Cold Sore Cure

Cold sores, or fever blisters, are a common virus that appear as small- to medium-sized blisters that are red, may ooze clear liquid and are very painful. They pop up around or on the lips or at the corners of the mouth and last on average about two weeks. Although there is no permanent cure for cold sores, there are medications and treatments that help get rid of them and prevent them from popping up as much.

Causes

• Cold sores are caused by both herpes simplex viruses (HSV-1 or HSV-2). Most people who suffer from cold sores have had the virus since they were a child, as it is passed through childbirth or contact with a bodily fluid such as saliva from anyone who is infected. There are many things that trigger cold sores, and understanding how to prevent these triggers is key to decreasing cold sore outbreaks. They can occur from too much sun, sickness, menstruation or times of high stress. These things lower the immune system's effectiveness, which in turn lets cold sores take over. A poor diet lacking in calcium or the amino acid lysine may trigger cold sores, since lysine prevents it.

Treatments

• The most popular treatments for cold sores is over-the-counter or prescription medication. These are used to decrease the pain and time a cold sore is present and to help heal it. When looking at medication, make sure the one you purchase is used to heal cold sores, not just treat the symptoms. These medications should heal the cold sore in about two fewer days than they would naturally, but they will make the pain go away immediately and soothe the sore. For another method of immediate relief, soak a towel in cold water and place it on cold sore three times a day for about 20 minutes each time. It will help moisturize and shrink the cold sore. Take ibuprofen to decrease swelling and pain, don't eat acidic foods that will irritate it like citrus, and rinse out your mouth regularly with a baking soda mouth rinse.

Prevention

• Doing your best to prevent more cold sore outbreaks is important to your health and comfort level. Since they can be triggered by sun exposure, make sure to wear a strong SPF lip balm or sunscreen. Try to keep your stress level at a minimum and replace your toothbrush regularly. Take herbs to boost your immune system such as goldenseal or echinacea and daily vitamins like vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, vitamin B12 and folic acid. These all contribute to lip healing, hydration and immune system function. Decrease intake of food such as grains, nuts, seed and chocolate because they are high in the amino acid arginine, which has been proven to stimulate cold sore outbreaks.