrup.
   • These sugars are associated with glucose-intolerance (pre-diabetes), diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and heart disease as well as alterations in the gut bacteria.^[26][27]
   • Increased amounts of fish and lean poultry in your diet (as well as decreasing the amounts of red meat).
   • Beans and legumes, which are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals. They do contain phytic acid, but normal cooking should release most of the minerals and allow them to be absorbed by your body.
   • Don’t forget to keep drinking water and staying hydrated. Drink at least 6-8 8-ounce glasses of water each day.
5. Get plenty of sleep. Poor sleep schedules have an effect on both stress and fatigue levels. Ensure that you get 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night.
   
6. Avoid stress. Though often unavoidable at work or at home, try to avoid stressful situations as much as possible. This can mean walking away from a situation or something as simple as taking a few minutes away from your desk at work. Other steps you can take to avoid stress or at least balance it include:
   
   • Spending time with friends^[28]
   • Going for a walk or to the gym^[29]
   • Introducing deep breathing or meditation techniques into your daily routine^[30][31] You can find a guide to these techniques at How to Breathe Deeply and How to Meditate.
7. Boost your immune system. In addition to diet and exercise, you can take other steps to boost your immune system as well. These steps include not smoking, drinking only in moderation, avoiding sickness and other infections by washing your hands regularly, and controlling your blood pressure.
   
8. See your doctor. Cold sores rarely lead to any complications, and they don’t typically require a trip to your doctor. However, you should make an appointment to see your doctor if:^[32]
   
   • You get cold sores more than 2-3 times a year
   • Your cold sores don’t heal within two weeks
   • You get sick frequently, which may signify a weakened immune system
   • The cold sores are very painful
   • Your eyes are irritated when you have a cold sore, which may indicate further infection

Warnings

• There are many other theories on how to heal cold sores. Some of them include applying things like nail polish remover, astringents or toothpaste. Most of these remedies are not effective, and some could burn your skin or cause other complications. Consult your doctor before trying them.
• Many people get HSV-1 as infants and children. The virus can be spread by skin-to-skin contact; from kissing; using the same eating utensil; or sharing a toothbrush, razor, lip balm, lipstick, towel, or washcloth. HSV-2, on the other hand, is primarily transmitted through some form of sexual contact.^[33]
• Cold sores are caused by viruses and usually occur around the mouth or lips. They are not the same thing as canker sores, which have no known cause and occur inside the mouth.
• Don't use lysine without checking with your medical provider if you are pregnant or nursing.

Related wikiHows

• How to Tell if You Have a Cold Sore
• How to Prevent a Cold Sore from Spreading
• How to Prevent a Cold Sore from Forming
• How to Treat a Cold Sore or Fever Blisters

Sources and Citations

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