Cold sores aren’t just cosmetically ugly; they hurt too. As anyone who’s ever had one can attest, they can be almost overwhelmingly painful. To help you conquer cold sores, we’ve gathered some cold sore tips to assist you in relieving the pain of a current cold sore outbreak, and to help you prevent new outbreaks down the road.

Let’s get started by going over the triggers that cause cold sores.

Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are the result of the Herpes Simplex Virus I (HSV I). Note that this is different from the genital herpes virus.

HSV I is highly contagious and very common. Up to 80% of the population has the virus, which lies dormant in our bodies while no outbreak is present. The vast majority of those infected with HSV I contract the virus by the time they are seven years old. Once you’ve got it, there’s no way to get rid of the virus.

When the herpes virus lies dormant, there are no signs or symptoms in a person who has the virus. That is, until the virus is somehow reactivated, resulting in painful and unsightly cold sore blisters around the lips and mouth.

Prevent Outbreaks with these Cold Sore Tips

So, how does the normally inactive HSV I virus become activated? There are a variety of triggers, including:

? Stress ? Weakened immune system ? Sickness ? Pregnancy or a woman’s period ? Irritation or injury to the mouth and lips

Essentially, when the body’s natural defenses are weakened, or a person’s stress level is too high, cold sores can occur. To prevent cold sores, it’s important to control the triggers that cause them.

Obviously, when it comes to cold sore outbreaks in pregnancy or during a woman’s menstrual cycle, some of the hormonal triggers can’t be avoided. In these cases, the best prevention is a proactive approach.

There are a range of supplements and over-the-counter products available for use in preventing cold sores. Also, a whole-foods diet designed to support the immune system is important, along with measures to prevent injury and severe drying of the lips. A good natural lip moisturizer can help soothe sore, chapped lips and reduce the incidence of cold sores.

Treat Outbreaks with these Cold Sore Tips

If you’re already in suffering from a cold sore outbreak, you might be wondering how you can soothe the symptoms.

Use the following helpful cold sore tips for symptom relief:

? Use a topical medication to numb the pain. Examples include “caine” medicines, like lidocaine and benzocaine. You can also use preparations like benzoyl alcohol or a phenol-containing formulation.

? Use an antibiotic ointment to keep the sores from becoming infected.

? Use a good salve to moisturize the sores and prevent them from scabbing and scarring.

? Try taking zinc and lysine supplements. These may reduce the duration of a cold sore outbreak. Zinc is also known to boost the immune system.

Taking care of yourself with a healthful diet and exercise plan, combined with immune-bolstering supplements is the best way to prevent painful cold sore outbreaks. Be sure to get enough restful sleep, and use stress management techniques to avoid succumbing to stress.

While the best course of action is a good prevention plan, if you do end up with a cold sore breakout, use these simple cold sore tips to help soothe your discomfort and end your breakout faster.

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