Painful cold sores can be treated at home, and treatment should begin at the first sign of symptoms. Often, cold sores can be eliminated before they even appear. When they do appear, their duration can be lessened with regular cleaning, which can cut the healing process nearly in half. If you suffer from frequent outbreaks, a change in diet may lessen the number of future cold sore occurrences.
Instructions
1. Apply ice directly to your cold sore until it becomes numb; cold sores need a warm environment to survive. Continue to do this three times a day and the cold sore will most likely be gone within three days. The earlier you catch a cold sore, the easier it is to get rid of it. If you are able to feel the tingling of one coming on, apply cold to the area as soon as possible.
2. Clean your cold sore regularly. Technically cold sores are wounds, so cleaning a cold sore a few times a day with isopropyl alcohol can speed up the healing time tremendously. Apply a small amount of alcohol on a cotton swab and gently brush your sore with the end of the swab. Always rinse your mouth with water after cleaning your cold sore.
3. Eat effectively. As cold sores prefer acidic environments, refrain from eating foods high in acid, such as tomatoes, citrus fruit and carbonated drinks. Cold sores also thrive on a protein called arginine. Lysine is a protein that reduces the amount of arginine present. Avoid eating foods with high arginine content, such as nuts, chocolate and grains, and instead promote the intake of foods with lysine, such as meat and dairy products. Eating effectively is especially important for those with frequent outbreaks.
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