The only thing worse than getting a pimple on your face is having a cold sore. Not only do they take the attention away from your beautiful face, but they can also be quite painful as well. Cold sores can be described as small, fluid-filled blisters that usually affect the skin around the lips. These blisters occur in groups, and while there is no real cure for them, they can be prevented and treated to reduce the discomfort they cause.

Vanilla
A pure vanilla extract is alcohol based and thus restricts the growth and multiplication of viruses. When applied topically, it reduces the severity of the cold sore outbreak and makes it heal faster. Ideally, you should use organic vanilla for this. Soak a piece of cotton in pure vanilla extract and place it over the sore. Hold it in the affected place for a minute or two. This can be repeated four times a day.

Licorice
Licorice root is rich in an acid known as Glycyrrhizic acid. This acid has anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties that counteract the effects of the herpes virus. Licorice can be applied topically or consumed in the form of tea, but the former is usually more effective. Make a paste by mixing one tablespoon of licorice extract or powder with half a teaspoon of water. You may add a little more water to get a creamy consistency. Alternatively, you could mix the powder with petroleum jelly. Apply a thin layer of this paste over the cold sores and leave it for as long as possible. The best time to do this is before going to bed so that the paste can be left overnight.

Milk
The immunoglobulins in milk help ease the pain caused by cold sores and speeds up the healing process. These can be described as antibodies that help fight off viruses. Also, milk is also a rich source of l-lysine that helps fight against the effects of an amino acid known as Arginine. This not only helps speed up the healing process but also helps prevent an outbreak. Drinking a glass of milk every day is the best way to prevent cold sore outbreaks. To treat cold sores that have already erupted, apply a cotton wad soaked in milk on the cold sore. Leave this in place for 10 to 15 minutes before wiping it off with a moistened towel.

Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide has disinfectant properties that help speed up the cold sore healing process. It also makes it harder for the sore to spread further or get any worse than it is. If the blister is infected, hydrogen peroxide can be used to keep it clean.

Soak a wad of cotton in a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide and place it on the affected area. This might sting, but hold it in place for as long as possible.

Peppermint oil
The herpes virus that triggers cold sores is usually found under the skin.When a cold sore erupts, some of these viruses can also be found floating in the sore. Peppermint oil, when used topically over these sores, can kill the herpes virus. For this, you must know how to get rid of cold sores using this oil.

First, rinse the affected skin with water. Then use a cotton swab to apply peppermint oil over the cold sores. This can be repeated twice a day.

Cornstarch
Cornstarch helps relieve itchiness and is soothing when applied on a cold sore. It also helps neutralize the pH effect of the sore and raises the alkalinity of the skin to make it a less fertile ground for the herpes virus. Make a thick paste of one tablespoon of cornstarch and one teaspoon of water. You may add more water if required. Apply a thin layer of this paste on the affected part of your face and leave overnight. In the morning, rinse it off with water. This can be repeated for as many nights as needed.

Aloe vera
If you are unaware of how to get rid of cold sores with aloe vera, then you are missing out on one of the most effective treatments. Aloe vera is excellent for all skin infections including cold sore outbreaks. It can reduce the pain caused by cold sores and fight against bacteria that may cause secondary infections. Aloe vera gel can be bought in stores or extracted from the aloe vera plant. Cut a piece of the aloe vera leaf and scrape of the gel from inside the leaf. This gel can be applied directly to the site of the sores. Alternatively, you could apply half a teaspoon of ready made aloe vera gel on the cold sores. Leave this on as long as possible.