by Cheryl Oliver

Created on: April 28, 2008   Last Updated: April 29, 2008

Before we can begin talking about a 'cure' for cold sores, we first need to understand what causes these pesky visitors. Please understand that there is no cure for the infection that causes fever blisters, but there are ways to prevent them, and speed the healing process when they do occur.

Causes of cold sores are generally the result of the herpes simplex 1 viral infection. These most often occur after a fever, illness, emotional stress, reduced immunity, dehydration or vitamin and mineral deficiency. Another cause of fever blisters can also be hormone imbalance, such as menstruation, menopause or pregnancy, Crohn's disease, gluten sensitivity or perhaps a highly acidic diet.

All of that being said, lets start the healing process. We often hear that prevention is worth a pound of cure'. There is a reason why this expression is said IT HAPPENS TO BE TRUE! Because cold sores often occur when we are dehydrated, it makes sense that the first rule of prevention would be WATER. Over half of your body is made up of water. It's in every cell and every tissue. You cannot function without water. Six to ten glasses of pure water each day are necessary to your body's proper functioning.

Medical research has indicated that cold sore outbreaks can be caused by deficiencies in vitamin B12 or calcium, folic acid and iron. Taking a daily combination of these vitamins is essential to the prevention of cold sores. Lysine is an essential amino acid but cannot be manufactured by the body. For this reason, lysine must be obtained from food or supplements. Lysine also appears to help the body absorb and conserve calcium. Taking a daily dose of Lysine can help ward off viral outbreaks.

In the event that your preventative measures fail you on occasion, it's important to know ways to speed the healing process. While most sores will disappear within 7 to 10 days, no one wants to keep them that long.

Lysine can be taken in a double dose once a sore appears. Do this for a few days, and you'll notice the sore shrink almost immediately. It's best to start this as soon as you feel the first tingle.

One of the most recommended topical treatments is Tea tree oil. This oil is not just soothing and disinfecting, it is capable of penetrating into the lower skin layers with its anti-inflammatory, disinfectant, analgesic (pain killing) and cicatrizing (wound-healing) qualities. It helps the skin to heal by encouraging the formation of scar tissue. Add a couple of drops of tea tree oil with 1 capsule of Vitamin E oil. Apply directly to the sore twice daily.

Another popular topical treatment is Grapefruit seed extract. You can find this and Tea Tree Oil at your local natural food store. Physicians have observed that the herpes simplex virus becomes inactive just ten minutes after the application of grapefruit seed extract. Mix a couple of drops the extract with vegetable glycerin (also at the natural food store or some drug stores). If you can't find glycerin, use olive, sesame, almond or vegetable oil. Apply directly to the sore.

One last word about prevention while you have a cold sore, please do not kiss anyone, share lip balm or utensils. The Herpes Symplex 1 virus is highly contagious, and can also be transferred from lips to genitals so exercising extreme caution is necessary!

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