Psychology Dictionary
  • Dictionary
    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    • E
    • F
    • I
    • J
    • K
    • L
    • M
    • N
    • O
    • P
    • R
    • S
    • T
    • U
    • W
    • Y
    • Z
  • Health Topics
    • ADHD
    • Anxiety Disorders
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • Breast Cancer
    • Depression
    • Diabetes
    • Dissociative Disorders
    • Epilepsy
    • Insomnia
    • Neurology
    • Oncology
    • PCP
    • Pediatrics
    • Personality Disorders
    • Primary Care
    • Schizophrenia
    • Sleepdisorders
    • Substance Abuse Disorders
Aa
Psychology Dictionary
Aa
Search
  • Dictionary
    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    • E
    • F
    • I
    • J
    • K
    • L
    • M
    • N
    • O
    • P
    • R
    • S
    • T
    • U
    • W
    • Y
    • Z
  • Health Topics
    • ADHD
    • Anxiety Disorders
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • Breast Cancer
    • Depression
    • Diabetes
    • Dissociative Disorders
    • Epilepsy
    • Insomnia
    • Neurology
    • Oncology
    • PCP
    • Pediatrics
    • Personality Disorders
    • Primary Care
    • Schizophrenia
    • Sleepdisorders
    • Substance Abuse Disorders
Follow US
© PscyhologyDictionary.org. All Rights Reserved.
Home > Uncategorized > How to Cure a Cold Sore with Earwax
UncategorizedArticlesPrimary Care

How to Cure a Cold Sore with Earwax

By N., Sam M.S.

Cold sores are the lesions that commonly first appear on the lip as a blister that erupts, dries and leaves a scab. The lesions are unattractive and somewhat painful. The herpes simplex 1 virus is responsible for causing the problem. Once an individual becomes exposed to the common virus, the pathogen lies dormant in the body.

Contents
Earwax TreatmentWhat is Earwax?Scientific Studies

Fevers, menstrual cycles, stress or sun exposure bring the microbe to the surface where lesions commonly form around the mouth region. While OTC preparations help resolve the problem, severe outbreaks may require a prescription for an antiviral medication. However, an old folk remedy using earwax is once again being popularized by alternative and natural health enthusiasts.

Earwax Treatment

While the thought of using earwax on the face may seem disgusting to some, others having used the remedy swear by the technique's effectiveness. Treatment should begin at the first indication that a cold sore is forming. Before coming to the skin's surface, individuals typically feel burning, itching or a tingling sensation caused by an irritated facial nerve.

When the signs begin, use a cotton swab and retrieve a slight amount of earwax or cerumen. Rub the substance over the tender area and leave overnight. The wax can also be applied to the sore once the lesion appears or has ruptured. At any stage of formation, simply repeat the application process as needed.

The earwax method causes the sore to disappear, reduce in size or dramatically shorten the length of time that the lesion is visible.

What is Earwax?

Earwax contains dead skin cells, hair and the excretions from ceruminous and sebaceous glands. The chemical compounds include alcohols, fatty acids and squalene, which is a compound needed to make cholesterol and hormones.

The fatty acid known as lysozyme is believed to be the active ingredient that gives earwax anti-microbial properties.

Scientific Studies

Laboratory tests performed in the 1960s and the 1980s first uncovered the anti-infective properties of cerumen. However, the findings did not convince many in the medical community who repeatedly doubted the validity of the research results. Nevertheless, more recent studies conclude that the former scientists were correct.

The tests involved diluting the earwax into three percent concentration levels and putting the samples in petri dishes containing agar mixtures and various bacterial strains. The dishes were then covered and allowed to sit undisturbed for a period of 24 hours at body temperature.

Upon retrieving the dishes, researchers found that the cerumen dilutions effectively killed anywhere from 17 to 99 percent of seven different species of bacterial colonies. In addition to having antibacterial properties, lysozyme is also known to have antiviral properties.

ID, 'custom_sentence', true); if (!empty($custom_sentence)) { ?>
: ""

Cite this page: N., Sam M.S., "How to Cure a Cold Sore with Earwax," in PsychologyDictionary.org, February 18, 2016, https://psychologydictionary.org/how-to-cure-a-cold-sore-with-earwax/ (accessed October 2, 2023).
Share this Article
Facebook Twitter Email Copy Link Print
Avatar photo
By N., Sam M.S.
Sam holds a masters in Child Psychology and is an avid supporter of Psychology academics.

Latest Posts

The Psychology of Eating Disorders: Unraveling the Complexity of Food and Emotions
The Psychology of Eating Disorders
Psychology of Happiness
The Psychology of Happiness
The Psychology of Weight Loss Motivation
The Psychology of Weight Loss Motivation
Psychology of Not Completing Tasks
Psychology of Adolescence
Psychology of Adolescence
Psychology of Persuasion
The Psychology of Persuasion
Psychology of the Unconscious Mind
Psychology of Procrastination
Psychology of Procrastination: Identifying Triggers and Overcoming Hurdles
Psychology of Color Blue
Psychology of Color Blue
Psychology of Religion
Psychology of Religion
The Psychology of Narcissism
The Psychology of Narcissism
How Exercise Can Boost Your Mental Health as You Age
How Exercise Can Boost Your Mental Health as You Age

Popular Psychology Terms

JUDGMENT
MEDICAL MODEL
HYPERMNESIA
AFFIRMATION
BRAINWASHING
BACKUP REINFORCER
QUALITY
WELL-BEING
MESSAGE-LEARNING APPROACH
AFFILIATIVE BEHAVIOR
POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)
SPONTANEOUS NEURAL ACTIVITY
EXCITATION-TRANSFER THEORY
APPROACH MOTIVATION

Read This Next

How Exercise Can Boost Your Mental Health as You Age

How Exercise Can Boost Your Mental Health as You Age

By N., Sam M.S.
Electronic Health Records

What Are Electronic Health Records & What Mental Health Providers Do to Remain Compliant?

By N., Sam M.S.
Peptide Therapy

An Intro to Peptide Therapy (Types + Costs)

By N., Sam M.S.
How Long Does Physical Therapy Take

How Long Does Physical Therapy Take?

By N., Sam M.S.
Occupational Therapy For Adults

What Is Occupational Therapy For Adults?

By N., Sam M.S.
What Is NAD IV Therapy

A Look Into NAD IV Therapy

By N., Sam M.S.
Is Myofunctional Therapy Covered By Insurance

Is Myofunctional Therapy Covered By Insurance?

By N., Sam M.S.
Speech Therapy

Is Speech Therapy Covered By Insurance?

By N., Sam M.S.

About Us

Powered by Psychology Dictionary: the only Free Online Psychology Dictionary

Follow Us

©2023 PsychologyDictionary.org

  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy