A cold sore is a small fluid filled blister that usually appears on the outer edge of the lip. They are caused by a virus infection and are very contagious.

If you suffer from cold sores, you will know that ‘tingling itchy' feeling means the onset of a cold sore outbreak. Once you feel the tingle the affected area will soon become red and begin to swell.

Within 24 to 48 hours, one or a cluster of tiny blisters begin to appear. These blisters will begin to break and leak fluid leaving a raw open sore. At this stage the cold sore is at is most contagious stage and infection can easily spread to other a parts of the body and to other people.

A few days after the blister bursts a crust will form and this a good sign that the cold sore is beginning to heal. From the 'tingle' to the cold sore clearing up will usually take between 10 to 12 days.

What Causes Coldsores

A cold sore is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 or, HSV -1 for short. The HSV-1 virus can easily be mistaken for the Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 (HSV -2) which actually affects the genital areas and is often referred to as genital herpes.

The HSV -1 virus infects the body through human contact by touching infected skin, or through saliva such as kissing. The Herpes Simplex virus is more common than you think and many people actually carry the virus without ever showing any cold sore symptoms.

Once the HSV-1 invades the skin it causes a primary infection which can result in cold like symptoms such as a sore throat or a fever. After this initial infection the virus lies dormant in the nerve roots near the affected area.

For the unlucky ones, the virus can be triggered causing recurring infections resulting in a cold sore. The most common triggers can be colds, fevers, over exposure to sunlight, during your period, and during times of emotional stress.

Coldsore Prevention

As they say, ‘prevention is better than cure' and this applies to coldsores whether you want to avoid them or, stop their spread if you have one. Below are a few tips and precautions:

• The most effective way to prevent infection is to avoid exchanging bodily fluids with people who are infected with a cold sore whether that be kissing or sexual intercourse.
• If your coldsores are triggered by too much exposure to the sun, then apply a good quality lip balm with sunscreen protection before you go out into the sun.
• Avoid emotionally stressful situations. This is easier said than done with the hectic lifestyles we now lead these days, but it is important for your health in general to take some well earned ‘me' time.
• A coldsore is a sign of a weakened immune system meaning that your body is not getting enough nutrients amd vitamins. Eating more fresh organic fruit and vegatables will help keep those little critters at bay.

If you have a cold sore......don't touch it!!

Although the temptation to scratch and pick your cold sore can be unbearable this will only prolong the healing process and you also run the risk of spreading the virus to unaffected areas of the body.

If you do succumb to the temptation, wash your hands immediately. You‘d be surprised how easy it is to spread infection .....just think of all those door handles you touch on the way to the bathroom.

Treating Your Coldsores

There are numerous antiviral creams and drugs on the market to treat cold sores. Most of them can help in reducing the healing time however, they need to be applied before the cold sore appears otherwise, their affect is limited. Shortly I will be reviewing a number of products on the market so stay tuned.

If you have found little to no relief and are fed up with all these creams that promise you the earth then you need look no further.. Did you know you can cure your cold sores naturally and in the comfort of your in as little as 3 days? Think about it ... no longer dreading that tingling feeling again or covering up your embarrassment in social situations. If you want to put an end to the misery and pain of another coldsore outbreak then Click here to find out more.