Cold Sores are like allergies, you may face it more frequent at certain stage of life, and you may also be free of outbreak for years. Cold sores are a common disease that has affected around 80 to 90 percent of the American population. Herpes is one of the most common viral infections in the world. The medical name for the specific virus that causes cold sores is herpes simplex.

Herpes simplex virus is spread from person to person by direct skin-to-skin contact. The highest risk for spreading the virus is the time period beginning with the appearance of blisters and ending with scab formation. Herpes viruses can be transmitted to others by way of an intermediary object such as cup, eating utensil, toothbrush, napkins or even a face towel.

Cold sore treatment may include topical creams or ointments or sometimes antiviral medicines (such as acyclovir). Treatment may reduce the duration of the cold sores by only 1 to 2 days, but it can help to soothe the painful and uncomfortable blisters.

Tea tree oil has been effective for some cold sore sufferers. Despite how intensely itchy the first stage of the cold sore can be, avoiding the urge to itch will minimize the cold sore and prevent it from spreading. Tea tree oil, or oil from a vitamin A or vitamin C capsule, are other methods of reduce inflammation slightly.

Try to eat healthily. Vegetables and fruit are good for you! Lots of different things can bring on the cold sore. Some of the common ones are stress, tiredness, wind and sunlight. Loss of appetite and of smell is the main features of a cold which makes life miserable. It is recommended if you do have an outbreak to keep the blister clean to avoid additional infection

Natural remedies include aloe or lemon balm applied to the affected area multiple times a day. You can also use petroleum jelly to keep dryness and cracking to a minimum. Natural cold sore treatment seems to have answers to cure cold sores but as there have not been conclusive medical researches done in this area, only those who have benefited personally can testify of their effectiveness.