Learn how to get rid of cold sores fast using some of the ideas presented in this article. Did you know that cold sores (ie fever blisters) are a side effect of the presence of the herpes simplex virus type 1? Beyond the embarrassment and annoyance, fever blisters can also be quite painful. This article will focus on how to get rid of cold sores fast.
The cause
You’ve probably heard the old adage, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Or is it wise to do what you need to do to prevent getting cold sores. They can be spread through skin contact in a number of ways including oral sex, touching, and kissing. In fact, studies would indicate that you may also want to avoid direct contact with an infected person’s towels, toothbrushes, and drinking glasses.
The process of how to get rid of cold sores quickly
If you have already contracted the herpes virus and in the situation where you want to get rid of cold sores quickly, the first thing you need to do is to minimize the symptoms. The best way to do this is to be aware of when you get a new cold sore. These actions should be followed immediately when you feel a new cold sore coming on. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Keep it dry. You can help your cold sore heal by keeping it clean and dry. Wash it off and be sure to dry it with a towel. By keeping your cold sore clean and dry, you are not giving it the optimal environment to thrive and therefore it will heal faster. If dryness bothers you, you can use a little Vaseline on your cold sore.
- Replace infected items. As soon as you can feel a cold sore coming on, then it’s time to replace your toothbrush. You may also want to replace the toothpaste tube if there has been contact between it and your toothbrush.
- Use the amino acid lysine. If you are not nursing or pregnant, you can take it as a supplement in powder or pill form. If you are breastfeeding or pregnant, be sure to include more dairy products and potatoes in your diet.
- Use antiviral substances. Substances like tea tree oil, echinacea, lemon balm, and tea bags share similar antiviral properties. After the affected area has been properly cleaned and dried, you can apply any of the latter substances to it.
- Avoid or manage stress. Since stress has been recognized as a trigger for cold sores, you should look for ways to minimize or eliminate it from your life. Other related areas for improvement include getting enough rest, exercising, and eating a healthy, balanced diet.
In conclusion
This article has covered some of the available actions you can take to minimize and control the occurrence of cold sores. Of course, if the situation worsens or takes an abnormal turn, you should seek the advice of a competent medical professional. The Internet is another great place to look for tips on how to get rid of cold sores.