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Cold sore relief can mean fast healing and pain reduction of a current outbreak. Or, it can mean prevention of frequent cold sores. Whatever cold sore relief means to you, you will find the answers in this short article.

Cold sore relief is on the minds of millions of sufferers at any given time. Some treatments are quick, easy and work great. But there are many remedies that are a big waste of money when you need cold sore relief.

Do not spend another penny on some miracle cold sore relief product until you try these exceptional home remedies for cold sores.

Do you need cold sore relief for a painful sore right now?

If so, you first need to eliminate, or at least reduce, that stinging pain. Then you want to get rid of your sore as quickly as possible.

Cold sores form on the end of nerve fibers by the replication action of the herpes virus. This will cause swelling of both the sore area and nearby lymph nodes. You may also notice a slight fever and some possible headache action.

To deal with the headaches and pain, many folks take a pain and fever reducer such as aspirin or Advil. Generally these products are a good first step toward cold sore relief. They will not eliminate the pain, but will help to some degree.

Next - application of ice will help reduce pain, fever and swelling very quickly. Ice also slows down - or even stops - the herpes virus reproduction process.

Ice is available anywhere and basically free. But, ice is not always the most convenient for cold sore relief during certain situations, such as driving or working.

For times when using ice may be difficult, You will find some of the drug store remedies may be a convenient choice. Look for over-the-counter products, such as Campho-Phenique, that contain numbing agents.

Treatments such as these will give excellent cold sore relief from the stinging pain by deadening the nerves in the area. Many of these products also contain ingredients to prevent further infection.

Please understand, however, that drug store remedies are considered comfort remedies only. They have not proven to reduce the duration of cold sores by any significant degree - in spite of some wild claims to the contrary.

Ice is one of the best for relieving pain and reducing heat and fever. Unfortunately, during the healing phase - after the sore has burst open - ice will slow down healing by driving blood away from the area.

Cold sore relief now means quick healing of the wound. Applying heat at this time is recommended. It will help provide quick elimination of your sore.

Hot water applied with a cloth will help. A warm, wet tea bag is a better choice. The tea contains ingredients that give excellent cold sore relief - by speeding up the healing process.

While in the healing phase, clean the sore area regularly with cotton balls or tissue soaked in alcohol or peroxide. When the sore scabs over, keep the crust soft by applying olive oil, or other similar oil. This will reduce painful cracking of the scab.

Once your sore is healed, you will want to take steps to prevent, or reduce, future outbreaks of cold sores.

Nearly a third of those who are infected with the herpes virus never get an outbreak because their immunity is strong. If you get multiple cold sores, you should strongly consider the following remedy.

People who get re-occurring cold sores often are found to be deficient in certain nutrients - particularly calcium. A good daily vitamin regimen could prevent this.

Go to a vitamin store and get a top quality vitamin and mineral supplement. The drug store vitamins you see are usually very poor quality. You will just be wasting your money. And if you do not actually feel the difference, try a different brand of vitamins.

The nutrients that will benefit you the most in preventing cold sores are zinc, calcium, magnesium, beta-carotene, the B vitamins, and vitamins C and E.

Dealing with existing cold sores calls for the application of ice at the start, and then warm tea bags during the healing phase. Continuous cleansing of the sore with alcohol will speed healing also. Keep the crust well oiled for additional comfort.

For preventing or reducing the appearance of new cold sores, strengthen your immune system. Do this with good food choices and proper nutrition. A good quality vitamin supplement may be all you need for permanent cold sore relief.