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How to Never Get Cold Sores

Cold sores are small, painful lesions on the lip and around the mouth caused by a herpes simplex virus infection. You may get a tingling feeling on your lip before the actual appearance of the blister. Cold sores generally last between 10 and 14 days. While cold sores are neither curable nor completely preventable, steps can be taken to reduce the risk of their occurrence.

Things You'll Need

  • Lysine
  • Licorice root extract or DGL
  • Resveratrol
  • Ice
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Instructions

  1. How to Prevent Cold Sores

    • 1

      Take the essential amino acid lysine. The functions of lysine include being involved in the production of enzymes, hormones and antibodies. According to a study published by Griffith RS, et al. in 1978 in the journal "Dermatologica", lysine demonstrated a suppressive action against the herpes simplex virus. As a cold sore preventative, 500 mg of lysine is often taken two to three times daily between meals. Lysine also may be applied directly to the lesion as a treatment.

    • 2

      Consume licorice root extract. Licorice is more than a tasty flavoring for candy. This may help prevent cold sore outbreaks because of its antiviral properties against the herpes simplex virus and may potentially inactivate the virus, according to a study published by Hirabayashi K, et al. in 1991 in the "Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin." One form of licorice root, deglycyrrhized licorice root (DGL) is commonly found in chewable form in health food stores. This form does not cause the potential increase in blood pressure that is associated with consuming large quantities of licorice root. It also may be applied topically four times a day to treat the lesion.

    • 3

      Eat foods with resveratrol or take a resveratrol dietary supplement. The antioxidant resveratrol is a compound found in grapes, nuts and certain vines. It is most well known for its connection with the French Paradox---French people experience a relatively low incidence of heart disease despite a diet high in saturated fats. According to research published by Docherty JJ, et al. in 1999 in the journal "Antiviral Research", resveratrol is effective in inhibiting the spread and activity of the herpes simplex virus. Because it is rapidly metabolized and eliminated by the body, frequent doses are necessary.

    • 4

      Apply ice directly to the spot on your lip or mouth at the first tingling signs of a cold sore. According to Drs. Balch and Stengler in their book "Prescription for Natural Cures," this may prevent a complete eruption. The action of ice in preventing cold sores may be the result of cold preventing the virus from moving from the nerve to the surface of the skin. To avoid skin damage, apply the ice for a few to several minutes then stop, repeating this process every hour.

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