The Beauty of the Cold Sore.
Are you one of the 60 million people that will need to know how to get rid of a cold sore this year? Well, since it's that time of year again, stress time, this would be a great time to re-look at the subject. In this article we'll be covering what a cold sore is, how to get rid of it and finally how to prevent future cold sores.
How to get rid of a cold sore has been an age old question. A quick internet search will reveal ways to get rid of cold sores from home remedies such as Jack Daniels (my favorite) and after shave to some of the more modern methods like prescribed drugs like Penciclovir, Aciclovire, Valicyclovir, and Ganciclovir.
Before we actually get into relief of the cold sore we have to cover some basic ground. Let's start with some basics about cold sores like:
What the heck is a cold sore?
Glad you asked! In basic terminology a cold sore is the ending of a herpes virus flare up. Normally, the virus is latent or kind of lurking in the background. Unfortunately, it isn't something you can rid your body of. And even if you could it wouldn't be long before your old buddy is back because approx. 91% of all people carry the cold sore virus and sooner or later you'll have it again.
Dude it's fugly!
Cold sores can be down right painful and darn, if the buggers don't want to hang around for a week to 10 days. Generally starting with a "tingling" feeling that's followed up by fluid filled pustules (there's a word that just rings with disgust) we call the cold sore, some times also referred to as a fever blister. And, to make it even more attractive, it's also contagious.
Why do we get cold sores?
Well, as stated above, one of the biggest reasons is attributed to stress. Cold sores and stress, like soup and a sandwich, just kinda go together. Stress weakens the immune system, the herpes virus (lurking in the nerve cells near the breakout) take advantage of the weakened system and flare up. Poof! Instant cold sore. Some other possible causes that have been alluded to are exposure to the sun, illness, fevers, and as incredible as it may sound, eating too much chocolate (say it ain't so, Joe!)
Dagnabit how do we get rid of cold sores?
Well, there are some non-prescription ointments that are available to ease the pain, and an oral analgesic may also help. Alcohol (externally applied, sorry) is high on the list as chief cold sore germ killer. Sure, it can sting a bit, but, it is pretty effective. The downside is frequent application is necessary. Easy for the winos, not so much the rest of us. Well, maybe my brother.
Anyway, other options include applying ice several times a day to the cold sore area (if you can do it when you first start feeling the tingling). Next is aloe vera. Some folks have found relief by breaking off the leaf and applying the liquid right to the cold sore blister. Again this should be done 2-3 times a day.
Then there are the "pros" which would require seeing your physician. These would be prescribed for severe outbreaks of cold sores and are Zovirax, Penciclovir, Aciclovire, Valicyclovir, and Ganciclovir. But, the downside to these are possible side effects. It may just worth enduring the cold sore itself. That's between you and your physician.
How do we prevent the cold sore?
A biggie is to avoid contact with folks who already have cold sores. And try not to use things that can be shared with them like cups, towels, and utensils.
You could limit your time in the sun.
Some have found that something as easy as adding a good vitamin-mineral supplement helped. Along with a healthy diet it helps to boost the immune system, plus helps to keep your body more on the alkaline side.
Finally avoid stress. Like letting someone else have the parties at their house!
Well, that's how to get rid of a cold sore. Ultimately, there is no cure for a cold sore. Just ways to endure it and curtail it's hang time.
