To effectively get rid of a cold sore, you first need to understand more about this parasite virus.

Cold sores are the result of the process of replication of the herpes simplex viruses - type 1 or 2. During the creation of new clones of itself, the herpes virus destroys many nerve cells on the surface of your lip or nostril. Millions of destroyed cells make up the unsightly cold sore ulcer.

Good News - the herpes virus is normally latent deep in the nerve cells. It will ONLY come alive and start replicating when it senses the conditions are just right. Mental and physical stress are considered the cold sore triggers.

Stress causes changes in your system that will provide the perfect environment for virus replication. The main changes that we need to address today are alkaline to acid shift, using up B and C vitamins and pulling the immune system sentries to another area of your body.

The body can and will get rid of a cold sore without any help from us. But who wants to suffer for 3 to 4 weeks, when we do not need to?

The quicker you can get rid of a cold sore, the sooner you can get on with your life. Here are some tactics that really work.

1. GIVE THE VIRUS THE COLD TREATMENT. Beginning at the first itching sensation until the cold sore actually opens up, the virus is replicating. Applying ice, or any cold item, will discourage the virus from continuing. It really works. Makes the area feel better too.

2. COLD SORE VIRUS HATES LYSINE. Lysine and arginine are the two main amino acids that play a role in cold sore virus replication. The more lysine you take, the less arginine will be stored in your cells. The virus uses arginine as a building block for new virus. If the virus does not find enough arginine in the cells, it will give up and go back into hibernation. Normal lysine dosage during a cold sore is 2000 to 4000 milligrams per 24-hour period.

3. DESTROY THE EVIL VIRUS. Keep the cold sore clean and kill tons of virus by applying hydrogen peroxide with a cotton ball or swab. It may sting and fizz. It will destroy any virus it touches, and adds a healing dose of oxygen to the wound. Although alcohol will work, this is a better way to get rid of a cold sore.

4. COLD SORE VIRUS LOVES ACID. The virus does very well when the body is in an acid state. Take a good vitamin and mineral supplement to help your body stay alkaline and discourage cold sores. Avoid acid foods during a cold sore - vinegar products and tomatoes.

Here are a couple final things that will clarify and help you in your quest to get rid of your cold sore.

There is not a person that would not benefit from a daily vitamin and mineral regimen. It will not only protect you from cold sores, but other diseases as well. The B and C vitamins help reduce the effects of stress, and the minerals help keep your body alkaline.

One final word on the ice therapy. Use ice prior to the actual cold sore opening up. After that point, use warmth to bring blood to the wound and speed healing.

I hope this sampling of proven ways will help you today. There are many more highly effective ways to get rid of a cold sore, but these should get you started quickly.

Before you buy any cold sore remedy, you simply must check out Denny Bodoh's excellent free articles on cold sores and some incredibly easy cold sore treatment tactics.