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If you want to learn about cold sores, then you'll want to read this article. Specifically we'll discuss what causes cold sores, how to prevent them from occurring even if you are already infected and using natural remedies to help treat the symptoms so they heal fast. After reading this article, you should be able to be in a position to deal with your next cold sore outbreak better.

Cold sores are caused by an infection of the herpes simplex virus, which actually infects up to ninety percent of the adult population according to some experts. Transmission of the virus is usually by kissing and adults who are suffering from cold sores often infect children.

It's most infectious state is when suffering a cold sore lesion, but many people don't suffer from outbreaks even though they are infected with the virus. Even if you do suffer from cold sore outbreaks, for most of the time you'll be cold sore free. However, during the times of outbreaks your life can be a misery due to the pain, plus feeling like a leper due to the unpleasant looking lesion on your lip.

One of the keys to preventing new outbreaks from occurring is to ensure that your immune system is in tiptop condition. That means you should give up smoking, cut down on alcohol, get plenty of sleep, take regular exercise, follow a healthy diet and avoid stress - the same advice as you always hear.

Smoking and drinking don't need to be explained, but regular exercise can mean walking at a brisk pace for 30 minutes each day. Other ideas include swimming or yoga, but if you find the idea of exercise really boring make sure you listen to music to keep you motivated.

A healthy diet means cutting back on saturated fats, sugar and processed foods and eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Rather than red meat, you should opt for fish if possible, which has a variety of health benefits.

When you do suffer from cold sores you should ensure you act fast to help them heal fast. Many sufferers swear that the application of ice to the area of the cold sore as soon as the tingling stage becomes apparent will shorten the duration of the lesion and some say it can prevent it from occurring altogether.

Other common cold sore treatments include lemon balm, which can be applied as a cream or a tea bag. This herb is common in Europe, although can be difficult to locate in the United States. More straightforward is to take a tea bag and apply it to the sore. The tannic acid in tea acts possesses antiviral properties and therefore helps the body fight the herpes simplex virus so that it reverts to its dormant state.

In this article we've taken a look at the causes of cold sores; how to prevent them from occurring once you become infected; and using home remedies to help heal them fast. If you suffer from cold sores regularly you can take this information and use it to help make your life more bearable by suffering fewer outbreaks and suffering less severe and shorter attacks when then occur.