How to Get Rid of Cold Sores

Cold sores lie dormant in certain nerve cells of the body until activated by anxiety, a cold, stress or excessive exposure to the sun. These sores can last anywhere from seven to 14 days. Many people use the term "canker sore" and "cold sore" interchangeably, but they are very different. Canker sores are bacterial infections that are on the inside of the mouth and are characterized by white, small, round areas surrounded by a halo of red. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. Also, canker sores are not contagious, while cold sores are.

If you are one of the many people afflicted with cold sores, you hate the pain and ugliness associated with them and you want to get rid of them fast. Attempting to camouflage a cold sore only worsens the problem. There isn't much you can do about the way a cold sore looks, but you can do a few things to speed healing, decrease comfort, and keep it from coming back. There are also ways to prevent cold sores and prevent from passing them to others.

Here are some things you can do to prevent and get rid of cold sores:

1. Keep them covered: Keep cold sores covered with a protective and petroleum based product. This helps the healing process and protects it from forming a secondary bacterial infection.

2. Use Painkillers: Take Tylenol, Aspirin or Motrin. Cold sores can be very painful and only over-the-counter painkillers can help.

3. Avoid Acidic and Salty Foods: Foods like citrus fruits and potato chips and irritate cold sores and add to the pain, so avoid them when you have an outbreak.

4. Use an Anesthetic: There are many over-the-counter anesthetics you can use to numb the pain temporarily. Abreva is one of the many over-the-counter products that helps the pain and promotes healing.

5. See a Doctor: Talk to your health care provider. If you get cold sores often, see your doctor, in some cases they can prescribe an antiviral medication called acyclovir to help.

6. Use Sunscreen: Keep your lips protected from the sun. Sunscreen to the lips may prevent recurrences of cold sores caused by sun exposure. Use sunscreen that is designed for the lips and has an SPF of 15 or higher. Or you can choose a lipstick that contains sunscreen.

7. Prevent them from Spreading: Cold Sores are extremely contagious, so you should avoid kissing anyone, sharing cups, towels, or other personal items. If you touch your cold sore, then immediately wash your hands. Take care not to touch your eyes or genitals after touching a cold sore.

Using these preventative techniques and treatments will help alleviate the symptoms associated with cold sores and prevent them from reoccurring.