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. Many people are upset by catching a cold sore from a romantic encounter as it is something that is now in your system for life.
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. Some people find that argine will upset their system and cause an outbreak and this is in a high ratio in some body building formulas and supplements. If you take this to bulk up and tend towards cold sores, a lysine supplement can be helpful.
Sometimes before you get a cold you can get a cold sore because your body is not working optimally and you may not be sleeping enough. Be sure as well to always use sunblock on your lip when you are outdoors as I know I can get a fever blister on my lip if it is not protected due to UV lighting.
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.
Most outbreaks of cold herpes sores are preceded by a sensation of burning, itching or tingling in the area prior to the blistering becoming visible. At times the cold sore will be dry and it forms a crust at the end stage. You are still contagious at this point however. Do not think that you can't pass the virus on just because it is no longer red or bleeding.
Traditional natural remedies that purport to ease the pain and length include acidopholous, grapefruit seed extract, aloe juice and b-12 supplements. Though some people say vaseline will stop the cracking, I found this spread my cold sore to create a second one next to it so I cannot recommend the vaseline.
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.
