Treating a cold sore and enjoying fast relief can actually be quite easy. And here is the best news! You do not have to spend your money on any expensive commercial or prescription cold sore remedies for treating a cold sore.
You can choose from either internal or external remedies. But you will see the very best results and fastest healing times when using both types of treatment together.
A. TREATING WITH EXTERNAL REMEDY OPTIONS.
Because cold sores always appear on the surface, external remedies are the primary choice for treatment. Here are four well-proven topical remedies that will give you fast results.
1. COLD THERAPY.
During your early stages of an outbreak, ice works wonders. Ice reduces swelling and relieves pain. And it interferes with the herpes replication process.
Ice, or any cold application, actually slows down, or stops, your outbreak if applied as soon as the itching or tingling signs appear.
2. GARLIC OIL THERAPY.
Garlic oil is very effective when used for treating a cold sore. Start applying it as soon as you sense a new outbreak emerging. Keep applying it until your sore is completely gone.
Garlic is strong medicine and often will chase the herpes virus right back into hibernation. Your best bet is to cut fresh garlic and rub it on the sore area. Crushing works great too.
If this is not convenient, you can buy garlic oil gel-caps at the vitamin store. These are designed for internal use, but you can prick them and squeeze the oil on your sore.
3. HEAT THERAPY.
Once the sore opens up, quit using cold therapy. The virus has done its damage and you now are in the healing stage. Ice slows healing. Now you must apply heat.
The best way to apply heat is by using warm tea bags. Application of heat will greatly speed healing. Plus, tea contains some unique healing and anti-virus properties.
Any tea, such as black or herb teas, will work fine. Best results have been seen with any tea that includes peppermint in it.
Heat the tea bag only in hot water, not the microwave. Microwave radiation destroys the benefits of the tea.
4. PEROXIDE THERAPY.
Continuously sterilizing the sore area is very important to your overall success. Alcohol soaked tissues is the most commonly used method to do this.
Consider using hydrogen peroxide instead. It is a great cleanser and germ killer. The real bonus, however, is that peroxide is rich in oxygen molecules. It leaves some of the oxygen behind when you use it. This makes for faster healing.
B. TREATING WITH INTERNAL REMEDY OPTIONS.
Treating a cold sore by internal therapies will help speed up your results when using any of the external remedies. And keep in mind that internal remedies are the only way you will avoid future attacks.
1. LYSINE THERAPY.
Lysine prevents the herpes virus from grabbing the protein (arginine) that it must have to replicate. If you can flood your cells with enough lysine, you can stop the sore from developing any further.
To be effective for treating a cold sore, the lysine must get into the cells directly from your bloodstream. The only way to do this is to take in lysine by food or supplementation.
Dairy products, especially from Wisconsin, and some fish are excellent sources of high quality lysine. But, it is difficult to get the therapeutic levels you need from diet alone.
Do what most people do and use lysine capsules (not tablets). They are easy to locate and very economical. Then you will know exactly what dosage you are getting and what the right dosage is for you.
It is common to take from 2000 to 5000 milligrams a day during the active outbreak period. Many people take 500 milligrams daily as a preventative.
2. VITAMIN THERAPY.
If you are a victim of repeated outbreaks, you should seriously begin taking a good quality vitamin supplement.
Vitamins D, E and A are important for cell and skin repair. Vitamins C and all the B family help also, plus reducing the effects of stress. As you know, stress is the top trigger for outbreaks.
Two minerals that especially stand out for cold sore treatment are zinc and calcium. They should also be included in high amounts in your supplement.
Zinc is the healing mineral. You need about 15 to 30 milligrams per day.
The most important mineral, though, is Calcium. This is the main mineral used by your body to fight acidity in your body. If you can keep your body alkaline, and out of the acid range, you will likely seldom be bothered by oral herpes sores. 1000 milligrams daily should be a minimum intake.
There are other techniques for you to try also, but there is not room here to list them. Rest assured, however, that these above are much better than any store-bought cold sore remedies.
You will enjoy peace and freedom and a much happier social life by treating a cold sore quickly and correctly and practicing the good prevention methods above.
Want more advanced ways of treating a cold sore? If so, stop by Denny Bodoh's wonderful web site, packed with excellent info about Cold Sores. You will find some truly amazing cold sore remedies that will quickly put a smile back on your face.
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