Coming soon! Cold sore season will be here before we know it. As we get more closed in and exposed to numerous viruses that can cause any number of different types of cold sore infections, it’s important to remember we have treatment and prevention options. At the very least, there are thankfully things we can do to shorten the duration of a cold sore outbreak. 

The Virus That is Usually the Culprit - Estimated Over 50% of the Population Harbors This

HSV, a version of the herpes virus, is the virus that is most often responsible for most cold sores. Cold sores are usually within the immediate area of the lips, or directly on the lips. These sores are often confused with canker sores.

Is This the Same Thing as Canker Sores?

Canker sores and cold sores are actually two different things, although both can be exacerbated by stress. Canker sores are actually a wound, or a sore, inside the mouth. It can be caused by trauma such as accidentally biting the inside of the mouth or tongue.

Canker sores can also be caused by excessive acidity, but there are occasions where they can actually just be caused by stress or suppressed immunity as well. Related: Kick Cold Sores Before They Take Hold! New Balm

Cold Sore Prevention 101

Prevention is not exactly a great word for what needs to be done to control these HSV outbreaks. Because you can never rid yourself of this virus, it really becomes about catching an infection early on and applying certain techniques, products and supplements.

Early detection is key. If you can remedy these blisters before they really become full blown blisters, then you’ve definitely shortened their harmful active period. 

Early Signs of Cold Sores

The most telltale sign you’re about to have a cold sore form is noticeably drier, “tight” feeling lips. You may also notice an accompanying burning or tingling sensation.

Some people experience redder, more flushed lips as well as a tight, swollen feeling. If you feel any of these, experience with this virus will tell you this is a dead giveaway you’re going to need to pre-emptively treat the area.

If you are in a stressful or transitional period of life, you probably will want to stock up on some of the supplements that are known to help combat these outbreaks. The most common supplement is Lysine. There is also an excellent supplement called Super Lysine that combines Lysine with other immune boosting nutrients like garlic and vitamin C for an extra punch. Related: Garlic for Increased Immunity and More

It’s all about keeping your immunity up, especially in the winter time when colds and flu viruses abound in closed up settings. Getting these viruses can actually trigger the HSV virus to activate because your body is under stress and your immunity is already busy fighting off another invader. 

So, some people may actually choose to just start supplementing more with Lysine and other supplements that help immunity like vitamin D and K – and healthy doses of vitamin C of course.

How Does the Virus That Causes Cold Sores Reactivate?

The most common reason for spreading of the oral cold sore virus is kissing and sharing of utensils with someone who has an active viral outbreak. It’s tricky, because this virus is harbored in a very large percentage of the population, however it’s only “active” part of the time. In a subset of the population with the virus, there are people who don’t really have outbreaks at all.

There is another subset that has an outbreak the first time the virus circulates, and then it never happens again. Then there is yet another subset that is beset with chronic flare ups several times a year.

When it is active, it circulates in the blood stream and in some individuals, during this active period, causes cold sore breakouts ranging in severity. Lots of different things can cause the virus to reactivate. One of the most common causes is stress. Related: Lemonbalm and Peppermint for Cold Sores

This is followed by hormonal shifts. And finally, if you have some sort of other trauma occur, like a painful condition or a sunburn or something like that which is taxing your immune defenses, this can also trigger the virus to become active and cause cold sores to occur.

An Optimally Functioning Immune System is Critical

One of the best ways to proactively prevent these outbreaks from even becoming a glimmer on your lips so to speak, is to really galvanize the immune system. There are so many ways to do this. Getting adequate and quality sleep is vital for one thing. 

Getting plenty of sunshine or vitamin D combined with vitamin K is another. Good nutrition is key to good immunity as well. Supplementing with immune boosters like vitamin C, zinc and real, fresh garlic chewed thoroughly, and stress management are critical in maintaining healthy immunity and strong responses to destructive viruses.

Stress management may cause some to scratch their head. However, it is notable that spikes in stress often cause other ailments to take hold. In other words, it’s just easier for a virus to express itself when you are stressed out. Stress and anxiety and immune function really do go hand in hand. Stress can lead directly to immune suppression. This is why it so often seems we get sick during stressful periods in life.

HSV Retreats to the Body’s Nervous System When Inactive

This is the really interesting part about this virus. When it is done circulating in the blood stream and either causing cold sore outbreaks or not, depending on the person’s immunity to it, it retreats to a different system.

It actually migrates back to the nervous system. This is where it remains dormant until a trigger causes it to reawaken and travel – where it can cause painful, uncomfortable and/or embarrassing sores around the mouth area.

The trick is to get it back to dormancy again as quickly as possible. Topical treatments and internal supplementation can cause the virus to go back to dormancy, and can even kill the active virus directly by topical application. This can be incredibly powerful in preventing long, painful and often embarrassing bouts with these blistery little pests!