Monday, December 1, 2008

How To Prevent and Treat Cold Sores The Natural Way!

By Tom Mulligan

Cold sores are pretty common, but that doesn't make them any less uncomfortable or unattractive. However, there's no need to be upset because you have a cold sore - there are things you can do to reduce the length of time you have it. If you feel one coming on, you can even try to prevent it.

Typically, a cold sore will go away on its own in a week or so. But if you happen to have a cold sore, you'd probably like it to go away a lot faster than that. If you get cold sores, you know how they have a habit of showing up at the most inopportune times. To get rid of cold sores faster, you can do a few things to help. It all begins with an understanding of how cold sores work.

You can't cure this condition. It's caused by a viral infection caused herpes simplex that sets up housekeeping inside your body. If you've noticed that you mostly get cold sores in the same spot, it's because the virus is concentrated there. Since antibiotics don't work on viruses, all we can do is treat the symptoms and encourage our bodies to heal more quickly.

You can prevent outbreaks even though you can't actually get rid of the virus. Outbreaks can be healed quickly; sometimes as fast as 24 hours. We started this website in order to help people treat and prevent cold sores - we know what a hassle they can be.

Every year, about forty million people are affected by cold sores appearing on or around the mouth. There are a lot of things that can cause a break out, but at its simplest, a cold sore is caused by a strained immune system. That means that if you have anything that's causing your immune system to be more compromised than usual - a cold, stress, fatigue, sleeplessness, a change in hormones or even eating badly lately - you have an increased likelihood of a breakout.

Cold sores start with feelings of itching or tingling. Then the area will redden and swell, resulting in the eruption of the sore itself. The sore usually goes through an oozing stage, then dries up and forms a thin scab. Of course, if you bite the sore, break through it, or are prone to scratching, you could do more damage and cause it to take longer to heal.

Most people would rather not have to use prescription medications for their cold sores. They're costly and in many cases are no more effective than are non-prescription remedies; and of course, they require a trip to your physician. There are some home remedies which can make a cold sore's stay a much shorter one.

Vitamin C can boost your immune system, and topical creams like aloe vera, lip balm, and salve can reduce the chance that your cold sore will dry out and split painfully. If it does, try an analgesic. To make your cold sore go away faster, consider taking L-Lysine. This substance promotes the healing of tissue and occurs naturally in the body.

You can also prevent cold sores by eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of sleep and generally staying in good health. Cold sores will tend to come up when you're tired, sick or stressed out. If you treat yourself well, you can prevent many cold sores. - 15343

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