It’s bad enough to be a teenager-zits, wanting to fit in, the transition from child to adult. But cold sores? Now that’s just cruel. What if I told you they can be prevented. Really.

I will explain about these nasty sores that some people refer to as fever blisters, and share the best of the best non-toxic solutions to prevent a cold sore before it begins, or stop a new eruption in its tracks so it disappears in just a few days.

Cold sores are so embarrassing. There’s absolutely no way to camouflage them. So you probably hide out as much as possible, like so many other people do, until it’s gone.

So, out of the blue, you’re noticing a little sensation on your lip. Kinda itchy, or tingling, or numb. Dread sets in. You know the next two weeks will be all about ugly.

After the initial early warning symptom, the first stage is the swollen, tender bump. It’s followed by the second stage where the bump recedes and becomes clusters of little blisters. In the third stage, the blisters will break open and ooze a clear type of pus, until eventually, at the next stage, a scab forms over them, followed by complete healing.

What causes it? The Herpes Simplex Virus 1, and during the time you have a cold sore, it’s contagious.

Before you blame your boyfriend or girlfriend for giving you a cold sore, you should know that the virus could easily have been contracted as long ago as when you were a baby or any time since if a person with a cold sore kissed you, or shared an eating utensil or a cup to have a drink.

The virus is transmitted by contact with an open lesion or body fluid, like saliva, and patiently hides out in the body before it finds its opportunity to strike when your immune system is lower.

The most common triggers for a cold sore include over-exposure to sun or wind, being stressed out, or over-tired.

Menstruation is a common trigger, and also, experiencing pain in the mouth area, for instance, going to the dentist, or for the guys, a cut in that area while shaving.

If you knew of a non-toxic solution that would prevent a cold sore or stop a new one from getting worse, that was equally or more effective than a drug store remedy or an expensive pharmaceutical drug with potential side effects, would you choose that? Would that be a yes? Try one of the recommendations below that resonates best for you.

You’ve probably heard about Lysine, an amino acid that works as an anti-viral. Many lysine users find it effective to prevent a cold sore or keep one that recently erupted less severe with quicker healing. Make it part of your daily regimen, 1,500 mg per day on an empty stomach. If inspite of daily use, you still feel a cold sore coming on, increase dosage to 3,000 mg per day until the threat is over, then resume 1,500 mg per day.

Garlic is an effective cold sore preventative and treatment, having anti-viral properties. Include a garlic supplement as part of your daily regimen.

You can’t get more natural than lemon slices. Place one on the area where the early symptom is occurring, and replace with a fresh slice once every fifteen to twenty minutes for an hour or so. Don’t place it on an open blister because it will sting like crazy. Because the early symptom can occur when there are no lemons available, you should have one of the other suggestions here as a back-up.

Cold Sores Begone is a topical remedy that uses lemon balm, a highly effective anti-viral herb. It aborts the infection before the sore has a chance to show itself if it’s applied at the first early symptom. It has quite the cult following. It’s a great alternative to daily supplements, if you prefer that, and the pocket size bottle is a plus so you’re always armed and ready.

One of the suggestions in this article may prove to be the holy grail for one person, and not work for someone else. If that’s the case, try one of the others. A strong immune system is key, so get enough rest, and Google to find ways to handle your stress. Your self-esteem will appreciate it.