Cold sores are also called fever blisters. They appear on the lips and around the mouth as small painful red blisters that last about one week to ten days. In rare cases they can also be found on your nostrils, on your chin or in your mouth. However, don't confuse cold sores with canker sores. It is usually a canker sore if found in the mouth.
Herpes simplex virus type 1 is usually the cause. In rare cases it can be the herpes simplex virus type 2, although it is usually associated with genital herpes. You can also contract cold sores from another person with an active lesion.
Once you've had cold sores due to the herpes virus, it lies dormant in the nerve cells in your skin and can re-emerge at any time. Some things that might cause a recurrence is stress, sunburn, menstruation or hormonal imbalance, having a fever, unhealthy diet and sluggish immune system. An often overlooked cause of cold sores is high levels of arginine. Arginine is the primary amino acid used by your cells to create herpes simplex virus.
Lysine -- Because high levels of arginine may be causing your cold sores, you can take 1,000 to 2,000 mg of lysine each day to lower the levels of arginine. Lysine is well known to help cure cold sores and shingles as they are both related to herpes simplex virus.
Tea Tree Oil -- Tea tree oil can reduce the painful healing time by as much as one half. Apply a few drops of tea tree oil directly to the infected area with a cotton swab at least 2 times a day. To help prevent breakouts apply directly upon onset.
Lemon Balm -- Because lemon balm has antiviral effects it can be very helpful in treating cold sores. You can take it internally as a tea and externally by dabbing the tea directly on the fever blister.
Coconut Oil -- Coconut oil is antiviral and is able to break down the lipids that surround the herpes cell. Take at least one tablespoon of extra virgin organic coconut oil each day. Also put the coconut oil directly on the blister or better yet put it on your lips the second you feel the tingling sensation that occurs before the blister appears and stop it from forming.
Hydrogen Peroxide -- Put the hydrogen peroxide on a Q-tip and place it directly on the blister. Cold sores do not like oxygen and that's why this is a good remedy. It also works best if applied before the blister is formed.
Aloe Vera -- Aloe vera is great for most skin conditions and this one is no exception. Just place aloe vera jell or the 100% aloe vera juice directly on the cold sore. And, again, it is best if you can use the aloe vera before the blister forms for best results.
Health Warning:
Because cold sores are contagious you can spread them to other people through skin-to-skin contact. They are especially contagious while you can see the blister but it is possible to even spread the virus after the skin is healed.
You should especially avoid contact with babies, anyone who has an immune disorder such as eczema, cancer, AIDS, etc. People with suppressed immune systems can get severe infection from the herpes virus that causes cold sores
Also, herpes simplex infection of the eye, which can cause scarring of the cornea, is the leading cause of blindness in the United States.
