How to Cure Cold Sores

You think you will have or you already have a cold sore. You don't like cold sores. How do you cure yourself of this curse? Can it be prevented? This article answers just that.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• It depends on the desired approach.

1. 
   Cold sore virus (herpes simplex)

   There is currently no way to eliminate the herpes simplex virus (HSV) that causes cold sores from your body. You can, however, kill the virus locally and also treat and prevent cold sores (outbreaks).

2. 
   A box of lancets can be useful when dealing with cold sores physically

   The Aggressive Way
   
   Go to a drugstore and get a box of new LANCETS, they are thin and small needles. You want new needles because they are sterilized. Wash your hands and lip. Then "sterilize" the area with alcohol. You should then proceed to prick the middle of the cold sore bubble (Don't go deep or you will be spreading the virus). Squeeze the fluid out with something that is sterilized. After you think all the fluid is out then use alcohol and burn the hell out of the cold sore. After that, proceed to dip your lesion inside a hydrogen peroxide solution (you can put the solution in a spoon or a glass of tequila). Leave it in for some minutes. This is an important step. After you are done use a piece of ice wrapped by something sterile to lessen swelling. The cold sore could refill. If it does, repeat whole process.
   
   For information on how to sterilize things check out my article link at the resources section near the bottom of the page (resources section).

3. 
   Most cold sore topical creams will come in small tubes

   The Chemical Way
   
   Studies have shown that zinc oxide/glycine topical cream shortens the duration of outbreaks.
   
   There's many over the counter topical medicines that can to do the job.
   
   Always read product labels.
   
   These methods reduce duration of blisters.

4. 
   Nutrition is necessary in order to have a good immune system.

   The Natural Way
   
   Lysine, a natural amino acid (protein) helps stop the virus from replicating. You could consider taking Lysine supplements with high concentrations (but don't go crazy!). If you feel the tingle you get in the lip right before a cold sore appears, take about 3100 mg of Lysine. Arginine (another amino acid) has the opposite effect.
   
   Try nutritiondata.com to find out amino acid ratios in foods. You want foods high in lysine and low in arginine.
   
   A friend of mine says emu oil on the cold sore does wonders, I don't know if this works but it could. There's many natural home remedies out there (most might not work, but some could!).
   
   Cold sores normally appear at moments when your immune system is at is weakest (like when you don't sleep much, eat the wrong foods or nerves and preoccupations are very high). A way to help prevent this is to simply have a stronger immune system. To accomplish this you must eat the right foods, sleep a lot, and be at peace.

Tips & Warnings

• For information on how to sterilize things check out my article link at the resources section near the bottom of the page (resources section).
• The cold sore virus is extremely contagious. Do not touch anyone after touching the sore. Do not touch yourself, and specially don't touch your eyes!!!
• If you give the virus to someone they will have it the rest of their lives...

Resources

• How to Sterilize Things

[soanyway]

on 3/2/2009 I did this but used nail polish remover! It really works but stings like hell!!!!

[Mitestarossa]

on 3/2/2009 Great tips.