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.
We hope this one will be the magic cure. And we again are disappointed.
If you truly want to know how to get rid of cold sores, then it is best you first are aware of what creates a cold sore. Then these cold sore remedies will make much more sense to you.
A cold sore event - also called a fever blister or oral herpes - is produced by the active herpes simplex virus. There are two versions - type 1 and type 2. The sores caused by either type are the same in all respects.
The herpes virus is highly contagious. Just about everyone in the world carries it - close to 90% of the population. When first entering your body, the herpes virus chooses a close-by nerve fiber as its home and will remain there for life.
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.
The cells enlarge as they become stuffed with new virus particles. Then they explode. A hoard of new virus gushes out. All the exploded cells combine to form the oral herpes cold sore ulcer.
Your body must now create replacement cells for those destroyed by the herpes simplex virus.
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 SIGN OF A COMING COLD SORE ATTACK
Hours before a cold sore appears, you will feel the virus moving to the surface as a tingling, burning or itching sensation. Treating the target area in a timely manner often delays or discourages the oral herpes cold sore from fully developing.
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. SANITIZING THE COLD SORE
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.
With your help now, you can greatly shorten healing time.
Cleaning the cold sore often with throwaway alcohol or peroxide soaked tissues will encourage healing by getting rid of the virus quickly.
3. QUICK REPAIR OF YOUR COLD SORE WOUND
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.
You must heat up the bags in water for best performance. The microwave weakens the healing nutrients in tea. Use a minimum of 15 minutes on the sore per session. The longer you apply heat, the quicker the results.
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.