Prevention
Although you can’t cure or prevent cold sores, you can take steps to reduce their frequency and to limit the duration of an occurrence.
People with cold sores should wash their hands after touching their cold sore and should be especially careful to avoid touching their own eyes after touching their cold sore because HSV-1 can cause ocular herpes, a serious eye infection. Avoid kissing a person with a cold sore, sharing toothbrushes, drinking glasses or bottles, cutlery, towels or other personal items as these activities could also increase the risk of infection.
If you are prone to cold sores, use high-factor sun creams to avoid sunburn or even better, stay out of the sun, because ultraviolet rays can depress the immune system and trigger cold sores. If you find that sunlight triggers your cold sores, try using sunscreen lip balm when out in bright sunlight.
Try to avoid becoming run down by eating a healthy diet, including plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Some people have even sworn that by adding yoghurt to their daily diet, they have significantly decreased or almost eliminated their occurrences of cold sores outbreaks! Many people have also reported that taking the amino acid L-lysine has prevented or lessened the duration of their cold sores. Garlic also, has anti-viral properties that can help with cold sores, although garlic is best known for its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties (both important when dealing with sores).
Medical research in England found that many people with cold sores were low in B12 and that by adding 250mcg of B12 as a supplement, the condition improved rapidly. This research also suggested taking B complex supplements with emphasis on the B12 and folic acid. Using zinc supplements has also been reported to reduce the duration of cold sores outbreaks.
Another method which can be used to make yourself more comfortable when you have an outbreak of cold sores is to apply ice or anything cool to the area.
Cold Sores
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