How to Get Rid of a Cold Sore at Home

To get rid of a cold sore you need to get rid of the nourishing environment for a cold sore. When the body is more of an acidic level, the cold sore has a greater chance to have an outbreak. Even though cold sores are not deadly, they are still contagious so it is best to get rid of the sore to prevent infecting others. This article will explain how to get rid of that cold sore at home with a few simple steps.

Things You'll Need

• hydrogen peroxide
• cotton ball or cotton swab
• calcium
• ice
• neosporin
• vitamins

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Instructions

• 1

  Wash your face with mild soap to clean the cold sore area. Once that area is clean and dry, apply some hydrogen peroxide to the cold sore with a cotton ball or cotton swab. Keep applying hydrogen peroxide to the sore for a couple of minutes or until the white bubbles are not as strong. Rinse with water then pat dry with a paper towel.

  If the cold sore is not an open sore then you can apply ice. You can use a ziploc bag to put the ice in it. Keep the ice bag against the cold sore to reduce swelling and stop the cold sore from getting worse.

• 2

  Apply neosporin on the cold sore during the day to ease the pain and to prevent virus from spreading.

• 3

  Work on your immune system by taking vitamins and minerals. Viruses are more comfortable invading a body that has a weak immune system. Also take plenty of calcium for alkaline support. Remember, the cold sore virus thrives in an acidic environment.

• 4

  Eat more alkaline foods. Eat foods such as tomato, avocado, lemon, garlic, onion, and asparagus to raise your body's pH level to be less acidic and more alkaline. Aim for a pH level high than 7.0.

  Avoid acidic foods such as vinegar, cheese, milk, beer, white pasta, and pork while you're trying to get rid of the cold sore.

• 5

  Maintain the area clean and do not try to pick at it. Do not over wash your face because this could cause over dryness and promote the growth of the sore. Keep using the hydrogen peroxide throughout the day to dry out the cold sore. The hydrogen peroxide may sting but will work.

• 6

  Relax. Stress is also another trigger factor for ugly cold sores. So relax at home with a warm bath or quiet meditation.