Have you ever experienced a painful sore or blister that appears on your mouth or lips? Do you know what causes these sores? The majority of the time the Herpes virus causes these sores, many people call them fever blisters or cold sores.

Cold sores usually start out with a small tingling sensation in the location where the sore will be. The area may start to swell slightly and blisters will begin to form. These blisters usually start out as smaller liquid-filled blisters, but many times the smaller blisters form into one large blister. Eventually the blisters will begin to ooze and the sores will crust over.

Usually these blisters occur on the lips or near the mouth, although that isn’t the only place that a person can get cold sores. The sores may spread to other areas on your face such as your eyes and nose, or also the genital area. If you come it contact with an area that is affected by cold sores your should always immediately wash your hands to prevent spreading it. It is very important to always wash your hands regardless if the sore is on you or another person, it can be passed either way.

If you have an outbreak, it is important that you leave the sores alone– do not pick at the scabs or squeeze the blisters, because that will only lengthen your healing time. The best thing that you can do is not to touch the wounds, they will heal more quickly if they are left alone. When you are applying cold sore medication such as cream be careful to not break open the blisters or scabs.

Cold sore treatments are most effective within the first 24 hours, so it is imperative that you act fast if you have one starting. Many doctors suggest applying the medicated cream or taking medication when you start to feel that first tingling sensation. If you do not respond to the cold sore symptoms immediately, the treatments may not be helpful later in the life of the sore.

If you have contracted the Herpes virus already, know that there is no final cure– you will carry the virus for the rest of your life. But, do not fear, because there are things that you can do to help lessen the symptoms and prevent future breakouts. Home remedies for cold sores are the best option to heal and prevent cold sores.