Fastest Way to Heal a Cold Sore

Once you have been infected with the Human Papilloma virus, you are susceptible to getting cold sores. Due to its unsightly appearance, a cold sore can get in the way of a good time, and don't even try to cover it up--that only makes it worse. Instead it's best to find ways to make it disappear--the sooner the better.

Medication

• Buy over-the-counter medicines, like Blistex and Carmex. They are designed to minimize the pain and lessen the dryness and cracking in the affected area. Or visit your physician who can prescribe an antiviral medication, such as Denavir or Zovirax. These medications help stop the contagiousness, and will reduce the size and healing time of your outbreak.

Garlic

• Garlic is a known natural home remedy for many ailments, and a cold sore is one of them. You can use garlic oil but for faster results use crushed fresh garlic. Apply the crushed garlic or garlic oil to the cold sore, and remember to wash your hands afterwards. This will greatly reduce your cold sore's healing time.

Other Winners

• You know a cold sore outbreak is imminent when you feel a burning tingling feeling in the affected area. To help stop it, place a small ice-pack on the affected area for short periods of time. If an outbreak erupts, still use ice to slow the healing time. Using Vicks VapoRub is another good way to heal a cold sore quickly. Just apply a touch of the ointment to the affected area and this will cut the healing time in almost half.