To get rid of a cold sore in a timely manner, it helps to know the enemy.

Herpes simplex virus causes cold sores by destroying millions of surface cells in its process of creating new copies of itself. These exploded cells merge to create one large ulcer.

Stress, whether mental or physical, is the trigger that causes just the right conditions for the virus to come out of hibernation. Normally latent, the virus quickly senses this opportunity because it lives in your nerve fibers.

Change in your body is caused by stress. These changes will provide ideal conditions for virus replication. Some important effects of stress are hormone changes, rapid burning of the B and C vitamins, over-taxing your immune system, and a shift of the acid/alkaline balance toward the acid side.

The body can and will get rid of a cold sore without any help from us. But who wants to suffer for 3 to 4 weeks, when we do not need to?

You want to get rid of a cold sore as quick as possible and here are a few tricks that will do just that.

1. GIVE THE VIRUS A COLD SHOWER. During the first tingling sensation to the swelling up, the virus is in the process of replicating. If you put ice or any cold object on the area, you will slow or possibly stop the virus from going any further. Makes you feel better too.

2. LYSINE LEAVES A BAD TASTE IN THE VIRUS MOUTH. Two amino acids that play a big role in cold sores are lysine and arginine. The virus needs arginine to create new virus. When you take lysine, it removes a lot of the arginine from the cell, making it impossible for the virus to replicate. Normal therapeutic dosage is 2 to 4 grams per day.

3. WIPE OUT THE VIRUS INVASION. You will put a huge dent in the virus army by sterilizing the wound with hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. Peroxide is my favorite because it also adds extra healing oxygen. This will help you get rid of a cold sore quickly.

4. DO NOT FEED THE VIRUS. Avoid eating acid type foods - especially where they may touch the cold sore. Vinegar items and tomatoes are common offenders. Try taking a good vitamin and mineral supplement to help keep your body more alkaline - which will discourage future cold sores too.

Just a couple of final comments I would like to give you that may help you get rid of that cold sore a little faster.

There is not a person that would not benefit from a daily vitamin and mineral regimen. It will not only protect you from cold sores, but other diseases as well. The B and C vitamins help reduce the effects of stress, and the minerals help keep your body alkaline.

One final word on the ice therapy. Use ice prior to the actual cold sore opening up. After that point, use warmth to bring blood to the wound and speed healing.

Without a doubt, there are many more great tactics you can use to help you get rid of a cold sore, but these are well proven and will help you get a quick start.