Cold sores also called fever blisters. Cold sores are caused by a viral infection that attacks the skin and nervous system. . They are sometimes confused with impetigo, which usually develops between the nose and upper lip. Fluid that weeps from impetigo is cloudy and honey-colored. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, and they're contagious. Canker sores, which aren't contagious, are ulcers that occur in the soft tissues inside your mouth, places where cold sores don't occur.Cold sores are usually caused by herpes virus, which can lay dormant in the body and becomes active later when something triggers it.

During that 7-to-10-day period, the blisters break, ooze, and form a yellow crust. They thus get even uglier. The scabs then fall off, and the skin heals without scarring. During that period, the sores are communicable through direct contact with others (or with yourself) or through an intermediary like a towel or razor. So, if you can actually find someone who will kiss you on the lips during that period, refuse them that dubious privilege.

Protect your lips from the sun. Applying sunscreen to your lips may help prevent sun-induced recurrences of cold sores. Look for a sunscreen designed especially for the lips that has an SPF of 15 or higher. Or, choose a lipstick that contains sunscreen.

Cover cold sores with a protective petroleum-based product. This will speed healing and help protect it from secondary infection with bacteria.

Witch Hazel is an herb that grows naturally in North America, Japan, and China. An extract of witch hazel is used for various medicinal purposes, including stopping the effects of cold sores. You can likely find it at your local health food store.

Avoid close contact with people who have cold sores! This goes beyond kissing people who have cold sores. If someone who has cold sores touches their lip and then handles something that you handle, there is a chance for you will get cold sores if you touch your face.

Replace your toothbrush with a new one once detected you have a cold sore. Toothbrushes incubate cold sore causing viruses and it will keep coming back if you use the same toothbrush. You also need to replace your toothpaste tubes since toothbrush bristles get in contact with the toothpaste tubes each time you use your toothpaste. Buy smaller toothpaste and avoid rubbing your toothbrush bristles against the opening of the toothpaste tube.

Three oral antiviral medications sometimes prescribed are acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir) and valacyclovir (Valtrex). Although none of these medications will eliminate the dormant HSV-1 infection that causes cold sores, they can help the sores heal faster and relieve the associated pain and discomfort. They also can also help to suppress a cold-sore outbreak.

If your cold sores persist for longer than two weeks, even with home treatment, you should consider seeking professional medical treatment, especially if you experience frequent symptoms of the herpes type 1 virus or suffer irritation in the eyes.

Keep it to yourself. Cold sores are extremely contagious. Avoid kissing and sharing cups, towels, or other such items. Wash your hands frequently, especially after touching cold sores. And take care not to touch your eyes or genitals immediately after touching cold sores. Like many people around the world, I suffered with cold sores for many years, trying all sorts of treatments in vain.