While cold sores are a pretty common complaint, knowing this isn’t going to make too many people feel better about having this unattractive, uncomfortable condition. Even if you happen to suffer from cold sores, you can cut down on the length of time it sticks around; and you may even be able to prevent one form happening in the first place.

A cold sore will usually heal in seven to ten days all by itself. However, this is a lot longer than most of us would like to have a cold sore. This is particularly true given the kind of timing that cold sores seem to have – they seem to know when you have a social obligation coming up and choose that time to appear. To cut down on the healing time, here are a few tips which can help. The first step is to know how cold sores work.

Cold sores are not curable – they’re a viral infection (herpes simplex). You can’t treat the infection with antibiotics. However, you can treat the symptoms, which cut down on the length of an outbreak.

While you can’t cure the viral infection, you can help to prevent outbreaks by taking some simple steps. You can also heal outbreaks in as little as 24 hours in many cases. This is why we started this website in the first place ? we know how inconvenient cold sores can be and want to help everyone fight off these annoyances.

There are around 40 million people who have a cold sore outbreak each year. Cold sores tend to appear on or near the mouth. There are many factors which can increase the likelihood of an outbreak, however, all of these factors have to do with a weakened immune system. Stress, lack of sleep, a poor diet and an immune system compromised by fighting off another disease (the common cold, for instance) can all lead to an outbreak.

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 of us don’t want to resort to prescription drugs to deal with our cold sores. They’re expensive, may not be much more effective than other remedies, and require a trip to the doctor. However, there are a few simple things you can do to make having a cold sore a lot shorter and easier.

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.

To prevent cold sores, take good care of yourself. Watch your diet, and get enough sleep. Be on the lookout for these sores if you’ve been feeling ill or tired – take extra measures to treat yourself well. Hopefully, you’ll be able to avoid these inconvenient blemishes entirely!