When you have a cold sore it can be a quite embarrassing thing to have. It really looks like a cluster of puss and it can actually get quite painful. I know that when I see one coming on, I really just want to stay at home. Obviously, I have things to do and work to go to, so I can't hide in my house for the next 10 days for it to clear up. Over the years of having an above average amount of outbreaks, I learned a few things. I've found some cold sore remedies that are completely natural and efficient for most people.


I think it is best to get a little into the actual cold sore virus, so we can best understand what we're up against. The idea that this is created by a virus may surprise you. A lot of people assume that it is some sort of irritation or infection of the lip area, when it really isn't. They don't use the word 'cold' for no reason. It's actually the herpes simplex virus type 1 or HSV-1. Unfortunately there is no cure for this virus and I know that sounds bad. Around 80% of people have the virus and for the most part it isn't that big of a deal.


The reason that the cold sore virus doesn't have a cure is due to the fact that it hides in nerve cells. Normally our immune system creates antibodies to fight a virus. Any cell the virus infects will be destroyed. Obviously antibodies can't go around destroying nerve cells because that will cause massive and serious damage. So the virus just lives in the body and for the most part doesn't do anything bad.


You'd be surprised how many people have the HSV-1 virus, yet never have an outbreak their entire lives. Though there are people that have them all the time. There are a lot of cold sore cures and remedies that you can try out, but I think it is important to first talk about prevention. It really isn't that hard to prevent this problem. All it requires is you to make a few lifestyle choices and you don't get them. It's a lot easier and productive than trying to get rid of one after you get it.


Since we're dealing with a cold sore virus there is very little you can do besides strengthen your immune system. As long as your immune is strong, you're going to have a lot of antibodies in your blood stream. Even though they can't kill off the virus completely, it will force it into a dormant state and really that's good enough.


The way that you can strengthen your immune system, so that you don't have to resort to cold sore remedies is to eat healthy. Start taking in more fiber, vitamins and nutrients. It doesn't have to be difficult. Have a glass of orange juice while you eat breakfast. Add more fruits and vegetables into your daily diet. Cut out or cut back on the foods that aren't really good for you. You don't have to be perfect all the time, but most of the time.


Exercise or at least a more active lifestyle is also great for the immune system. Pick up a gym membership and workout a few days a week. You don't have to turn into a gym rat or anything like that. Just go on a regular basis. You can also join some active groups. I enjoy taking Krav Maga, which is a really hard work out. Do something that you're going to enjoy that will also get you off the couch.


As you can see prevention is probably a lot easier than cold sore remedies and definitely something that has positive aspects beyond the realm of cold sore outbreaks. When you live a health lifestyle you're going to be able to avoid this problem.