For the most part, these over-the-counter cold sore treatment products are primary useful as comfort treatments only. Cold sores are plain miserable so comfort is the number one priority.
But despite some wild claims, you will not find these to reduce the duration time of your cold sores. Do not expect any more than comfort.
Below I have listed several time-proven cold sore treatment methods that really work. These can provide blessed comfort and heal your cold sores up to 50% faster. Try them.
1. THROW COLD WATER ON THE VIRUS
A great trick for discouraging the herpes simplex virus when it first starts the replicating process is to apply ice or another cold object to the target area. Use ice at the first sensation of itching or tingling.
Ice reduces swelling, heat and pain very effectively. If used early and often, it can stop cold sores from developing - or at least reduce the damage and healing time. Do not use ice after the sore opens up. Then you must use heat.
2. HONEY - A SWEET COLD SORE TREATMENT
Did you know honey does not spoil? It is a super anti-virus, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. Yes - many cold sore victims use honey as a potent cold sore treatment. What a sweet way to heal your cold sores fast.
Apply to the sore even before it bursts open. Once your sore opens up, cleanse with peroxide first, then apply. You will have to apply often as the weeping fluid will wash it away. Use a q-tip to apply it. Keep your fingers out.
3. CALCIUM - THE VIRUS STOPPER
Most people who get cold sores have an acid pH balance and are low in calcium. Calcium is the main mineral your body uses to keep you in a healthy alkaline zone. Fact is, the herpes simplex virus hates an alkaline environment.
Taking calcium supplements is an excellent cold sore treatment for both quick healing and prevention. Make sure that for every 1000 milligrams of calcium, you also take 400 milligrams of magnesium. These two work together for better absorption.
Also, try breaking the capsule open and mixing the powder with honey - making a paste. Apply this to your wound - you may be surprised how quickly it heals.
4. OREGANO OIL - HERPES DOESN'T LIKE THE TASTE
The oil from the oregano herb is quite a good cold sore treatment - both internally and externally. You can buy oregano oil in gel caps at the vitamin store. Users often take it for colds, flu and other virus attacks - such as the herpes simplex virus.
It will not remove the virus from your body (nothing will that we know of). But it will tend to deactivate the virus and send it back into hibernation.
For external application, just cut open one of the gel caps, squeeze out the oil onto a q-tip and apply directly to your cold sores. When your sore is scabbed, mix with a little olive oil first. This will help keep the scab soft.
5. B AND C VITAMIN THERAPY
Folks with cold sores normally test quite low in B and C vitamins - especially B12. You can find them in a good stress formula at the vitamin store.
You will want to get about 50 to 100 milligrams of the major B vitamins (like B6), at least 1000 milligrams of vitamin C and around 500 micrograms of B12. Some have suggested up to 3000 milligrams or more of vitamin C.
Perhaps your daily multi-vitamin has high levels of these vitamins already. That is good but it might be wise to take an additional stress formula during the outbreak.
In summary, please note that these are just a few of many powerful cold sore treatment options you can use. Keep searching and trying new ways of treating a cold sore. Not every one of these remedies will work for every person.
Also, it is important to keep in mind that an excellent cold sore treatment plan will likely include the combination of two or more of these cold sore remedy methods. Try these and others.
Combine as you wish and discover the best cold sore treatment for your personal needs.