Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, most commonly the type 1 strain, although the type 2 strain normally responsible for genital herpes is also capable of causing them but that's generally very rare. The herpes virus currently has no known cure and once you've been infected you've got it for life--this is because when the virus is dormant it retreats into a sort of hibernation mode inside the nerve cells near the site of the initial infection.

The herpes virus cycles in periods of active and dormant stages, with the dormant stage being predominant--this is the stage that the virus is in when you don't have a visible cold sore. The active stage is when an outbreak occurs and you get a cold sore (or several, as the case may be), which will normally last between 2 and 21 days, with about a week being average for most people.

How Did You Get Infected?

Studies have shown that the most likely initial source of infection when you acquired the herpes simplex virus that causes your cold sores was by being kissed by a close relative as a child who had a cold sore at the time. So yes, you can likely thank grandma for your life-long herpes infestation.

What You Think Is A Cold Sore Might Not Be!

Many people confuse cold sores and canker sores--they are not the same thing! Cold sores are caused by a virus, whereas canker sores, aka "aphthous ulcers", are caused by bacterial infections. Cold sores can never be gotten rid of (because you can't ever eliminate the virus from your system), whereas canker sores can be treated with anti-biotics and the bacteria will be quickly eliminated and the canker sores along with them.

The easiest way to distinguish a canker sore from a cold sore is this: cold sores almost always occur outside the mouth, whereas canker sores are always inside the mouth, usually in a soft tissue area like the inside of the lip. They also look different, the most obvious difference being the color: cold sores are red, from beginning to end when they crust over, whereas canker sores are typically of a whitish color.

Cold sores should not be taken for granted or left alone, instead, they need to be treated and managed effectively in order to keep them from becoming a worse condition. There are many home remedies available for cold sores and many of them are actually quite effective and cost a lot less then something you need to purchase over the counter. Here are a few natural and cost effective ways to deal with cold sores.

Ice. Applying ice directly to the affected area of the cold sore can help soothe and heal the skin. While relatively simple, this procedure is one of the best cold sore home remedies available. For best results, apply ice to the area for several minutes every hour.

Tea Bags. Tea contains many healing properties and is loaded with skin friendly tannins that will help bring relief to a person suffering from a cold sore. Tea bags are actually considered one of the more popular home remedies for cold sore. For soothing relief and treatment, place the tea bag over the area for a few minutes. Wait an hour then repeat. Do this hour after hour to help speed the healing process. You can also hold a warm tea bag to the area for 30 minutes in one sitting.

Salt. Salt is another way to remedy cold sores. Slightly wet your finger and then dip into some salt. Apply the salt directly onto the sore and lightly press into it. Follow up with some aloe vera cream or lotion to provide for a more soothing action.

Lemon Juice. Lemon juice is very skin friendly and can aid in the healing of many skin conditions including cold sores. Apply lemon juice extract directly to the cold sore blisters with the use of a cotton ball and feel the benefit of its healing properties as it helps alleviate the symptoms of the cold sore.

Petroleum Jelly. Coat the cold sore with petroleum jelly or another moisturizing agent in order to keep the scab soft and prevent it from cracking and bleeding.

Proper diet. Eat a diet that is rich in fruits and leafy greens that have a high antioxidant value. Eliminate processed and salty foods from the diets. Avoid foods with a high acidic content as well. Minimize your caffeine intake and also avoid food s with high arginine content such as peanuts, oatmeal, and chocolate. Intake more complex carbohydrates and incorporate garlic into your diet.

Proper Hygiene. Good hygiene is also important when it comes to treating cold sores. Keeping your skin clean will help minimize the risk of infections and will help maximize the effect of the other cold sore home remedies.