How to get rid of cold sores once and for all
The herpes simplex virus type 1 causes cold sores. Once you have the virus it will lie dormant in your nerve cells until a stressor triggers it and then it will move to your lips. You can get rid of cold sores once they appear by following the tips below.
Cold sores are extremely contagious and it is best to avoid any contact with a cold sore. They can even spread by sharing cutlery, toothbrushes, and razor blades with someone who is having a cold sore outbreak.
The best way to prevent and control cold sore outbreaks is to wash your hands frequently with soap and hot water whenever you have come into direct contact with a cold sore. This will also build a healthy immune system that will strengthen the body’s ability to fight the herpes virus. Echinacea is a well-know immune system booster. You can take the prescribed amount daily to strengthen your immune system.
Things that can trigger a cold sore outbreak include overexposure to the sun, personal stress, illness and fatigue. Because the virus lies dormant in the nerve cells, it knows when the body is under any form of stress providing the ideal opportunity for it to become active.
UV exposure and excessive sunshine triggers cold sores, so it is very important to cover your lips with a lip balm containing a high sun protection factor.
Lysine is and amino acid that hampers the growth of the herpes virus. You can take a daily Lysine supplement of 500mg or eat yogurt rich in lysine to prevent cold sores. The herpes virus needs arginine to grow and it encourages more rapid spreading. Avoid consuming foods rich in arginine such as chocolates, caffeinated drinks, peanuts, cashew nuts, peanut butter, gelatine, beer and peas.
Essential oils such as Tea Tree, Bergamot, Geranium, Rose and Melissa can be applied directly onto the cold sore twice a day to increase healing.
Lemon balm is superb in treating cold sores because of its antibacterial and antiviral properties. You can apply lemon balm straight to the cold sore or you can make a strong lemon balm tea and drink it.
The tissue salt Ferrum Phos is an excellent anti-inflammatory and will reduce the pain and inflammation.
As soon as you feel the first tingling of a cold sore, apply a piece of ice directly onto the area to ten minutes every hour. This will prevent the rapid growth of the cold sore and decreases the chances of it erupting.
Vitamin C is a great remedy for shortening the duration of the cold sore. Take 200 to 500 milligram of vitamin C along with 200 to 500 milligrams of bioflavanoids three times a day.
Following these tips and avoiding the triggers that causes your cold sore outbreaks will leave your lips and nose free form any nasty old blisters. You will be rid of your cold sores once and for all!
