How To Get Rid of Cold Sores Effectively

Once cold sores appear, the basic question that comes to our mind is how to get rid of cold sores quickly and we can do this by using some proven cold sore remedies.

Cold sores are painful blisters that tend to appear around your mouth. They are highly contagious, and the first step to avoid having it is prevention.

Symptoms

The first thing we need to know is about the symptoms that indicate about the cold sores. The initial symptoms usually include pain around the mouth or lips, fever, sore throat, swollen glands, or pain in other body parts. Pain or tingling sensations occur a day or two before the lesions are formed, and sometimes there is numbness, itching or burning.

herpes virus - cold sores

In children, before they occur, it is noticed that they tend to drool a lot. Small painful blisters will form around the mouth. Small vesicles appear dry, and it may last from several days to several weeks. Fever, menstruation, stress, food allergies, pregnancy, hormonal changes and sun exposure are some factors that can trigger a recurrence of infection of herpes labialis, infection of the mouth, lips, or gums caused by herpes simplex virus.

Some True and Tried Cold Sore Remedies

The below treatment methods suggest different solutions on how to get rid of cold sores.

• Benzyl alcohol helps to relieve symptoms.
• An antiviral ointment or medication will help reduce the duration of cold sores and pain.
• Painkillers such as aspirin, acetaminophen may help. Lotions and supplements can reduce the time of infection in half.
• Essential plant oils help speed the healing process.
• Application of ice to the affected area when you feel the first tingling sensation.
• Regularly wash the area, and also remember to wash your hands to prevent the spread of infection.
• Take L-lysine an amino acid. Also suggested is 200 mg of ginseng, that also provides a solution on how to get rid of cold sores.

Prevention of Cold Sores

If you have an infection, avoid contact with infants, eczema sufferers, or those with weakened immune systems. Avoid skin contact and kissing. Wash your hands so as not to infect other parts of your body. Avoid triggers such as stress and sunburn. Apply a lip balm and sunscreen.

When To See a Doctor

• If you have a pre-existing disease or medical condition that affects your immune system.
• If you are undergoing chemotherapy or undergoing other types of treatment.
• Cold sore does not heal on its own within two weeks.
• Your symptoms are severe or seem worse than normal.
• The infection spreads from one region to another.
• Beware if the virus reaches your eye, you should immediately consult doctor in such case.

Concluding Thoughts on Getting Rid of Cold Sores

Herpes simplex virus causes the infection herpes labialis, which is highly contagious; and especially once a person contacts with it, he is always seeking the answer on to how to get rid of cold sores. As the infection remains in the body for a long time, we must rake all measures to stop its occurrence and prevent its recurrence, and especially to limit its spread to other people.