How Long do Cold Sores Last

The characteristic features of cold sores are itchy, irritating blisters that constantly produce a burning sensation. The blisters ooze out pus and later on, crust over and disappear. Cold sores are caused by a virus called the Herpes simplex virus. It is seen that some people are frequent sufferers of cold sores. According to such frequent cold sores victims, whenever they are under stress, anxiety, or suffer from some other kind of illness such as fever, common cold, digestive disorders, cold and flu, sleep disorders, etc. they notice the emergence of cold sores. Some women experience cold sores during or after menstruation.

What Causes Cold Sores
There is a reason behind the recurrence of cold sores. Once the virus infects a human body and causes the infection, it does not die even after the cold sores have been medically treated. The treatment only inactivates the virus. The herpes simplex virus resides at the nerve endings of the human body. It stays there under the circumstances which are unfavorable to it, i.e. till the time you are healthy or your immune system is strong. The virus can sense even slight changes in stress levels, temperature, pH, and immunity. When the virus gets activated, it comes to the surface of the body cells. Here, it replicates to increase in population and causes cold sores.

How Long Do Cold Sores Last if Left Untreated
However uncomfortable the cold sores may be, the truth is that they are completely harmless. Even if you leave the cold sores untreated, they are not going to cause any further trouble. Your body knows how to treat cold sores and it generally takes a few weeks to heal cold sores. Many people get relief from cold sores within 8-12 days without any medical treatment. Actually, when you rejuvenate your immunity, you recover from cold sores as well.

How Long Do Cold Sores Last if Treated
With proper medical treatment or home remedies, you can get rid of cold sores within a week's time. Though cold sores do not cause any harm, it is better to address the problem as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary discomfort. The medical treatment for cold sores involves drugs such as Denavir and Xovirax. There is a medicine, called Abreva, available over-the-counter. It is an FDA approved topical drug that shortens the healing time of cold sores. The main ingredient is a chemical named Docosonal. Its concentration in the topical Abreva cream is not more than 10%. Abreva relieves you from the discomfort caused, right from the first application.

How to Heal Cold Sores
There are various home remedies for cold sores. First of all, always remember that arginine, an amino acid, is very essential for the replication of the Herpes simplex virus. If the level of arginine in the cells on the surface of the body is not sufficient for virus replication, the virus retreats. Lysine, another amino acid, replaces arginine from the cells. Therefore, the best way to get rid of cold sores will be to increase the amount of lysine in your body so as to lessen the amount of arginine. You will get lysine from certain foods such as meat, potatoes, cheese, yogurt and milk. Chocolates, nuts, cereals have high arginine content, and thus must be avoided during a cold sores outbreak. Rubbing the blisters with ice cubes, applying aloe vera juice and Emu oil are some other home remedies to get relief from cold sores pain and irritation.

Thus, getting rid of cold sores is no big deal. You can heal a cold sore by any method. Either way, whether medical or natural, is equally effective. The best way to control the occurrence of cold sores is to have a strong immune system. So stay healthy to prevent cold sores.