Cold Sore on Lips – How to Treat it Quick and Effectively?
Cold sore on lips is a general infection associated with adults. That doesn’t mean, it is limited to above 18 years of age. As it is contagious, cold sore is also seen with children. In most cases, cold sore is observed as red colored small blisters in and around lip area.

Image: Courtesy of Dr. Herrmann/ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Causes for Cold Sore On Lips:
The prime reason for cold sore on lips is Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). In majority of the cases (about 95%), HSV Type 1 is the culprit. On the other hand, HSV-2 is associated with Genital Herpes (remaining 5%). The bad thing about this virus led infection is it being influenced by external factors otherwise known as triggers.
These include cold, fever, stress, cracked lips, skin injury around lips, exposure to sunlight, exposure to cold winds, hormonal changes, menstruation, pregnancy, weak immunity etc. In some cases, the cause itself is not known even after thorough scientific studies. Whatever may be the cause, it is proved that cold sore gets transmitted by skin-to-skin contact.
Ironically, this cold sore virus stays in the body after infection too. It might result in another cold sore outbreak whenever the virus becomes active. Therefore, you can get recurrent cold sore outbreaks at later stage of life
Prevention for Cold Sore on Lips:
Prevention is better than cure. The same rule applies to cold sore on lips. Just by following some good personal hygiene habits, you will be able to control the transmission of cold sores.
1. Cleanse your hands frequently.
2. Do not share spoons and glasses.
3. Do not share towels and hankies.
4. Avoid kissing and oral sex
5. Avoid direct skin to skin contact
6. Replace the existing toothbrush with a new one to prevent recurrent cold sore outbreaks.
7. Avoid triggers such as applying sun screen lotion while going out.
Treatment for Cold Sore On Lips:
On an average, cold sore on lips last for 6 to 8 days. There is no perfect treatment for cold sores. However, if you visit a healthcare provider, then he / she will prescribe antiviral medications such as Acyclovir, Famciclovir, Valacyclovir, Penciclovir, Abreva etc. But none of the above specified medications work effectively against Herpes simplex Virus. They just ease you pain and discomfort.
On contrary, you can try alternative medicine for cold sore on lips. They are natural and you don’t need to go anywhere. Just procure them from your kitchen. The popular cold sore home remedies include applying ice on the infected area, taking vitamin supplements, applying toothpaste, garlic oil, grapefruit seed extract, lemon balm, applying hydrogen peroxide, lysine supplements etc will give you a permanent cure. The detailed explanation could be read at Cold Sore Treatment ebook.
Tags: cold sore cure > Cold sore on lips > cold sore remedies > cold sore treatment > cold sores on lip > fever blisters > genital herpes > herpes simplex virus > treat cold sore
