About Cold Sores

Experiencing the discomfort and humiliation of having a cold sores is not at all uncommon. There is no need to freak out when you have a cold sore and try to hide yourself from sight. Although, the impulse is understandable it just isn't feasible for most people. It generally takes 8 to 10 days for a cold sore to heal on its own without treatment. That is longer than a vacation for most people. You can reduce the healing time, and even reduce the number of outbreaks by employing a few prevention tips and treatment options.

There is no real cure for a cold sore, a viral infection known as herpes simplex. The same is true for the common cold and flu for that matter. All we can do is read the facts and make the best effort at making ourselves comfortable and reasonably well.

Cold Sore Facts

Approximately 40 million people are effected by cold sores each year. Cold sores generally appear around the mouth and on the lips.

Factors That Can Activate Cold Sores or Fever Blisters

Many factors can bring on a break-out, basically, a cold sore is the result of a compromised immune system.

• Infections (i.e. colds)
• Over exposure to sunlight
• Fever
• Refined sugars
• Stress
• Fatigue
• Hormonal changes

Cold Sore Symptoms and Stages

1. Tingling discomfort or itching
2. Redness and swelling
3. Eruption of lesion
4. Oozing of lesion
5. Lesion dries and forms a thin yellowish scab

Cold Sore Treatments

• Vitamin C
• L-Lysine supplements
• Topical creams (lip balms, aloe vera gel)
• Anagesics
• Acupuncture
• Laserpuncture

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