Cold sores is a type of facial lesion and is found to gro-w either on the lips or in the skin isa adjacent to the mouth. It is scientifically kno-wn as Herpes Simplex that occurs specially -when someone is suffering from fever. This begins as a group of small red bumps that blisters. Sometimes itching and burning in the isa follo-w this blister. -when the blisters dry up they start forming a yello-w crust that gradually falls off and the redness goes a-way.

Either type1 herpes virus or type2 herpes virus causes cold sores. Type herpes virus causes almost 60% of the cold sores on the lips and face. The rest 40% of the cold sores is caused by type2 herpes virus. Cold sores particularly appear after fever, stress and excess exposure to open sunlight.

Transmission of cold sores

Cold sores is transmitted due to sexual contacts, kissing or any type of intimate contacts. Ho-wever, cold sores may often enhance due to factors like fever, sun exposure and menstruation. Ho-wever if the cold sores last longer than t-wo -weeks it is advisable that you should consult a physician.
Follo-wing is the signs and symptoms of cold sores:
Small, painful and fluid filled blisters on raised painful isa of your skin
Pain or tingling called prodrome preceding blisters by one or t-wo days

Preventive measures of cold sores

The occurrence of cold sores indicates a deficiency in calcium. So not only calcium efficiency can deter cold sores but there is also various other prevention programs for cold sores. As a preventive program it is a good idea to boost your immune system to prevent cold sores. You can start taking the herbs Echinacea and goldenseal to boost your immune system.
Follo-wing is the other preventive measures of cold sores:
Vitamin E provides pain relief
Vitamin C containing citrus bioflavonoids greatly reduce cold sores
Zinc tablets reduce the duration of cold sores
Eating plain yogurt [-with acidophilus] is a good preventive measure

Try not to use traditional treatments like antibiotics as they may cause headaches, vomiting, nausea and prolonged cough.

Remedies of cold sores

-when you feel the itching of cold sores just beginning, you should start taking antacids regularly. If you cant catch the blistering in time, you should break the blisters and directly apply the antacids to the affected isa.
Ho-wever follo-wing is the other remedies to prevent cold sores:
Use a drug called acyclovir to treat cold sores
Go for natural treatments such as Choraphor and other skin solutions
Apply Polysporin ointment to the isa once or t-wice a day to prevent bacterial infection.
You can also use a medicine called LLysine 500 mg, an amino acid that reduces the burning and tingling effectively.

Ho-wever as home remedy for cold sores you can use tea bags, ice, petroleum jelly, nutritional remedies and herbal antiseptics like Sage and Tea tree oil.