The most common viral infections in the world is herpes. The specific virus that causes cold sores is herpes simplex. Herpes simplex virus has two phases, an active phase where it causes cell damage and a latent phase where it does not develop or grow. We have to understand what causes cold sores which can help us to prevent and treat them. Stress, lack of sleep, fever, sun exposure, flu may trigger a recurrence and reactivate this type of virus. Herpes simplex virus type 1 usually causes cold sores while type 2 is usually responsible for genital herpes. HSV type 2 is rarer than HSV type 1. However, either type of the virus can cause sores in the facial area or on the genitals.

Herpes virus loves an acid situation and will become active if and when that happens. Acid environment loves by herpes simplex virus to do its work. Herpes simplex begins as a group of small red bumps that blister. Itching and burning of the affected area precede this. Herpes simplex is not curable, but may lie dormant for long periods of time.

Cold sores around the face and mouth are extremely contagious. Avoid touching, and rubbing cold sores as much as possible. The less you touch a cold sore, the faster the cold sore will disappear. Sunburn commonly triggers outbreaks. Kissing someone with an active cold sore can cause cold sores as well. Cold sores are a sure sign that your immune system is at a low.

Lysine, an amino acid, was thought to be a cold sore treatment. Lysine and arginine are always in competition for the same space in the cell. The more lysine then will be the less arginine in the cell. Lysine is recommended for prevention of the cold sore virus, due to its affect on Arginine which triggers the herpes virus.

Cold sores are usually go away by themselves within two weeks. However, they are irritating and painful and it is natural to want to get rid of them. Cold sores are common and usually trivial. If you are suffering from cold sore, it is important for others to avoid direct contact with your affected area until your cold sore has completely healed.