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Which Cold Sore Remedies Will Heal My Cold Sores Best?

By Denny Bodoh

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 05Apr2010 Word count: 734 Viewed: 894 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

If you are searching for cold sore remedies, then this article is for you. Stop putting up with the pain and embarrassment and start living again with cold sore remedies that truly work.

Good cold sore remedies can be essential for maintaining your happiness and well-being. Few things can bring a good day crashing back to earth faster than an unwelcomed tingle on your lips.

It is the announcement of a soon to arrive cold sore. As unpleasant as this recurring and unwelcomed guest is, there are effective cold sore remedies.

Cold sores are caused by the herpes virus. When the virus infects you and develops into an active state, its arrival is usually proceeded by irritating symptoms.

Before an outbreak, sufferers will usually feel an itching, tingling, or a burning sensation on the skin. Shortly afterwards a small blister or group of blisters will form.

A clear fluid fills these blisters. After forming, the blisters will break then drain before creating a healing scab.

To speed the healing process, some folks pick open the blisters and allow them to drain before the membrane breaks. This can be painful so use caution. Also, keep in mind that the draining fluid is extremely contagious.

In most cases, after healing, no scarring remains. However, the annoying little devils are not gone forever.

There currently is no known therapy for total removal of this virus from your body. They are extremely small viruses and experts at hiding. Even your immune system cannot find them when they are dormant.

They can and will often make their presence known under conditions such as stress, fever, excess sun exposure, menstrual periods, and trauma (including surgery).

If that is not enough to be concerned about, cold sores can reappear without any stimulation. If you are prone to them, it is unfortunately a condition you will have to resign yourself to from time to time.

Even though outbreaks are unwelcome, you can deal with them. Not only can you heal them quickly, it is possible to prevent many of them the more you know about this virus.

Some foods will strengthen as well as weaken the virus. For example, these sores feed on arginine. You should avoid foods containing this protein as much as possible.

Arginine is an essential amino acid found in chocolate, peanuts, other nuts, grains, peas, seeds, oatmeal, wheat and meats.

Lysine is another amino acid that works in your favor. It tends to neutralize arginine in your system. Foods high in lysine include dairy products such as yogurt and cheese. Most people, however, use lysine capsules and take about 3000 milligrams daily.

When outbreaks do occur, there are some excellent cold sore remedies you should use to speed up healing.

Because a cold sore is a type of herpes virus, once it starts it will usually run its course. Yes, your body can heal them but it is a very slow process for you to have to endure.

When the blisters are present, avoid touching them with your hands. It is also wise to avoid kissing and any type of intimate activity. This is one very contagious bug.

Outbreak durations are usually 14 to 25 days - much less with proper self-treatment. If they last longer, consult your physician.

During this period, keeping the affected area coated with petroleum jelly will speed the healing process and help keep secondary infection from gaining access.

The use of local anesthetic ointments containing benzocaine will help reduce the pain. Other over the counter products such as aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen will offer different degrees of relief as well.

Change your toothbrush as soon as you realize a cold sore is coming. After the cold sore has passed, change your toothbrush again, or you can sterilize it in the dishwasher.

When outside during daylight hours, you can use sunscreen rated at SPF 15 or higher on your lips. Having a cold sore is a stressful experience. When possible avoid additional stress and stressful situations. This will help healing.

Eating real licorice candy or zinc lozenges is another excellent cold sore remedy.

Not all cold sore remedies will work as well for you as they might for others. You are unique and may have different causes or areas of weakness that you need to address.

Do not be discouraged. You must try different things until you find the perfect cold sore remedies that work best for you.

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