Cold sores oftentimes cause discomfort and pain, and people are looking for ways to ensure that the condition doesn’t happen again.  However, the virus that causes cold sores stays in the body even after signs and symptoms have long been gone.  Once you have it, it stays there for life, at rest – just waiting for something to trigger it back to activity again.

Herpes simplex virus 1, or HSV-1, is the causative agent for cold sores.  Children are usually affected.  The most common site of affectation is the mouth, but it can easily transfer to other body parts such as the fingers, skin and eyes. The key to speed up the healing process is early diagnosis.  The earlier that you can recognize its symptoms, the better that you can prevent it from breaking out.

What Causes The Cold Sores?

Here are the most common causes of cold sores that, when recognized early, can help you prevent the sores from recurring:

• Too much sunlight. There are a lot of people who are prone to getting cold sores after being exposed to too much sunlight or when they get sunburned. To prevent this, you can apply some good sunscreen on your lips, usually in the form of a lip balm, as your first line of defense. When your cold sores are caused by the sun, then these are what you call as fever blisters. So avoid exposing yourself too much sun especially during the time period between 10 am to 3 pm. Sunscreen that has SPF 15 or higher is a sure must-have, or you can maybe wear a hat that can totally cover your mouth and face.

• Cold Wind. Even in extremely cold weather, you can find a sunscreen that is very handy for as long as it has sufficient moisturizing content. You must be very cautious of spots in your face and mouth that turn dry during the cold weather. Try to use some moisturizers as you take hot showers or baths along with applying some hydrating masks to always keep your entire skin moisturized. Drink plenty of water as this is the best way to always keep yourself well hydrated.

• Menstruation and Pregnancy. Menstrual period and pregnancy causes your body to experience a lot of changes in your hormones which can induce the outbreak of cold sores. This is probably because the hormonal changes trigger your immune system to weaken which is a natural thing to happen. Naturally, a weakened immune system will not be able to defend your body against illnesses, and this is the best time for the sleeping virus to attack – when you are at your weakest.  In order for you to at least still get a hold of these changes, you must keep your body strong at all times through immune system boosters.

• The Occurrence of a Flu. As previously mentioned, a weakened immune system means a weakened resistance.  This also happens when you have the flu or feel sick – these are the times that cold cores can most likely occur. Hence, all that you can do about this is to stay away from those who are sick so that you will not get the virus too. Make it a habit to wash your hands well.  This is the simplest way to stop spreading germs. Take lots of rest and eat healthy foods.

• STRESS! Remember that when you are under stress, your immune system tends to weaken too. This will lead to you being prone to ailments which include other health troubles that are too inconvenient to handle like cold sores.

How to Get Rid of Cold Sores Naturally

If you go and see your doctor, chances are, you will be prescribed with antiviral medications to relieve you of your cold sores. Once again, I recommend the use of natural means to do this.  After all, side effects and adverse effects come as a part of the package of pharmaceutical products.  But you really do not have to resort to using these medications all the time. The home and natural remedies that you can do to cure cold sores are actually too many to mention. Here, we will discuss only six major ways on how you can do it on your own.

• Stay away from those who have cold sores too. This simply means avoiding any form of intimate contact with someone who has cold sores, for surely, you would get it. Even if you will not get to a point of kissing them, if their lip has touched something that you may have touched too, then you can surely contract the sores at any given point in time.  
  
  
• Stay away from extreme weather temperatures. Just like what we have discussed in the causes of this health trouble, you must steer away from harsh winds and sunlight which can lead to your cold sores outbreak.
  
  
• Use lip balm that has sunscreen content. This will surely protect your lips from too much sun exposure, and it prevents your lips from drying too.  This way, you remain protected from any possible flare ups.
  
  
• Take in lots of fluids. If you already have the cold sores, then you must take in lots of fluids – water and healthy fresh fruit juices are good options. This will help in lessening the span of time you would have to suffer the sores. Fruits have antioxidative properties that can help boost your immune system.
  
  
• Utilize tea bags. You may not be aware of this, but tea bags contain compounds that can fight the virus and stop it from causing more inflammation. You can place the tea bags right on top of your cold sore area.
  
  
• Apply some aloe vera or witch hazel. The aloe vera can also cure a lot of skin ailments which does not exclude cold sores. On the other hand, witch hazel is an herb whose extracts can be used for medicinal purposes and you can get it from your local health store. You can also just simply use salt on your cold sores as it is capable of letting it dry faster than you expect. It could be very painful, yes. But you’ll see its effects soon enough. However, if your pain threshold is too low, then go for the other options that do not hurt as much.

Sources
searchwarp.com
sciencedaily.com
ezinearticles.com
coldsores.ca
mbarrassingproblems.com