The most important thing to remember if you get a cold sore: do not touch or itch the sore at all.  This can stop the infection from spreading and can shorten the length of time you have the cold sore.  If you scratch or itch the sore, you can risk scarring after the sore has healed.  When you do touch your cold sore, it should only be when applying medication.  You can apply ice to the sore to help with the itching and pain.

Once your sure your cold sore has completely healed here are some things you want to be sure you do.  Get rid of your toothbrush.  Many people do not realize this, but using the same toothbrush can raise your chances of getting another outbreak, as the virus can live on the brush.  The next thing you need to do is stay healthy.  Eat right, exercise, and take vitamins.  These are all good ways to greatly reduce another outbreak of the cold sore.  Avoid long term sun exposure and try not to get sick.

Since there is no cure for cold sores, most people treat them with over the counter medications.  In the case of more serious outbreaks, contact your Dr. right away.  They will be able to prescribe much stronger medications to help you treat your cold sore.

As many as 80% of Americans are carriers of the virus that causes mouth herpes or canker sores.  The virus is easy to spread to others.  Even if the sore is not visible, the virus can be spread from making contact with infected saliva, or from touching infected areas.

The herpes mouth virus causes outbreaks most frequently during the first few years after the initial contraction.  Children tend to get this virus from putting unfamiliar objects in their mouths, as well as touching other children’s toys.  From the moment the virus first occurs, the body begins developing antibodies against the virus.  As the antibodies increase, the chance for outbreaks decreases.  By the time most people are adults, their bodies have developed enough antibodies to prevent most potential outbreaks.

It is still possible to get mouth herpes as an adult.  The most common cause is from oral sex.  Mouth herpes can show up on the inside of the mouth: including the gums and inner cheeks.  Blisters can also occur in the person’s throat.

Most people choose to treat mouth blisters and sores with over the counter ointments and creams.  With persistent cases of mouth herpes, you should see your Dr. right away.  They can prescribe stronger treatments.  If you want a more natural method for treating your mouth sores,  you can try taking Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Zinc supplements, and adding higher amounts of Lysine to your diet.

The earlier you begin treating mouth blisters, the better off you will be.

The Simplex Virus 1 is contagious.  You can spread fever blisters to others from skin to skin contact.  If you have a fever blister you should avoid kissing, sharing utensils or cups, toothbrushes, lipstick or chap stick, and even using the same towel as someone else.  The virus can be spread to other parts of your own body, such as your eyes or genitals.  If you have a fever blister, make sure you wash your hands often.

There is not a cure for fever blisters, but there are several remedies and medications available to treat fever blisters.  You can get treatments from your Dr. or Dentist.  With these medications, be aware that they are used to treat herpes.  Even after the fever blister heals, the virus still remains in your system and certain triggers may cause another outbreak.  There are over the counter medicines you may use to treat a fever blister, but these medicines only work to relieve the pain, itching, and may reduce the duration of the fever blister.

Fever blisters are common.  It is best if you get a fever blister to start treatment as early as possible.