If you must quickly heal cold sores, then this article was written just for you. Let me show you powerful, tested ways to heal cold sores.

To heal cold sores, you will find there are but two basic methods. Either method can be used alone. However, using both at the same time will give you the best outcome when you want to heal cold sores.

Hey, it is well know that your body is able to heal cold sores without your help. This is a long process, however, often taking as long as four weeks. Why put up with the pain and embarrassment any longer than you have to?

We all want to heal cold sores as soon as possible. To do so, let us quickly review what causes the actual cold sore outbreak - so we can better understand the enemy.

The herpes simplex virus is the culprit. It cannot create new virus by itself. It must use a body cell. It enters that cell and forces it to create the virus. Once the cell is full to capacity, it ruptures open to release the new virus particles.

First, redness and swelling occur as the cells create new virus. Then the host cells break open, creating the open wound. We are very fortunate that this virus only creates sores on the surface, or it would pose a serious health risk.

To heal cold sores fast, you must use at least one of these two techniques.

1. HEAL COLD SORES BY TREATING THEM INTERNALLY.

If you suffer from frequent cold sore events, you should first begin using a high quality multi-vitamin supplement.

Without a doubt, this is the most important first step for fast healing and defending yourself from future outbreaks. A good multi-vitamin will strengthen your immunity against this parasite virus - and all other viruses also.

In addition to a daily multi-vitamin regimen, taking lysine supplements during an outbreak will stop, or slow down, the virus replication process.

Lysine capsules are cheap and convenient. High lysine foods, such as dairy and fish, will help also. During an outbreak, 2000 milligrams to 4000 milligrams per day is common. 4 ounces of flounder contains 3000 milligrams.

The more quickly you stop the virus and send it back into hibernation, the faster you will heal cold sores.

Multiple and frequent outbreaks often is a sign of calcium deficiency. Your body uses calcium, either from diet or your bones, to keep your body from becoming acidic. The higher your alkaline level the higher your oxygen levels. Oxygen is very anti-virus.

If you start taking 1000 to 3000 milligrams of calcium per day, you will be amazed. It will make a noticeable difference how often and how severe your sores will be. A good vitamin will already provide the minimum recommended 1000 milligrams.

2. EXTERNAL REMEDIES WORK WELL TO HEAL COLD SORES.

The most common way to heal cold sores is with a good topical cold sore treatment. This can be a salve, ointment, oil or lotion. The direct approach produces the fastest results, by far.

Topical remedies that contain zinc generally work well. Zinc is a great healing mineral, both externally and internally. If the salve does not contain the sulfate or gluconate forms of zinc, avoid it. Other zinc forms will not absorb well enough to be of any value.

Two very strong cold sore remedies are oregano and garlic oils. Both of these will stop any virus, bacteria or fungal infection, when put directly on the sore. They will greatly speed the healing process.

Your sore enters the healing phase right after it bursts open. Ice will give you blessed comfort but will slow down healing. It is better to use a warm tea-bag anytime you want to speed heal cold sores.

Cleaning the outbreak regularly with hydrogen peroxide or alcohol is essential to prevent spreading the infection or re-occurrence of the same sore. It also prevents the chance of bacterial infection.

As mentioned at the top, your body is perfectly able to heal cold sores without your help. But, the cold sore treatment methods mentioned above will definitely increase your comfort and shorten the duration of your outbreak.

Truly, this will mean a shortened period of discomfort, and will get back your social life much sooner. And, quite likely, you could experience far fewer of these social interruptions in the future.

Combining internal cold sore treatment options with the external remedies of your choice is the smartest, most powerful way to effectively heal cold sores.