Herpes simplex 1 is the virus behind cold sores. Up to 80% of the population has this virus in their body, though it is dormant for much of the time. Anyone who has ever had a painful and ugly outbreak has one main question that they want to be answered: how to get rid of cold sores fast. Even though cold sores don't last forever, it can seem that way sometimes. But there are some things you can do to make life a little easier.
It's also a good idea to avoid using personal items from anyone who has an active outbreak. Steer clear of razors, toothbrushes, glasses, lipstick, etc. You'll also want to keep the kissing to a minimum, sorry.
Cold sores will be more likely to rear their ugly little heads when you are over stressed or overtired. Try to keep balance in your life (not always easy I know) and you might be able to avoid some outbreaks.
Once you've got a cold sore the only thing you can think of is how to get rid of cold sores fast. The sooner you start treating your cold sore the sooner you can be rid of it.
Here are some ideas:
1. Keep the area around the cold sore dry and clean. Cold sores love moist environments so by keeping the area clean and dry you are depriving it of what it needs to make its self at home.
2. As soon as you get an outbreak, get a new toothbrush or sanitize your expensive one right away to kill the virus. The moist toothbrush can actually harbor more of the virus. Also, don't forget that if your toothbrush has come into contact with the tube of toothpaste, make sure you replace that too.
3. Take dietary supplements and vitamins to improve your immune system so your body can fight the virus effectively! Natural and organic vitamin complexes do help with the suppressed immune system as well as Vitamin C found in ether supplement or fresh fruit. If you're in the middle of a cold sore outbreak, however, acidic fruits are not recommended as acid may further irritate already affected skin. You may not totally stop an outbreak, but you might be able to hasten its departure.
4. Learn to deal with stressful situations by learning to meditate, or do yoga, or whatever it is that will help you keep balance in your life and reduce stress because stress suppresses your immune system and helps herpes virus go wild.
6. Lastly, If you seem to get cold sores often, get to your doctor and ask for acyclovir prescription (brand name Zovirax or any generic oral acyclovir, an antiviral drug that treats Herpes virus. Your doctor may also prescribe a topical ointment). Acyclovir topical ointment fights Herpes Simplex virus effectively, especially if applied during the first signs of cold sore forming (you may feel tingling sensation and itch when a cold sore is about to appear). Keep the tube of Zovirax nearby during the cold season as cold sores usually appear during the time when your immune system is compromised.
Remember, that most of us have this virus in our system, many of us have had since we were kids, so we just have to learn how to live with it. Do everything possible to keep your body healthy and avoid an outbreak in the first place. But if despite your best efforts, you still get a cold sore, make sure not to kiss your loved ones just for a little while and follow the advice above.
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