Cold sores are tiny blisters that appear on or around the lips

The official name is Herpes Simplex I and 15-30% of the U.S. population is affected by them.

It is thought and even suspected that 98% of the population has HSI and shows no sign of a cold sore breakout.

Herpes Simplex II (HSII) is herpes that breakouts on the genitals instead of the mouth. Both HSI and HSII are incurable but there are a number of topical solutions and oral anti-viral medications that can help with cold sore symptoms.

Topical solutions work within the first 6-48 hours of a cold sore breakout but are best applied when the onset of a breakout is inevitable. A person may feel a tingling, burning or itching sensation around the mouth. Topical solutions can help to reduce pain, itchiness, severity and the duration of the cold sore outbreak.

Oral antiviral medications can shorten the life of cold sores by 1 or 2 days and they work much like the topical solutions for relief.

To learn more about Cold Sores, HSI, prescription, non-prescription medications and home remedies, click cold sores.