Permanent Relief
from Cold Sores and Fever Blisters

Cold sores and fever blisters are a common skin condition that affects as much as 30% of the U.S. population. They are by far are the most common trait of an active herpes simplex virus infection, and it is estimated that more than 85% of the world's population has been infected with HSV-1. The initial herpes simplex outbreak is usually the most painful and lasts longer than subsequent outbreaks.

The first (HSV) outbreak occurs when the skin in or around the mouth comes in contact with the herpes simplex virus. This initial outbreak occurs inside the mouth (ie. the gums, tongue, and throat area), and it most often takes place in early childhood, usually between the ages of 6 months and three years. Pain, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and difficulty in swallowing may accompany the outbreak. Normally, after a week or so, the herpes simplex outbreak subsides and then clears on it's own. However, these outbreaks should not be taken lightly, as it is possible for the cold sores (fever blisters) to become chronically infected with bacteria.

Currently, there is no permanent cure for HSV. Once a person has been exposed to the herpes simplex virus, the virus remains in the nerve cells of the body in an inactive state that can reactivate at any time. This reactivation produces the lesions we know as cold sores or fever blisters. The outbreak can be in response to many different things including allergies, sunlight (UV radiation), stress, colds or other illness, hormone changes, or even the changing of the seasons...just to name a few. The cold sores and fever blisters usually develop on the borders of the lips as three to five bladder-like cells. During the next 3-5 days, these cells will develop into the mature weeping lesions known as cold sores (fever blisters), then scab over, and then heal. Outbreaks occur 1-3 times a year for most sufferers, but 5-10% of those who suffer from cold sores (fever blisters) have more than 6 outbreaks each and every year.

Recurrent cold sores and fever blisters infections usually occur in stages with preceding symptoms. Listed below is the normal cycle for cold sores (fever blisters) outbreaks. This course of events usually takes from 1-3 weeks for the entire cycle.

Symptoms and stages of cold sores and fever blisters.

1. Tingling discomfort or itching where the cold sore will appear
2. Redness and swelling
3. Eruption of the skin which forms the fever blister
4. Weeping of contagious fluids from the lesion
5. Lesion dries, scabs over, then heals

HSV (herpes simplex virus) is highly contagious when cold sores (fever blisters) are present, and can be spread by direct contact with infected saliva, water droplets from sneezing, direct skin to skin contact such as kissing, or indirect skin to skin contact such as touching the fever blister then touching someone else. Children often become infected by family members who have cold sores (fever blisters), and then spread the virus by rubbing their cold sores and then touching other children. About 10 percent of oral herpes infections in adults result from oral-genital sex with a person who has active genital herpes (HSV-2). These infections, however, usually do not result in recurrent bouts of fever blisters.

Last and most important is the emotional and social impact of cold sores (fever blisters) which is far worse than the affliction. The social stigma attached to the word "herpes" leaves many people with cold sores and fever blisters infections feeling like a pariah ... a social outcast. Herpes simplex comes like a thief in the night and does much worse than just leave you with contagious fever blisters. It takes away your presentability to the rest of the humanity, and leaves you feeling unclean. Depression and low self-esteem are common in recurring sufferers. Many isolate themselves from social activities, and avoid even casual relationships ... even friendships. Because they never know when they will have to sequester themselves until the weeping highly-contagious cold sores go away.

It is equally devastating to deal with recurring cold sores and fever blisters at work. The impression cold sores make on fellow co-workers and business professionals is bad enough, but to add insult to injury, the stress that these infections cause can bring on even more recurring infections. Many of the victims of recurring cold sores and fever blisters, alter their social activities and lifestyle to keep others from knowing about their condition. And, yes, I am talking about cold sores and fever blisters. The impact of genital herpes is even worse.