What causes a cold sore?
Cold sores are a result of the herpes simplex virus. This attaches itself to the nervous system and is difficult to control. Once you have the virus you are constantly at risk of developing a cold sore. The virus causes cold sores to be in the background always waiting to be reactivated so prevention can be just as important as treatment. Some things that cold sore triggers are:
Fever Infection, colds and flu Ultraviolet radiation, such as a sunburn Stress Fatigue Changes in the immune system Food allergies Trauma Menstruation Dental work
Knowing what triggers a cold sore can help you prevent or treat it just when it is emerging. Often, however, the development of a cold sore can be inevitable so here are tips that will help you get rid of a cold sore fast.
How To Get Rid Of A Cold Sore Fast
1. Zinc
Zinc will help to boost your immune system. As cold sores may be triggered by stress you can try sucking on zinc lozenges during stressful times. You may also like to apply zinc oxide cream to your cold sore. It has been found that when people used zinc oxide cream their cold sores healed faster and people experienced less side effects than those who applied a placebo cream [1]. Zinc is a trace mineral that is also available through foods such as beef, port, shellfish, peanuts, and legumes. Zinc, however can interact with certain antibiotics and drugs and can be dangerous when taken in high doses so it is recommended that you consult with your doctor when using zinc.
2. Lysine
Lysine is an amino acid that is found in the protein of foods such as cheese, yogurt, meat, milk and beans. Lysine has been found to reduce the number of recurring outbreaks of cold sores and it also helps to reduce the length of time that a cold sore lasts. You can take lysine supplements or eat food that is high in lysine such as chicken, fish, eggs and potatoes. Lysine, however should be taken with care as high levels can increase the amount of calcium absorbed by the body. Individuals with high cholesterol should consult a doctor before taking Lysine.
3. Ice
If you ice a cold sore when you first feel it forming, you may reduce the time it stays around. Ice packs and cold compresses will also help relieve the pain. Alternatively, you can buy yourself a very cold drink and this can also help elevate the pain while helping the sore disappear quickly [2].
4. Milk
Milk contains proteins known as immunoglobulins. These proteins are essentially anti-bodies that help to fight against and prevent viruses like herpes. It also contains l-lysine. [3] Placing a whole milk compress on your cold sore can help it heal faster and can also help minimize the pain. You can prevent outbreaks by drinking whole milk as this will help you get a dose of l-lysine. If you already have a cold sore you can soak a cotton ball in approximately 1 tablespoon of milk and apply it to the cold sore for several minutes.
5. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide can help speed up the rate at which the cold sore heals. As a disinfectant, it also makes it harder for the cold sore to spread or worsen. As the sore is already infected by the virus, keeping it clean can help it heal faster. To use hydrogen peroxide, soak a cotton ball in 1 tablespoon of the peroxide. Place the cotton ball directly on the sore and hold it there for a few seconds. Rinse it off after approximately 5 minutes.
6. Bees Wax
Propolis helps cold sores heal quickly and can also aid in reducing the pain. Bees use the natural resin propolis to build their hives. Propolis is created from the buds of trees, bees wax and other byproducts of the bees. It has been used historically to treat wounds and abscesses. It has been found that in test tubes propolis stops the herpes virus from reproducing.
7. Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly contains natural emollients. [4]This helps to soften the skin that is affected by the cold sore. As the jelly is very thick it also helps create a barrier that can stop bacteria from entering the cold sore, thus preventing a bacterial infection. Such an infection makes the cold sore last for a longer period of time. To use petroleum jelly, make sure your hands are clean, then using a finger put a thin coat of jelly directly onto the sore. You can reapply the jelly as many times as you like throughout the day until the cold sore disappears.
8. Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract contains potent anti-infection properties and this makes it effective in healing the viral infection that causes the cold sore. As vanilla is also an anti-inflammatory it can help to reduce cold sore pain. You must use 100% pure vanilla extract for it to be effective. To use take the extract and put a couple of drops onto a cotton swap. Place the swab directly on the cold sore. You can repeat every six hours.
9. Apply Sunscreen Even on Your Lips
Exposure to light, in particular UV light can cause a cold sore to appear. When you are outside, it will help to apply lip balm with an SPF value no less than 15 to ward off the unwanted sore.
10. Licorice
Some studies have shown that glycyrhizic acid, an ingredient in licorice root can stop the development of the virus cells that form the cold sore. As licorice root is has anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties it is also useful in reducing unwanted symptoms. To gain benefit from this plant you will need to get licorice powder and make it into a cream. Mix one tablespoon of licorice root powder to ½ teaspoon of fresh water or petroleum jelly. Dab a thin layer of the mixture over the sore and leave for at least several hours. Try one or a few of these remedies and you will be sure to get rid of you cold sore fast.
11. Throw away Your Toothbrush
Your toothbrush will carry the cold sore virus, so you should throw away your toothbrush after the blister has formed, and then you should throw away the second toothbrush when the sore has cleaned up. This will vastly reduce the chance of a second outbreak.
12. Have More Vitamins E and C
Vitamin C will help to get rid of a cold sore as it helps to boost your white blood cell count, and white blood cells defend your body from nasty infections. You can also apply vitamin E topically to the infection to reduce the pain that you are feeling. If you want to try this you can buy vitamin E oil tablets from your local pharmacy. Featured photo credit: Lolostock via shutterstock.com
