Cold sores are small blisters that develop on your lips or around them, courtesy of the
herpes simplex virus. They’re of two types: HSV 1 and HSV 2. You can get them on any part
of the body but the common ones are the lips or the genitals. Cold sores are like
houseguests that nobody likes or wants; who pay you a visit when it’s most inconvenient and
keep coming back even though you don’t want them to.

The herpes simplex virus and the typhoid virus both have one thing in common: even after
they clear up, the virus lays dormant in your body. If you’re lucky, it stays that way. If
you’re not, then brace yourself for another round.

Anyone who has suffered the case of cold sores will not tell you good things. They’re
painful, they leak a clear fluid and they scab over before vanishing. They take around 7-10
days to heal without treatment.

However luckily there are a few ways that can help you get rid of your cold sores sooner
than their usual healing period.
Here are 10 effective ways to prevent and get rid of your cold sores;

1. Use Vanilla Extract
One of the best remedies for cold sores is pure Vanilla extract. The extract has alcohol,
which makes it difficult for the cold sores virus to survive. It helps a lot in reducing
the life cycle and intensity of your sores. The time period of the outbreak can also be
reduced using vanilla extract. The best time to use the extract is when you start to feel
any tingling sensation.

2.Citrus Orange Oil
Vitamin C can prove to be extremely useful for you treating cold sores. You can use Orange
Oil on your cold sore, which will help your sore heal faster. It can also make the virus
that caused the sore dormant. The best way is to use it at least four times a day; it will
help you deal with the pain and intensity of the sore as well.

3. Peppermint Oil
It is believed that peppermint oil can prove to be extremely effective in killing the virus
around your cold sore. Peppermint oil is used to attack the virus that has escaped from the
cells in your body only. The oil also helps your sore to heal faster than its natural time
period.

4. No touching
Cold sore is like a pimple albeit a much nastier pimple; do not touch the sore. Tie your
hands if you have to but do not poke at the thing. Also, if you do end up touching it after
all (we’re human; we make mistakes) then immediately wash your hands and wipe them with a
tissue. Otherwise the virus will attach itself to your skin and can spread to other parts
of your body as well.

5. Alcohol
Alcohol can be very effective in dealing with cold sores. You can get rid of your painful
sores by dipping a clean cotton ball into alcohol and patting your cold sore with the ball
gently. Alcohol acts as a great treatment for virus; therefore it will help you get rid of
the sore fairly quickly.

6. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe Vera Gel can be quite effective in treating cold sore pain. The gel also acts to deal
with the bacteria present in your cold sore, giving you quick recovery.

7. Abreva
Abreva is an over-the-counter medication that is quite effective in treating cold sores.
You have to apply it daily to get rid of the pain the sore causes and the sore itself.

8. Salt Water
Salt water can do wonders in treating your cold sore. You can apply it on to your sore and
the result will be almost instant. All you have to do is add some salt to water and dip a
cotton ball in the mixture. Apply this cotton ball gently on your sore; keep the cotton
ball on the sore for at least 7 to 10 minutes. Repeat this process at least 2 times every
day.

9. Hydrogen Peroxide
It’s always a good idea to try natural remedies before going for modern approaches. Some
people use hydrogen peroxide on their sores. Sounds painful, but it’s practical. Hydrogen
peroxide speeds up the healing process. All you have to do is dip the cotton swab into
hydrogen peroxide and hold it against the sore. It will sting, but it will help. Rinse
afterwards.

10. Milk Compressors
If you’re not a fan of pain, then try milk compresses. Dip a cotton swab into milk and hold
it against the infected area. Milk contains immunoglobulins, which are good for you.

The instructions given up there seem simple enough to follow. If you don’t want to go
through a hard time, please exercise caution.