People who are infected with herpes simplex virus tend to be able to feel a cold sore coming on.  Symptoms like tingling, soreness, and redness serve as warning signs and are a good indicator to begin treatment. Although a cold sore will heal eventually on its own, antiviral medications taken by mouth as well as topical creams may shorten the... read more »

To reduce the onset of cold cores: Try to maintain a moderate to low stress level. Take extra precautions during cold and flu season not to get sick. Diligently use lip balm and sunscreen on your face daily. Avoid sharing things like razors, eating utensils, and lip balm with a person with a cold sore. Prescription pills can be effective in... read more »

Do you or someone in your immediate family occasionally suffer from cold sores? By age 50, an estimated 80-90% of adults are infected with the virus that causes cold sores. Often called fever blisters, this common ailment is nothing serious, but it is sometimes painful and embarrassing. What are these unsightly blisters? How are they spread? And how can you... read more »