Once you know how to get rid of cold sores you will have big relief when you need it most. You have probably seen some wild claims for cold sore cures. They try to convince you they have the bottled answer as to how to get rid of cold sores.

You buy it and discover yet another product that does not live up to the claims.

To best know how to get rid of cold sores, you should first learn what creates a cold sore. Then you can try some real proven methods.

The cause of all oral herpes outbreaks (also known as a cold sore or fever blister) is the herpes simplex virus. Herpes type 1 is most common, but it could be type 2. Both types create similar sores.

This herpes simplex virus is carried by 90% of the world population. It is contagious and tough. It lives for a lifetime in the nerve fibers in the area where you were first infected.

Under normal conditions, the herpes simplex virus is dormant. It causes no problems while it remains in this state. About 34% of those infected will not see one cold sore. The other 66% will get reoccurring blisters.

Stress reduces your immunity, allowing the herpes virus to worm its way to your skin surface. Once there, the virus takes control of the nerve cells and makes them create new virus particles.

Now swollen and jam-packed with new virus copies, the cells break open to release them. All these millions of broken cells create the oral herpes cold sore you see.

Now new nerve and skin cells need to be regenerated to replace the destroyed cells.

How fast your cold sore will heal depends on your physical condition and your activity level. Also, certain nutrients are critical at this point. These include proteins and vitamins from diet or supplements.

If you are here to learn how to get rid of cold sores currently pestering you, I can help. But, in the process, you will likely find it is easy to prevent future cold sore outbreaks as well.

1. YOUR FIRST WARNING OF A COLD SORE

If you feel an itching, dryness or burning in the target area, you will develop a cold sore in that spot within a couple days. By acting quickly, you could slow down the virus and possibly avoid the lengthy healing process.

As soon as you recognize these symptoms, apply ice cubes or other cold item to the spot. Sometimes, the herpes virus will be discouraged to the point of retreating back into hiding. Beautiful!

2. PROPER COLD SORE CLEANSING MEANS QUICK HEALING

Your body knows how to get rid of cold sores. It creates a thick fluid that continuously washes away as much of the oral herpes virus as possible.

Now you can really help and speed up this process.

You should wash the sore as often as practical. By cleansing with alcohol soaked cotton balls or tissues, you will aid your body in ridding itself of these new viruses. With this action, you will also help prevent a secondary infection.

3. COLD SORE CELL RENEWAL

Ice used now will greatly slow the healing process of your open wound. Use heat application instead of cold. This will provide more healing blood to the area.

Hot tea bags are perfect for this cold sore treatment. Black tea bags are cheap and convenient. Tea also provides micro-nutrients that aid in cell protection and repair. Use once and throw away.

Boil the tea bags in water. Do not use the microwave as it will destroy the tea bag healing properties. The longer you apply heat to the wound, the quicker you will heal. 15 to 20 minute sessions are recommended.

If you want to know how to get rid of cold sores, I believe these methods give you a strong foundation. Keep searching and trying new things. By doing so, you will discover the best ways how to get rid of cold sores in your life.