Cold Sores

Cold sores are a skin infection caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 or type 2. They appear as small reddish/purple blisters around the mouth and can appear in clusters or on their own. Scabs from cold sores will usually fall off between eight to ten days after the blister appears. Symptoms of cold sores include pain, a tingling sensation and fluid-filled blisters on a raised, painful area of skin. Cold sores can be treated with antiviral creams or medications, pain relievers, leaving it alone, lysine, vitamin and mineral supplements, herbal therapies, and avoiding irritating foods.

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