I have some good news for you. Your last cold sore may have been ..well, your last cold sore.
I will explain about these nasty sores that some people refer to as fever blisters, and share the best of the best non-toxic solutions to prevent a cold sore before it begins, or stop a new eruption in its tracks so it disappears in just a few days.
Cold sores are so embarrassing. There's absolutely no way to camouflage them. So you probably hide out as much as possible, like so many other people do, until it's gone.
So, out of the blue, you're noticing a little sensation on your lip. Kinda itchy, or tingling, or numb. Dread sets in. You know the next two weeks will be all about ugly.
After the initial early warning symptom, the first stage is the swollen, tender bump. It's followed by the second stage where the bump recedes and becomes clusters of little blisters. In the third stage, the blisters will break open and ooze a clear type of pus, until eventually, at the next stage, a scab forms over them, followed by complete healing.
The Herpes Simplex Virus 1 is the cause of a cold sore, and it's contagious when there's an active infection. This virus is more common than you would think. Well over half the world's population carries it.
That's how you got the virus. Someone with a cold sore either kissed you, or shared with you an eating utensil or drinking cup at some point after you were born up to the time shortly before your first cold sore eruption.
Transmission of the virus is by direct contact with an open lesion or body fluid, such as saliva, from an infected person. The virus can lay dormant for years in the body until your immune system is lower than normal, and an infection is triggered.
The most common triggers for a cold sore include over-exposure to sun or wind, being stressed out, or over-tired.
Menstruation is another common trigger, but also, experiencing pain in the mouth area from some kind of injury or a dental procedure.
If you knew of a non-toxic solution that would prevent a cold sore or stop a new one from getting worse, that was equally or more effective than a drug store remedy or an expensive pharmaceutical drug with potential side effects, would you choose that? Would that be a yes? Try one of the recommendations below that resonates best for you.
The first recommendation is the amino acid called lysine. You've probably heard about it already, but if you haven't tried it, you should. Most lysine users find this an effective way to prevent the outbreak, or stop it if it has already started. It should be taken daily on an empty stomach whether you have an infection or not, 1500 mg each day. If you still feel a cold sore coming on, increase the dosage to 3,000 mg a day until the threat is over.
Garlic is an effective cold sore preventative and treatment, having anti-viral properties. Include a garlic supplement as part of your daily regimen.
Lemon slices - place one on the area where the tingling, or other early symptom, is occurring. If you change the lemon slices once every fifteen to twenty minutes for an hour or so, you are likely to discover that no outbreak occurs at all. Avoid placing it on an open blister because it will hurt. You can't get more natural than lemon slices, but have a Plan B available if you don't have a lemon available.
Cold Sores Begone is a topical remedy that uses lemon balm, a highly effective anti-viral herb. It aborts the infection before the sore has a chance to show itself if it's applied at the first early symptom. It has quite the cult following. It's a great alternative to daily supplements, if you prefer that, and the pocket size bottle is a plus so you're always armed and ready.
You know that not one thing works for everyone, right? It's due to each person's unique chemical make-up. If one of these cold sore preventatives don't work for you, try another. Above all, the most important factor is to keep your immune system strong, so even if it's not as fun as the alternative, get adequate sleep, and Google ways to handle your stress. Your self-esteem is counting on you.