Many people experience cold sores on a regular basis; they are caused by the herpes simplex virus 1. Although it is related to the virus that causes genital herpes it is quite different. It takes 3-10 days for a cold sore to appear after you have been exposed to the virus and can even last up to 3 weeks. Once this virus has entered your body it will remain their permanently and stay dormant in your nervous system until triggered by fever, cold or other types of common infections.

Studies have shown that often 30-60% of children carry this virus by the age of 10 years old. Cold sores are incredibly contagious and very common, no matter what your age. There are 6 different development stages that you will go through before you even see the cold sore to when it is finally healed. The first stage you cannot see the sore but you are constantly experiencing a dry and itching sensation around the infected area. The second stage you may experience slight swelling and even redness around the area. Third stage brings the first signs of a blister. Stage four is perhaps the most painful and almost always comes on the fourth day. This stage presents a soft crust or ulcer that forms and from this comes stage five. Stage five is when a harder crust forms on this ulcer. Lastly, stage six will be experienced generally around the tenth day. This stage leaves the area red and perhaps swollen but without the scab.

If this is a cycle of development you have experienced time and time again, then it is time to take some natural remedies into consideration that can help you fight this internal virus and prevent large and lingering cold sore breakouts.

• One of the most essential supplements you can take to help control your cold sore outbreaks is herpanacine. This supplement has been created for you by the Diamond-Herpanacine Associates and is proven to treat cold sore outbreaks.
  
  
• L-Lysine is another supplement that should be placed on your essential list; it can be taken twice a day at 500 mg dosages and fights off the virus that causes cold sores.
  
  
• Many consumers prefer using topical creams when it comes to their cold sore outbreaks and L-Lysine is available in cream form as well. This topical cream contains amino acids that help fight the herpes virus
  
  
• A high-quality Vitamin B Complex formula is an important supplement to include because it helps promote and protect your immune system as a whole, which in turn helps prevent future and reoccurring cold sore breakouts.
  
  
• Garlic acts as a natural antibiotic and should be consumed on a daily basis. Use Kyolic by Wakunaga of Amercia, which is an odorless organic garlic supplement. Take 2 capsules 3 times per day.
  
  
• Last but certainly not least is adequate doses of daily Vitamin C, which combats viruses and enhances immunity. Take 3,000-6,000 mg spread throughout the day.

Although many people have written off cold sores as a common occurrence and no longer even think about how to cure them, many people just wait and hope for them to go away as quickly as possible. There are natural solutions that can help prevent breakouts and even speed up the healing process so take them into consideration!