A cold sore or fever blister is painful and can occur on the lip, genital area or other places on the skin and the mucous membranes. They start often with a tingle feeling and then grow into a sore which may itch. Keep in mind that this can be contagious during an outbreak so use caution around others.

Please note that a cold sore symptom or fever blister outbreak is not the same as an aphthous ulcers or canker sores. These are similar in appearance but appear inside the mouth they are not caused by HSV. People on chemotherapy treatments may get canker sores in the mouth but these are not cold sores.

Lysine and zinc supplements are mentioned by some for helping the immune system against cold sores. For myself, I find if I eat peanut butter I may get a cold sore outburst on my lip, but if I take lysine at same time I won't. The amino acid ratio is very important in our systems.

When your immune system is compromised such as by stress, insufficient sleep or fighting off a cold you can get a cold sore or fever blister sore. Try to take care of yourself, reduce stress and get enough sleep. Also wear sunscreen on your lip when you are outside as the UV can cause this if you are prone to it.

The application of ice as well as tea bags are two home remedies for cold sores that are advised to help to minimize the pain and inflammation. Tannic acid (in tea) has anti-viral properties and ice is always good to reduce inflammation. Neither of these are a cure but still can be an aid.

The cold sore forms a crust at the end but you are not out of the woods yet. The sore unfortunately can re-open and bleed if it is on your lip due to the fact this is part of the process just like a scab heals. When we eat we pull the lip and this stimulation may cause problems.

Though some people recommend vaseline as a way to ease the dryness or cracked sore, I find that it spread the virus for me to an adjacent part of my lip, so I cannot agree with that. However, acidopholous, grapefruit seed extract and b-12 are good supplements and good for you generally.

They haven't found a cure for fever blisters and cold sores yet but you can find comfort in knowing that with a good system of prevention as well as measures you take with the initial tingle the length, severity and frequency can be greatly minimized and you don't have to live in a crisis mode with this.