A cold sore or otherwise known as a fever blister is mainly caused by the herpes simplex virus. Cold sores are very contagious and extremely common; it is estimated that, in the United States, 80% of the population has been infected by the cold sore virus. Cold sore can be transmitted by kissing an infected person or sharing eating utensils, drinking cups, cold sores are normally confined to the mouth area (particularly roughly the lip).

Cold sore is most prevalent during wintertime and cold weather. Many patients claim that this is the resultant of stress however; no scientific studies have so far established this view. Yet, this remains true for some sufferers.

Learned your personal cold sore symptoms and being sensitive to them is a requirement part of reducing or completely stop cold sores symptoms from your life. When the herpes virus is latent within your nerve cells, there are no cold sore symptoms. If they wake up due to some physical stress like flu, colds, or mental stress, then the cold sore symptoms start.

The first of the cold sore symptoms many call the itching stage. The itching stage, without a doubt, is the most important of all cold sore symptoms. The cold sore affected area will start to feel uncomfortable. Treating this stage of your cold sore properly and instantly is the secret to being cold sore free for life.

To prevent further cold sore symptoms, or at least reduce their impact, by far the most popular cold sore treatment is the application of ice. Herpes virus hates cold. Applying ice during this stage sends the virus back to the latent phase for many people. It slows down metabolism and discourages the virus from replicating.

Apply ice for at least a quarter of an hour to your cold sores, as a very basic cold sore treatment to stop cold sores. The important thing is the faster you do this, the less probably you will have to suffer further cold sore symptoms. It delayed and sometimes prevented the cold sores from actually moving into the blister stage.

At the first sign of an attack, apply ice repeat on a regular basis if you can - the virus doesn't like the cold! Between applications of ice, keep up vitamin A, vitamin B and vitamin E intake which can be purchased at any health store.

An effective cold sore treatment can truly be a blessed relief for cold sore victims like you and me. And, if you're like me, you want a cold sore treatment that will not only give you a plenty of comfort right now, but will hopefully reduce the healing time so you can get on with your life. That's the beauty of this well proven cold sore treatment to stop cold sores.

Lemon balm tea. These tea bags can be found for inexpensive anyplace you find specialty teas. Lemon balm herb has anti-viral properties and is a natural cold sore treatment to stop cold sores.

Stress can trigger an attack. Try to relax and take life a little easier. Look back your diet and try to eat healthily. Vegetables and fruit are good for you! Also try to make sure you get enough of exercise and sleep. Eating well, getting enough rest, and learning how to deal with stress are important things for everyone. And remember! No kissing while the cold sore is present!