How To Get Rid Of A Cold Sore

Cold sores can be quite distressing. Not only can they be
painful but they can be quite embarrassing too, as when
they are there they are difficult to cover up, and even if
you did cover them up you would probably end out causing
yourself more irritation. I is because of these conditions
that people want to know how they can get rid of a cold
sore. Well there are many different approaches to treating
cold sores. Some are good, some are bad and some are
indifferent. Also with the advent of the internet when you
try to research cold sore remedies, you can be bombarded
with information, which, in truth can leave you more
confused than when you first started. On the whole though,
in my opinion it is more important to recognise and
understand what a cold sore is and become aware of the
symptoms that accompany a cold sore, and then you can start
to control this annoying affliction.

In a nutshell cold sores are annoying, small, painful
blisters on the lips and nearby skin, and they are caused
by the herpes simplex virus, and when you have one please
be careful as they're contagious, especially in the first 2
or 3 days after an outbreak. Now although cold sores are
not life-threatening, they can be quite dangerous if left
untreated. If you do have a cold sore please do not
despair as they are quite common, and although you can't
cure or prevent them, there are steps you can take to
control them.

Treating a cold sore and how long it lasts depending on
your health and your choice of cold sore treatments. As
previously stated, there is unfortunately no cure for cold
sores. So this means that really you are in a situation of
controlling and preventing outbreak rather than curing.
There are many different treatment options available. It is
really up to the individual what route they want to go down
to reduce the discomfort associated with cold sores and to
lessen the duration of the outbreak. One of the main
things to bear in mind is that treatments may only reduce
the duration of the cold sores by 1 to 2 days. But on the
positive side, although it does not lesson the duration
much, it can help soothe the painful blisters and other
uncomfortable symptoms. As always for your treatment you
can go down the chemical route or the natural route.
Natural treatments may include tropical creams or
ointments. Chemical treatments, on the other hand normally
come in the form of creams which you can get
non-prescription. Or you can even try an antiviral medicine
(such as acyclovir or famciclovir). One of the best things
you can do for yourself though is learn to recognise and
avoid triggers that you know are associated with when you
have a cold sore.

As well as looking out for triggers, it is a good idea to
familiarise yourself with the symptoms associate with cold
sores so that you can start treating it sooner rather than
later. Common symptoms are to feel some pain, burning, or
itching at the site of the cold sore before it appears.
Symptoms are usually most severe 8 hours after the outbreak
and can be quite similar to those of other viral infections
and may include fever, swollen glands, fatigue and multiple
sores in the mouth and on the gums. Symptoms subside after
the initial illness runs its course, but the virus remains
in the nerve cells until reactivated. Symptoms may last
from seven to ten days, but although the symptoms may
disappear, unfortunately the virus does not.

----------------------------------------------------
If you enjoyed this article then please make sure you visit
http://coldsorefree.blogspot.com to get full and frank
reviews on the various cold sore treatments and remedies
that are available