Cold sore relief can be hard to find when you need it the most.

Yes, there are some remedies proven over time to give wonderful help.

And there are other treatments that are more hype than reality for cold sore relief.

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

Are you needing cold sore relief for a current outbreak?

Your primary need is to reduce the irritating pain as soon as possible. Then, the next step is to heal the sore fast, so you can get on with your life.

The herpes virus creates cold sores by destroying cells on the end of a nerve fiber. Your body will fight the virus causing headache problems, swelling of the target area, fever and the enlargement of lymph glands located below the jaw.

For the headaches and pain, most folks take a pain and fever reducer such as aspirin or Advil. Generally these products are a good first step toward cold sore relief. These will not eliminate the pain totally, but will help.

At this time, applying ice directly to the sore will greatly reduce pain and swelling. In addition, this will slow, if not totally stop, further damage by the herpes virus.

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.

When you cannot use ice conveniently, then certain drug store remedies may be a good alternative choice for comfort. Look for products that contain numbing ingredients such as benzocaine.

These remedies often work quite well for cold sore relief - by numbing the nerve tips and reducing discomfort. Quite frequently these remedies also provide protection from secondary bacterial 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 a great pain reliever and fever reducer but it does slow healing once your sore has burst open. Cold drives blood away from the area and you need blood circulating around the sore for fast healing.

Applying warmth during the healing period will give you the best cold sore relief by helping to cure the outbreak fast.

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.

It is extremely important, while in the healing stages, to keep the sore clean by sterilizing with alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. Use throwaway cotton balls or paper towels for this purpose. Also, apply olive or oregano oil to keep the scab soft.

After your current sore is fully healed, you should make an effort to reduce the possibility of future cold sores.

Many people infected with the herpes virus do not suffer cold sores because their immune system prevents it. If you get more than one cold sore a year, you may want to try the following.

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.

Do not buy grocery store vitamins - the one or two per day variety. Go to a good vitamin store or go on-line. A good, complete formula will require at least four to six capsules per day to provide the proper quantities of essential nutrients.

Specific nutrients that are important for cold sore relief are calcium, magnesium, B and C vitamins, vitamin E and ZINC.

For quick cold sore relief, use ice at the beginning, and warmth during healing. Keep the sore clean and the scab well oiled to avoid re-opening the wound by cracking.

If you want to prevent future cold sores, you must improve your immunity. Making proper food choices is a start. And, maybe, a high quality vitamin and mineral program is all you will need for a lifetime of cold sore relief.