Cold sores affect approximately 40 million people every year. In their most common manifestation, they appear as small blistering spots on the face, especially in the regions around the mouth, the nose and sometimes even on the lips. The agent that cases them to appear is a virus known as the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). The way the virus is transmitted is through direct physical contact with someone who has an active infection. The saliva is the carrier of this rather contagious virus in most cases. For more check Causes of Cold Sore.

Cold sores can appear early in a person's lifetime requiring cold sores treatment. Fortunately, most people who get the infection in their childhood develop an immunity that prevents the infection from resurfacing again later. The virus is not entirely lost, but is retained in the body in a passive and latent mode for the rest of the person's life. However, at times when the body's immune system lets down its guard or becomes preoccupied with combating other foreign bodies, such as during an attack of flu or a cold, sores may develop. That's why they are called ‘cold sores'. According to statistical figures, approximately 9 out of 10 people have the necessary antibodies (Herpes Simplex Antibodies) in their bloodstream to counter future attacks.

The Relationship Between Cold Sore And Immunity

Recent studies point towards the fact that there might be a connection between the risks of getting an infection and reduced immunity in a person. In other words, immuno-compromised persons run a slightly higher risk of developing cold sores, and causing them to develop into more severe cases. Children with poor immunity, or those having skin problems like eczema, are particularly susceptible. Such children should always be discouraged from touching or picking their sores and encouraged to maintain a high degree of hygiene such as washing their hands regularly to check the further spread of the infection, or to prevent further deterioration.

The connection between cold sores and the immune system extends beyond this. A person experiencing an attack of the Herpes Simplex virus for the first time typically develops an infection in and around the mouth first. The virus then extends its reach deeper and into the nervous system of the individual. This eventually results in the first appearance of the cold sores. However, their appearance is dependant on the immune system of the infected person. It has been noticed that some people infected with the virus, often fail to develop to cold sores, thanks to a strong immune system.

It might be alarming to know that there is no real cure for cold sores. Fortunately, cold sores generally heal on their own, and symptoms start to diminish usually within 8 to 10 days. Just keeping oneself informed of the do's and don'ts during an infection, and maintaining a certain degree of hygiene can do wonders. And of course, a strong immune system always helps. Some individuals have got great results by trying alternative methods like biofeedback and hypnotherapy to get their emotions and, by association, their immune systems, under control preventing cold sore.