How to Stop a Cold Sore from Forming Fast

Cold sores are painful and ugly. Once you got them, you have them forever.

Cold sores are cause by a herpes virus, so once you've got them, they're there for good. You will never completely get rid of them, but you can arrest their development, or make them go away more quickly once they start.

The only way I've found to stop cold sore is to use an ointment called Abreva. It comes in a tiny tube, and you put a small drop of it directly on the cold sore, or the tingly spot on your mouth where it feels like one is getting ready to form. Do that every few hours. It's the only thing I've ever seen work, although there could be other treatments out there.

While you can't get rid of the herpes virus(the cold sore type of virus is NOT the same as the OTHER herpes, so don't worry about that) you can try to help prevent others from getting it who haven't been exposed to it yet. A good portion of the population has this virus without even realizing it. They think it's just that they get cold sores occasionally when they get sick. While being sick can cause a flare up, it's not necessary; the cold sores will flare up whenever they like.

You can help prevent other people from getting the cold sore virus by practicing good hygiene, especially when you have a flare up. Keep your face and hands washed. Don't kiss and hug your family and friends, don't share your Abreva or any other topical cold sore remedy. Don't share drinking glasses or utensils.

Abreva is expensive, about $20 bucks for a little tube. But it works, so I recommend getting it, and keep it in your purse or wallet, so you can stop a cold sore wherever you are, before it gets a chance to form.