What’s The Best Cold Sore Treatment?
Cold sores, also known as “fever blisters” are small, painful blisters which occur in the mouth area, frequently on the lips. In spite of the name, cold sores are unrelated to the common cold, head colds or getting a fever, they are caused by the herpes virus. The oral strain of the herpes virus infects almost 60% of Americans, and by age 50 nearly 90% of American adults carry the virus.
Once a person is infected with the virus that causes cold sores, they will remain a carrier for the rest of their life, even if they never suffer an outbreak. Some people who carry the virus suffer from ten or more outbreaks a year, while others rarely have any.
The average person carrying the virus suffers from one to three attacks per year. Each outbreak follows a roughly two week cycle from initial symptoms through inflammation, painful open lesion, through to healing and the afflicted area regaining its normal colour.
How Can You Stop Cold Sores?
Because there is no cure for the virus that causes cold sores, the most important tools are treating the symptoms of an outbreak to minimize discomfort and trying to prevent an outbreak from occurring. There are numerous ways to attempt to shorten the duration of cold sores, or to mitigate the discomfort that they cause while they are around.
Some common American folk remedies include holding a tea bag on the sore itself, or using ice to numb the pain. Advocates of natural healing have other suggestions, such as lemon balm or Echinacea. Traditional Eastern medicine has similar suggestions, including the reishi mushroom, a mixture of honeysuckle with forsythia and the powder made from the evoda tree.
Many lip balms and rubs in your local drug store will contain these products in various combinations. If a product containing lemon balm and reishi fails to help with your sores, one with lemon balm and honeysuckle might prove more effective for you, personally.
If your cold sores are severe, your doctor might also prescribe anti-viral drugs like valaciclovir, the active ingredient in Valtrex, which are known to greatly speed the healing time.
The best way to treat a cold sore is to never get one. For avoiding outbreaks before they begin, washing hands frequently and avoiding touching the parts of your face where you know you get cold sores can help avoid potential attacks.
Lysine is an important dietary nutrient, and raising its levels in the body seems to help cold sores heal faster, as well as preventing new cold sores. Lysine is available as a dietary supplement in most drug or supplement stores.
The cold sore virus is normally kept at bay by your body’s immune system. If your immune system weakens, that can open the door for a painful blister. The similar timing of illness and sores leads to the name, “cold sores.” Maintaining a healthy immune system will give your body the strength it needs to keep that virus in check and your mouth free from painful, irritating sores.
Cold Sore Treatments
People are constantly looking for cold sore treatments, particularly those treatments which are cost-effective and easy to apply. It’s definitely a big plus if a cold sore treatment helps make the outbreaks more subtle, or suppresses them almost completely. But really, can we expect this much cold sore treatments in today’s medicine?
Whilst everything sounds too good to be true, for cold sore treatments, you can make an exception. There are indeed good treatments that can help you get by with a bad outbreak of cold sore. Read on this article to learn these cold sore treatments, how to find them and how to use them properly.
Cold Sore Treatments: Three General Classifications
Generally, there are three types of cold sore treatments that you can use. First on the list are natural home remedies. This type of cold sore treatments includes application of ice through cold compresses, tea bags and honey or sometimes petroleum jelly for topical application.
The second type of cold sore treatments is called antiviral prescription medication—something you will have to ask your doctor for. The third type of cold sore treatments consists of over the counter medications, such as topical ointments for itchiness and less risky antibacterial pills.
Cold Sore Treatments: Self Care
Keep in mind that the best way to start cold sore treatments is to take precautionary measures so as not to spread the disease further. One risk that you should be aware of is autoinoculation, a process in which the condition is transmitted from one affected area to another.
Cold Sore Treatments: Natural Remedies
There are certain natural remedies that you can use as cold sore treatments. One of them is lysine. Lysine is an amino acid that is essential to the composition of antibodies and other bodily defences. As a cold sore treatment, it helps boost the body’s immune system and fight off the infection.
Lemon balm is another good cold sore treatment, because it has antiviral properties. The research done at Germany, which was participated by several hospitals and dermatology clinics, proved that lemon balm could cut the healing process to only five days. And sure enough, this cold sore treatment is worth trying out.
Cold Sore Treatment: Cold Compresses
We’ve already covered cold compresses, but now we will explain why it is the best of all cold sore treatments. The application of ice on the infected area dulls the pain of the blisters, something that people look for in cold sore treatments.
Another plus is that this cold sore treatment also lessens the itchiness, thereby lessening the need to scratch that itch as well. And less scratching is always good: It means that you won’t be risking spreading the infection to your eyes, fingers or any other part of the body, for that matter. Thirdly, this form of natural cold sore treatment also alleviates the skin trauma on the surrounding area, which ultimately leads to quicker healing process.
To know more about effective cold sore treatments, simply go to your doctor, or if you want, you can research more material concerning cold sore treatments on the Internet. Better yet, find some medical books that specialize on cold sore treatments.
Nasal Cold Sores Treatment
Medical experts tell us that there is no cure for the common cold – at least not in the form of a pharmaceutical pill. There are, however, some time-tested remedies using herbs, spices and foods that could help alleviate the symptoms of a cold.
Sometimes a particular remedy works for one person while not being particularly helpful for another. This makes complete sense when you consider that you are a unique individual with different strengths and weaknesses when it comes to your health.
The following is a list of treatments for the common cold. You may need to try more than one or two before discovering which one helps you heal quickly.
1. Echinacea
Echinacea is an herb that is used to boost the immune system. It is one of the most popular over-the-counter herbs. Echinacea at the first sign of any cold symptom, Herbalists recommend, however, that you don’t take Echinacea year-round.
It is better to take the herb for a two- to three-week period, and then rest for a week or two. Start treatment with a three-millilitre (ml) to four-ml dose of tincture or a 300-milligram (mg) tablet three times a day.
2. Goldenseal
Goldenseal acts as a natural antibiotic. It contains special antibacterial and antiseptic alkaloids. Goldenseal, like Echinacea, fights infection and inflammation (in fact, many take these two herbs together).
Research has determined that goldenseal increases the effectiveness of insulin in your body, as well as strengthening your colon, liver, pancreas, spleen and lymphatic systems. Also, if you are suffering from a cold, the herb helps soothe respiratory symptoms.
3. Table Salt
You might not know this, but plain old table salt makes an excellent treatment for a sore throat. Gargle with a strong solution of table salt and warm water several times a day, and you should notice that your symptoms begin to improve: the salt helps relieve that burning sensation that you get in the back of your throat when you have a cold virus.
If this salt remedy doesn’t do the trick for you for some reason, you can also try natural zinc lozenges, which you can buy at the local health store.
4. Colloidal Silver
Colloidal silver is a powerful, natural antibiotic. Never heard of anyone using silver to fight infections? Well, prior to 1938, silver was used quite frequently for just this purpose. In fact, it was pretty much the mainstream antibiotic 100 years ago.
5. Hyssop Tea
Hyssop tea should help rid your respiratory system of mucus, thereby relieving congestion. Hyssop is a member of the mint family.
6. Tea Tree Oil
Get a Q – tip and put some tea tree oil on it and apply it to your lip, this will dry it out fast. For some people the faster the sore dries out the faster it heals.
7. Toothpaste And Salt
This is currently one of the most popular cold sore remedies. Many are using toothpaste and salt now to heal their cold sores. Here is how you apply it:
8. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is super packed with anti-viral properties, which makes it one of the most effective cold sore remedies available. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus; therefore, using only anti-viral cold sore remedies is the best way to treat it.
Discover 5 Great Cold Sore Treatments That Are Totally Free
Most of the time when someone is looking for a good cold sore treatment they are only looking for a good remedy to the neglect of dealing with this problem mentally. There are many who suffer from terrible depression and suicidal thoughts because they are just “down right” tired of the itching, burning, sickness, and embarrassment that have normally associated with cold sores.
Many who are first infected with the cold sore virus think that they are the only person on planet earth that has this issue and that their lives are over. You may have thoughts like this:
- I can never get married because I have the cold sore virus.
- I can never kiss my children again.
- My spouse will divorce me.
- I can never go out into public again.
- There are no cold sore treatments that work for me.
These are some of the thoughts you may have had. What you need to understand, especially if you have just experienced your first or second outbreak, is that you are not alone. Believe it or not, approximately 90% of the world’s population are infected with the herpes simplex virus 1, and this is the very virus that causes cold sores.
Although 90% are infected with the virus, not all people suffer from cold sore outbreaks. There are millions of cold sore sufferers who have learned to control this issue with amazing cold sore treatments which they have found works wonders for them.
Below are some tips that can help you cope with this issue mentally:
1. If you know the Creator, spends some time praying for Him to heal you and ask him to bring peace and happiness in your life. Also ask Him to find you a powerful cold sore treatment that works for you. Try praying, what do you have to lose?
2. Know that you are the only person who really cares about your cold sore. When you have an outbreak you think everybody you are talking to is staring directly at your cold sore. This is not true. Sure they see it, but most people can care less about it! Trust me!
3. Get some exercise in the fresh air. By getting exercise in the fresh air you are killing many birds with one stone. When you exercise your body releases endorphins which are a chemical in the brain that cures a low feeling or depression.
Your immune system is becoming stronger which will keep this virus in check and thus minimize outbreaks. Many people don’t know this but exercise is one of the best cold sores treatments available, and it’s free!
4. Spend some time laughing because this also helps cure a low feeling or depression. Laughing reduces stress and stress is one of the leading causes of cold sores. Laughing is another powerful cold sore treatment that’s also free of charge!!
5. Spend some time in forums to become acquainted with other people who are going through the same thing as you. In this way you will learn more remedies and tips that will assist you in dealing with cold sores. This is often an overlooked cold sore treatment, but it is super effective.
These are just a few ways to cope with having cold sores. Remember that your life is not over and with the tips on this site you can gain your confidence back and start living life again!
Best Cold Sore Medication Treatment For Men
Treating cold sores is a challenge for most men. Cold sores are second to gigantic zits only. They are a highly embarrassing issue of the skin for some men. Cold sores appear in form of small blisters around the lips or mouth. Herpes simplex virus 1 causes cold sores. Usually, there are several triggers of cold sores outbreaks including stress or sickness.
In some men, covering cold sores with something that conceals it or face powder might seem like a simple and swift solution. However, the sore skin surface is not a good makeup base. This is because the sores are a form of blistering disorder. When you have cold sores, the surface of your skin breaks after which fluid starts leaking out and crusting over.
Nevertheless, there are several remedies for cold sores that men can use to deal with its outbreak.
1. Cortisone Injections
You can use this medication treatment if you want to easily get better or if you can manage an appointment in the last minute with your physician. This medication treatment is effective because it helps in bringing down the inflammation quite rapidly.
2. Prescription Pills
Prescription pills can be categorized as part of the home remedies for cold sore. People who do not like being injected prefer calling their doctors to seek Famvir, Acyclovir or Valtrex prescriptions. These are antiviral medications that slow down the rate at which cold sores spread. They also fight the infection.
3. Visine
Visine is an eye drop that is also an effective cure for cold sores. This old-fashioned cold sore remedy helps in removing the red from the cold sores.
4. Abreva
This is an over the counter medication for cold sores. Abreva works as a cold sores medicine by reducing the pain and size of the cold sores. With this medication, you can apply makeup on the affected part once you apply it. However, you should use a clean sponge or brush while concealing your cold sores.
Generally, there are many cold sore medication treatments that can be used by men to deal with this condition. However, to determine the best treatment for cold sores, consult your doctor. You should also know what triggers your outbreak of cold sores.
The Best Cold Sore Medication Treatment
The best cold sore medication treatment usually has numbing agents that include menthol and phenol. These agents soften scabs while reducing cracking. Others have the ability to speed up the healing process while minimizing the pain that comes from cold sores.
If your cold sores are irritating or painful, your doctor might prescribe a canker sore medication that works by alleviating pain. Antiviral medications are also available. These work by preventing recurrence or by speeding up the healing process.
Simple And Easy Cold Sore Treatments You May Not Heard Of
You may have not been aware of this fact, but about 90% of earth’s inhabitants have the herpes simplex virus. Although 90% of people are infected with this virus, only a small amount of adults experience painful outbreaks and need medical attention.
Creams and tablets are often used to treat the affected area externally. These medications can only give you short-term assistance, but if you want to eternally destroy this virus you will have to use traditional and non traditional methods. The old and simple methods are the best cold sore treatments available.
You want to make sure that the pH level in your body is 7.0 or higher. There are a variety of other things which can prevent your body’s pH level from being 7.0. Eating unhealthy foods and being under constant stress can increase acidity in your body, thus exposing you to many diseases. A lack of oxygen flowing freely through the blood stream can also lead to disease.
The herpes simplex virus is anaerobic which makes this virus impossible to exist where oxygen is in abundance. Taking deep inspirations of fresh air is an easy way to oxygenate your body. When you’re looking for cold sore treatments, you must find the cheapest, simplest, and easiest, and oxygenating your body is cheap, simple, and easy!
There are many different ways to improve oxygen content levels in your body. The number one way of increasing oxygen levels in the body is exercise. To get the maximum results from your exercise program, the morning hours are the best. In the early morning hours the levels of oxygen in the air is very high. This will greatly improve the oxygen levels in your body.
Temperance is a key factor in your exercise program. In other words, do not over work your body and therefore add stress to it. Over exertion of the body increases the acidity of your body due to lactic acid build up.
Another key element that leads to a weak immune system is stress. A weak immune system means a weak and sick body, which will lead to many more outbreaks.
Anxiety and stress will increase the acidity of your system. When you’re in a serious situation, stress unleashes many different types of acids and injurious chemicals. Constant stress is harmful to the body and will increase the acidity content in the system.
There are many cold sore treatments out there, but you need to use the simplest. So to sum it all up, the herpes simplex virus thrives in an acidic, poorly oxygenated body, causing more frequent outbreaks. Keep your body highly oxygenated and stay consistent on a good and moderate exercise program and you will see great results.
Tips On Cold Sore Treatments
According to scientific studies, a virus known as Herpes Simplex Virus or HSV-1 causes cold sores. Even nowadays, the cure for this illness was still not found. However, there are several discoveries on how to alleviate the pain as well as increase the healing rate of the affected area.
During an outbreak, you can cooperate with your physician about the necessary preventative measures that you need to do in order to avoid the spread of the virus to your home. Even if you still do not experience the outbreak, it is highly advisable to contact your doctor to know what to do just in case someone in your household gets the virus.
Here are some of the tips that can guide you in providing relief to cold sore treatments and give you more confidence during the occurrence of an outbreak.
The best way to relieve the pain caused by cold sores is to reduce the swelling around the affected area. This can make you feel better and effectively hide the marks created by the sores.
A cold compress can instantly alleviate the pain and follow it up with a pain reliever on your nearest drug outlet. You can also consider applying topical gel or cream in order to ease the soreness of the affected area.
Treatment for the symptoms of a cold sore can significantly reduce the discomfort as well as the appearance of the cold sore. In most cases, the immediate effects include pain, swelling, itching, burning, redness and drying of the skin around the cold sore. You may also experience having a fever during the duration that you have the cold sore.
To reduce the swelling, pain, itching and redness, you can apply an over the counter cream or gel such as Lidocaine or Benzocaine. Moreover, you can also use a mild lotion with sunscreen to help prevent the affected area from drying or cracking.
A sunscreen lotion or lip balm with sunscreen can be an effective remedy for sunburn or excessive drying of the skin area around the cold sore.
If you have a cold sore, make sure that the affected skin is properly protected from direct sunlight, dry heat and wind. Preventing contact from these factors would help you heal faster and effectively avoid having sunburn or excessive drying of the skin. You definitely would not want to leave scars on your skin because of the effects of the cold sore.
Prevention would definitely be better than cure in the case of cold sores. You can help prevent the outbreak by having enough rest and following a healthy lifestyle.
Moreover, you should also eat a healthy diet and keep your weight under your control. By this way, your immune system can easily work for your body and at the same time keep away harmful viruses to cause more damages.
Another way of avoiding cold sores during an outbreak is to decrease the stress level you encounter every day, exercise regularly and get adequate sleeping hours. If you strictly follow these guidelines, you should never worry about being compromised by the herpes virus.
Treatments For Cold Sores Inside Mouth
Cold sores inside the mouth is a viral and infectious condition which is commonly believed to be caused more by being stressed as well as having one’s immune system in a rather weakened state. Another term that many use to refer to the aforementioned condition is fever blister, which as its name suggests, often appear as blisters that are filled with fluid.
While not necessarily a fatal or dangerous affliction, they can be annoyingly painful, sometimes even detrimental to the daily routines or work that one needs to do. The good news is that it does take its leave after a few days to two weeks, depending on the individual’s health.
The best thing that should always be thought of not just with cold sores inside the mouth but any other affliction is avoiding and preventing it from occurring in the first place. It remains, by far, the most effective way to defend oneself against diseases and sicknesses such as cold sores inside the mouth. However, not many are fortunate enough to go this route and thus are susceptible to it.
There are a number of treatments available for it and if one does it encounter this condition, Valtrex and Acyclovir or Zovirax are viable and should not be ignored.
Before one purchases any of the above mentioned treatments for cold sores inside mouth, it would be wise to pay one’s doctor of physician a visit first just to be on the safe side.
Other ways that one can use in order to find the necessary relief for this issue would be the consumption of food and beverages which a high content of lysine in them. This is an element that normally helps prevent this condition from ever occurring and is a valid way to fight it off as well. It is also healthy and it would be ill-advised to ignore this fact.
Cold Sore Prevention – Healing Chapped Lips Naturally – 5 Tips To Soothe And Heal
Healing chapped lips naturally can sometimes prove difficult, particularly during winter, when the cold air can make matters worse. Indeed, sometimes what starts off as a small cosmetic problem can escalate into a seemingly permanent condition which can be difficult to deal with.
The lips are susceptible to changes in temperature for two main reasons. Firstly, the skin is very thin and secondly, the lips have no oil producing glands, with the only sources of moisture being from licking of the lips or from externally applied balms or creams.
Unfortunately, licking the lips can make the problem worse as once you have developed cracks or splits, the fast evaporation of saliva only causes more drying out which leads to further chapping and significant pain.
The following 5 tips can help with healing chapped lips naturally.
1. Use thick lip balms which contain beeswax or cocoa butter. These can form a protective layer on the delicate skin and prevent moisture from reaching the chapped area. Apply several times a day.
2. Drink plenty of water to keep yourself well-hydrated. If you become dehydrated, the moisture to the tissues will decrease which will make sore lips more likely. If you don’t like water, drink decaffeinated tea or diluted fruit juices.
3. Keep up the moisture levels in your home by using a humidifier or by placing bowls of water near to your radiators or other heat source. Dry air equals dry lips!
4. Healing chapped lips naturally can sometimes be a simple as improving your diet as various vitamin deficiencies can contribute to the problem. If you are unsure what to eat, consider taking a good, all round multivitamin supplement.
5. Avoid coffee, fizzy drinks and alcohol, all of which can dehydrate the body.
If you have had problems with your lips for more than a few days, it is possible that a fungal or bacterial infection has taken hold. Although common, this condition, known as angular cheilitis, can be very persistent indeed and you may find that healing chapped lips naturally is proving very difficult by utilising the simple methods above.
If you would like to look at pictures that can help you confirm and verify the nature of your own condition, you can download this simple and effective overnight cure from the Angular Chelitis Foundation. This cure will dry out the condition within hours, providing fast and permanent relief.
What Are The stages Of A Cold Sore? The 5 Rounds To Cure My Cold Sore
When you get a flare up, there are 5 stages of a cold sore you go through from the first tingle to the time you knock it out and wave it goodbye. It can be summed up as:
- Trigger
- Outbreak
- Healing
- Cheery Goodbye (though not really so cheery, more of a Gloria Gaynor performance but with less roller skating).
These cold sore stages are the same for all of us so everyone goes through the same thing before, during and after an outbreak. Knowing as much as you can about cold sores is one of the best defences against them so getting to know each round in the fight will ready you for the next round and help you fight on.
You didn’t ask for it but all of a sudden you’re in the ring and the Cold Sore Kid is squaring up to you.
Round 1 – The Trigger
What are the warning signs? One day you’re sitting there all happy…the sun is shining, the birds are singing, little rabbits are playing in a meadow and Clare Balding hasn’t been on TV for over a week. Life is pretty good. Then one of your triggers activates the virus and suddenly it’s on.
Most people get a warning which can be anything from a couple of days to a couple of hours before an outbreak becomes visible. This warning can be either a tingling or itching sensation around one area of your mouth (this will be where the cold sore will eventually appear). You may also get a burning or numb sensation in the same area.
Round 1 has already begun and it’s important to get some early punches in.
Recognising this symptom for yourself is a good way to get the upper hand early on. Whatever your preferred method for fighting the cold sore is grab it now and get started. Put some cream on, take some lysine, give the area a zap of a cold sore device…whatever tools you have in the locker get them now.
Round 2 – The Outbreak
Landing those killer blows to fight your cold sore
Here’s where you get to look your opponent full in the face even though you wish you didn’t have to. I’ve seen prettier things on a pub toilet floor.
First the area around your mouth that’s been tingling or burning becomes red and then gradually small dots or bumps appear. This is the beginning of the blister forming and as these round progresses these smaller lumps will merge together and form a larger blister.
At this point the virus is very contagious so don’t do anything that could make it worse!
Your tactics in this round should be an all out onslaught. Don’t stand there taking the odd jab hoping you’ll knock it out, you won’t. Come out fast and swinging hard. Use whatever medication, zappers or creams you have and keep using them! Eat right, get plenty of rest and use everything in your arsenal to take this fight right to the virus.
Round 3 – The Burst and Scab
Keeping up the fight against your cold sore
This is the most annoying and sometimes painful round to be in but don’t give up! This is where blisters break open and release their infectious fluid. Once that’s done the sore dries out and then scabs over but that does mean the healing process is well on the way.
The hard thing here is not touching the scab as they can easily break and bleed which will cause healing to take even longer as the scab repairs it. It can be itchy and doesn’t look nice but keep those fingers away!
Although you might be worn down in this round keep your head up because you’re well on the way to winning this fight!
Keep the area around the sore clean, especially when the blisters burst, and keep up with your treatments. They’re affecting the cold sore and it’s on its way out. Keep it up against the ropes and keep landing those blows because it’s getting weaker and you’re setting up for the knockout punch.
Round 4 – The Drop
It’s getting weak – Go for the knockout
As your body begins to complete the healing the scab will drop off and leave the area of skin red and maybe a bit swollen. You might also get some dry or flaking skin around the area as the skin starts to come back to normal.
You’ve nearly done it but don’t let up! The virus is on its knees in the middle of the ring so what do you do? Retreat to your corner and let it catch its breath? No… Keep on punching! No-one said this was a clean fight and the cold sore started it It’s likely that your tactics for fighting the virus include something that is promoting your immune system so keep this up. Keep your lips moistened for a bit of extra comfort and protection too.
You’re winning this fight now so support your immune system and make sure the cold sore can’t get back up to its feet.
Round 5 – It’s All Over
But could you have a relapse?
As your lip and mouth heal over your skin should return to normal and everything is back to how it should be.
You’ve delivered the knockout blow, the sun is shining again, the birds singing has stopped being annoying and the rabbits have returned to the meadows. Take a victory lap, call out for Adrian and pat yourself on the back, you’ve earned it champ.
BUT you know how we said this wasn’t a clean fight? Well, there is a chance that the dirty fighting cold sore could come right back and immediately start up a new fight. Be mindful of your triggers over the next few days, keep eating well, have a well earned rest and you’ll be fighting fit for whenever the next match comes.
How To Get Rid Of Cold Sores Quickly – Some Advice
Well, early intervention is important if you want to be able to get rid of cold sores quickly. For example, many people start to notice that they feel an itching sensation in the area the days before the outbreak appears. Applying over the counter medications to that area before you even see the physical signs of the cold sores can help reduce the size of them and the duration of them.
Keeping your stress and anxiety under control is important. Ironically, many individuals notice their stress and anxiety soar due to the presence of a cold sore. As a result, they can experience more developing and a longer recovery time.
While it can be painful, upsetting, and make you feel self-conscious, keep in mind that cold sores are quite common. By keeping the stress and anxiety at bay, you will help them to heal in less time.
Be very careful about touching the affected areas when you have cold sores. Not only does this increase the risk of infection but it will also increase the risk of more cold sores. An infection is something that can be prevented by washing the area well with soap and water, then patting it dry. Apply some petroleum jelly to the area to offer a barrier from dirt and germs.
Be conscious about touching the affected areas. If you do touch a cold sore with your hands, immediately wash your hands with soap and water. Don’t touch any other part of the body as that could allow more cold sores to develop. The biggest at risk areas of the body are the face and the genitals.
Some individuals find that applying some astringent to the cold sore area a couple of times per day can help to dry it out and promote healing. However, this can make the area very itchy and dry. Make sure you don’t touch it or scratch it which can cause more irritation during the healing process. If your body is too sensitive, consider applying some vanilla extract as it has anti-bacterial properties.
Trial and error can help you to determine what works best for you to get rid of cold sores quickly. Don’t be afraid to experiment with over the counter medications or to talk to your doctor if you feel you need something stronger to help with clearing up the problem.
Eliminate Cold Sores Now
Here are some cold sore remedies that are regularly used for treating outbreaks:
Antiviral Tablets And Creams:
Antiviral creams and tablets like aciclovir or penciclovir, also known as Fenistil are regularly used by doctors for speeding up the healing process of recurrent cold sore infections. You will always find a range of antiviral cold sore remedies available over the counter without a physician’s prescription.
You should also keep in mind that all cold sore remedies will work best only if applied during the initial stages, because after the herpes simplex virus starts replicating and spreading these antiviral cold sore remedy creams will have little effect.
For best results these creams should be applied four to five times a day and if you are frequently suffering with recurrent cold sore outbreaks, using antiviral medication can be a better choice.
It is also important to know that antiviral cold sore creams only heal the current outbreak, but they can’t get rid of the herpes simplex virus, and for that purpose antiviral medications are far more effective. Keep in mind that one should not consume them without a physician’s prescription.
Cold Sore Patches
Cold sore patches are also available in the market and is considered by many as one of the most effective cold sore remedies available. These patches contain a special hydrocolloid gel which is an effective treatment for skin wounds, and are generally placed over the cold sore to hide the affected area and also to speed up the healing process.
Non Antiviral Cold Sore Remedies
A wide range of non-antiviral cold sore remedy creams are also available over the counter without a doctor’s prescription. Though these creams are not made for healing the infection, but they can considerably reduce the pain and irritation.
Home Remedies
A variety of cold sore remedies from home are also used for treating cold sores. Some of these remedies reduces the pain and irritation and are also known to speed up the healing process. Rubbing warm tea bags on the affected skin can reduce the irritation by a great extent.