Cold Sores

Cold sores are caused by the presence of the herpes simplex virus in the body. Herpes shows up as blisters, which are moist and itchy…usually on the lips, or in the groin area.

Unfortunately, the herpes virus stays with the body once it has invaded. So outbreaks will come and go, depending on many factors, including being under a lot of stress.

In order to dry out the lesions left by herpes, try making a paste from cornstarch or baking soda, which will also help with the itching. To slow down the number of outbreaks, it may also be useful to make some dietary changes.

Suggested dietary changes.

Try eating a probiotic yogurt every day for a start, as the probiotics may boost the immune system. A strong immune system will always reduce the effect of a viral infection.

It may also be wise to try a zinc supplement. Some studies have shown that by increasing zinc levels by about 30 milligrams per day, the number of outbreaks is slowed down. Using a coating of zinc cream to the affected areas, has been described as a method for treating the herpes virus.

A diet rich in vitamin C helps speed up the process of healing the herpes sores when they appear. Make sure to eat plenty of raw yellow or red peppers. They are great as side dishes at dinner, or for a bedtime snack. Colorful fruits such as raspberries, strawberries, kiwi fruit, and of course oranges, will really help increase the vitamin C you need.

Some herbs have been shown to have good antiviral properties. Eating herbs such as echinacea and elderberry are recommended. These two herbs may reduce the symptoms of herpes. And by boosting the immune system, they may help reduce the incidence of new outbreaks.

It seems like when you are looking for home remedies for cold sores, there is plenty of advice on how to take care of the blemish over time. However, cold sores are definitely unsightly and they can be quite embarrassing. You will need to learn how to get rid of cold sores fast, especially if you have an event or meeting coming up when you need to look your best. Are there home remedies for cold sores that will actually work quickly? Yes, there are!

Read on to learn how to get rid of cold sores fast and then you can be done with that blemish before it has any time to cause you problems.

Plan.

To learn how to get rid of cold sores fast, you need a plan of action. That plan includes a series of things that you will need to do. Here is what you should do in order to get rid of that cold sore.

• Do not, repeat, do not touch the cold sore. This will only spread infection.
• Replace your toothbrush since the virus could be in the bristles.
• As soon as you feel a tingle of a breakout, apply ice to the area. You can leave the ice on for about thirty seconds at a time and you can do this through the day.
• Before you go to bed, apply the ice and then put a small dab of rubbing alcohol on the sore. This will kill infection and dry up the cold sore.

This is a very simple method to treat your cold sores. If you follow this quick and easy plan of action, you can get rid of your cold sores quicker than you thought possible. You do not have to live with the unsightly and painful blemish.

Many people deal with the virus that causes cold sores on a regular basis. The problem with this virus is that it can appear at any time, and inevitably, it seems to happen right before an important event or a big meeting.

It is quite frustrating to feel that tingling feeling that comes along with the beginnings of a cold sore. Unfortunately, many people think that the cold sore just has to run its course.  But this is not true.

You don’t have to just deal with that embarrassing blemish. Instead, all you need to do is consider a possible home remedy, for the cold sores that appear on your lips. Below are some suggestions to help clear up your cold sores, as quickly as possible.

Zinc

Scientifically, zinc has been shown to reduce the time that cold sore symptoms are around.  Zinc inhibits the replication of the herpes virus, so stops the outbreak getting any worse.

You can purchase zinc oxide cream, and put it directly onto the sores on your lips.  Also a zinc supplement, which you take internally, is a great way to raise your circulating zinc levels.  You can do this a few times a day until the cold sore heals up.

Peppermint Oil

Another useful option to relieve the symptoms of cold sores, is diluted peppermint oil. This oil helps inhibit the activity of viruses.  The best way to use it, is to mix a little peppermint oil with some coconut oil.  Then dab a little of the oil mix on the affected area.  This can be done a number of times during the day.  The cooling sensation of the oil will also feel very good to the painful area.

Milk

Did you know that whole milk is another great option for healing cold sores? This works for sores that appear on either the inside or outside of the mouth.  On the outside of the mouth, just dab a little milk on the blemish as soon as you feel it coming on.  A cotton ball soaked in milk and held on the sore for about 10 minutes, also works well.

Wondering how whole milk works.  Well, milk contains a protein called lactoferrin which helps fight against the herpes simplex virus.  And, whole milk also contains a fatty acid called linoleic acid, which has antiviral properties.

The advantage of some of these home remedies, is that they use products that you may already have in your cupboard.  This means that you can start treatment as soon as you feel the first tingle.

Home remedies for cold sores on lips can actually work, and they can work quickly so that you can avoid an embarrassing breakout before it happens.