What is the best cold sore treatment?

Introduction to cold sores

A cold sore usually appears on the mouth and is related to the herpes simplex 1 virus. This is a condition that comes back very commonly because the virus often stays in the body even when the sore heals up.

Therefore, people will usually need some type of antiviral medication in order to make the sore go away as quickly as possible.

There are some oral medications that doctors will recommended, such as acyclovir, also with some types of medicated ointments and creams. However, there are also natural remedies for getting rid of cold sores.

Natural remedies

Ice is one of the simplest ways to treat the cold sore. As soon as a person feels that a cold sore is developing, usually with an itching and tingling sensation around the mouth, ice should be applied to the area.

Also, once the sore opens, it is a good idea to put ice on the sore, because this will numb the area, stop the itching and give the person comfort while waiting for the skin to repair itself.

Many people use lysine for cold sores. It is a good idea to take 3,000 or 5,000 milligrams in capsule form during the entire outbreak of the sore.

Since the cold sore has a good chance of coming back, it is a good idea to take 500 milligrams each day as a preventive measure as well.

Tea is also a good natural remedy. Wetted or frozen tea bags can be used in the same way that ice is used; however, tea is much more effective. When the cold sores appear, use warm tea bags and put the bag on the affected area for 15 minutes at a time.

The tea contains nutrients that will fight the virus, which is why it is better than ice on its own.

Zinc will also help to get rid of the cold sore at a faster rate. There are zinc nasal gels that can be used, but it needs to be taken as an oral supplement as well. When using the nasal spray, it gets into the bloodstream much faster and will absorb into the sore a lot faster.

Make sure to consume a lot of calcium as well because it is a mineral that is necessary to keep the body alkaline.

It is also very important to remember that these sores are very contagious, that is why people need to take extra care during an outbreak.

It is important not to share things such as utensils, towels and bed linens with other people during an outbreak.