Cold sores are painful blisters that tend to appear around your mouth. These sores are caused by an incurable viral infection called oral herpes (HSV1).http://healing.about.com/cs/conditions/a/coldsores.htmYou can treat the sores but they will keep reappearing over time. Treatment can lessen the frequency of occurrence, but cannot stop it altogether.

Around 80% of teenagers have Herpes Simplex Virus 1. This virus spreads easily and quickly by contact during an outbreak. The blisters that come with oral herpes can last anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks.http://www.coldsorefacts.net/index.htm

There are treatments available that will tame the symptoms of cold sores as well as make the virus dormant for long periods of time. This page on how to get rid of cold sores shows you how to prevent their occurrence and get rid of them when they do appear.

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before using the information presented here.

To find out if you have cold sores or not, see if you're exhibiting any of the following symptoms.

1. The first symptoms commonly include pain around your mouth or lips, a fever, sore throat, swollen glands, or swelling around other parts of the body, according to WebMD.http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/tc/cold-sores-symptoms
2. Pain in the lips or a slight tingling sensation may arise a few days before the blisters are formed.http://mayoclinic.com/health/cold-sore/DS00358/DSECTION=symptoms
3. According to the University of Michigan Health System, sometimes there may even be numbness, itching or burning.http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/wha/wha_coldsore_crs.htm
4. In children, you sometimes will find them drooling prior to cold sores appearing.http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/tc/cold-sores-symptoms
5. Small blisters that also may be associated with pain will often form around your mouth.http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/symptoms/mouth-sores/overview.html
6. The blisters will soon dry up and leave scabs that can last from a few days to a few weeks.http://www.medicinenet.com/herpes_simplex_infections_non-genital/page2.htm
7. If you've had them before, fever, menstruation, stress, food allergies, pregnancy, hormonal changes, and exposure to the sun are some factors that can trigger a recurrence of cold sores.http://www.medicinenet.com/herpes_simplex_infections_non-genital/page2.htm

In the following situations, be sure to get professional advice from a medical practitioner.

1. If you have an existing illness or medical condition which has affected your immune system.http://mayoclinic.com/health/cold-sore/DS00358/DSECTION=when-to-seek-medical-advice
2. If you're in chemotherapy or undergoing other kinds of treatment.http://www.medicinenet.com/herpes_simplex_infections_non-genital/page2.htm
3. The cold sores don't heal on their own within two weeks.http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/symptoms/mouth-sores/overview.html
4. Your symptoms are severe or seem worse than usual.http://mayoclinic.com/health/cold-sore/DS00358/DSECTION=when-to-seek-medical-advice
5. The infection has spread from one area to another.http://www.medicinenet.com/herpes_simplex_infections_non-genital/page2.htm
6. You're experiencing irritation in your eyes. Ocular herpes, the symptoms for which are lesions and severe pain around the eye area, needs to be treated immediately. It can lead to blindness.http://www.medicinenet.com/herpes_simplex_infections_non-genital/page2.htm

• While cold sores will usually disappear on their own within two weeks, there are a few things you can do to make them go away quicker.

1. Ointments such as topical lidocaine or benzyl alcohol (Zilactin) may help relieve symptoms.http://mayoclinic.com/health/cold-sore/DS00358/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs
2. If started early, an antiviral medication will helping in shortening the duration of the cold sores and reducing the pain.http://mayoclinic.com/health/cold-sore/DS00358/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs
3. Over the counter pain relievers help, too. A few examples are aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc).
4. To help with the pain, you can apply ice or warm compresses to the blisters.http://mayoclinic.com/health/cold-sore/DS00358/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs
5. Avoid triggers such as sunburn and stress can help prevent additional outbreaks.http://www.medicinenet.com/herpes_simplex_infections_non-genital/page6.htm#treatment
6. According to MedicineNet, oral antiviral medications can be used in the treatment of herpes simplex virus. These include acyclovir (Zovirax) and valacyclovir (Valtrex).http://www.medicinenet.com/herpes_simplex_infections_non-genital/page6.htm#treatment
7. Cover the cold sores with a protective petroleum-based product which, according to HowStuffWorks, will speed healing and protect it from secondary infection.http://health.howstuffworks.com/10015-7-ways-to-get-rid-of-cold-sores.htm
8. Avoid salty or acidic foods. These can further irritate the sores and add to your pain.http://health.howstuffworks.com/10015-7-ways-to-get-rid-of-cold-sores.htm
9. If you're up for it, try aromatherapy. The application of plant and essential oils may help in accelerating the healing process.http://www.coldsoretreatmentguide.com/get-rid-of-cold-sores/
10. A common and easy tip is to apply ice to the affected area as soon as you feel the first tingling sensation.http://www.coldsoretreatmentguide.com/get-rid-of-cold-sores/
11. Keep the area dry. Regularly wash the area, and don't forget to keep washing your hands as well in order to avoid spreading the infection.http://www.mothernature.com/Library/bookshelf/Books/47/34.cfm
12. MotherNature.com also advises that you get a new toothbrush. The old one probably has traces of the virus and will keep it coming back. You might want to consider replacing the older toothpaste tube as well, if it comes into contact with the toothbrush bristles.http://www.mothernature.com/Library/bookshelf/Books/47/34.cfm
13. Take supplements. Taking 1,000 milligrams of L-lysine, an amino acid, can cut the length of your outbreak to half. Also suggested: 200 milligrams of Siberian ginseng.http://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/tips-for-treating-cold-sores

Cold sores are extremely contagious, and one way to avoid getting them in the first place is through prevention. And if you've managed to get the virus, try not to pass it on. Here's how to prevent cold sores.

1. If you have an infection, particularly avoid contact with infants, people with eczema, or those with suppressed immune systems, such as people with cancer, AIDS, or who've undergone organ transplants.http://mayoclinic.com/health/cold-sore/DS00358/DSECTION=prevention
2. Avoid kissing and skin contact, says The University of Michigan Health System.http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/wha/wha_coldsore_crs.htm
3. Don't share towels, creams, soaps, utensils or drinks.http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/tc/cold-sores-topic-overview
4. Always remember to wash your hands, especially if you've touched your mouth or infected areas.http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/wha/wha_coldsore_crs.htm
5. Be very conscious about touching other parts of your body so that you don't spread the virus. Your eyes and genital area are particularly prone.http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/wha/wha_coldsore_crs.htm
6. Avoid triggers such as stress and sunburns.http://mayoclinic.com/health/cold-sore/DS00358/DSECTION=prevention
7. Apply lip balm, and use sunscreen.http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/tc/cold-sores-topic-overview

• Once you've got a cold sore, the infection will stay in your body forever. Use the tips above to avoid getting the virus in the first place, but if you've already been infected, they'll also help you avoid recurrences.