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. Don't get too down if you have a cold sore as you are not alone because they are quite common and they can be controlled but unfortunately they cannot be cured.

Treating a cold sore and how long it lasts depending on your health and your choice of cold sore treatments. Of course, it is now commonly understood there is no permanent 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. The good news, on the other hand, is that it does ease the pain and irritation. 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. Before the sore appears you may feel things like itching and burning sensation around the spot where the sore will appear. 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.