A cold sore is normally caused by the herpes simplex 1 virus, although they can be caused by the herpes simplex 2 virus which is more commonly associated with genital herpes. You can get cold sores from someone infected with the virus who has an active blister. You can also get it by sharing eating utensils, towels, drinking glasses, or anything else that may have come in contact with an infected lesion. Fortunately, there are home remedies and herbal remedies that work well for cold sores. Some remedies can alleviate the symptoms and lessen the time of the outbreak. Cold sores are also called fever blisters.

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (simply known as "HSV"), usually the type 1 strain (HSV-1), while HSV-2 is the one typically responsible for genital herpes, although it should be noted that both types can cause either oral or genital herpes, it's just that one particular strain more commonly causes one particular manifestation of the disease than the other.

There are many remedies for cold sores; however, not all of them work. The ones that I know work for sure are garlic and green tea. Garlic is a very good remedy for preventing and treating cold sores because it is a natural antibiotic. Garlic is a virulent germ killer. Taking this powerful herb internally and applying it to the cold sore will do wonders for you. Green tea is also a good remedy because it has special properties that kill germs and bacteria. Taking a used green tea bag and applying it to the affected area can help alleviate the pain and lessen the duration of the sore.

The home remedies for cold sores are:

1. The first home remedy for a cold sore is to use ice. When you feel a tingling sensation or feel that you're about to have a breakout, rub ice over that area. It will help prevent the sore from developing. It won't actually cure your cold sore, but it will help.

2. Another home remedy for cold sores is to rub aloe juice on it. This is an effective way to get rid of cold sores.

3. Using tea bags is another home remedy for a cold sore. Tea bags have tannic acid in it, which is very effective for stopping breakouts. Placing tea bags on your sore will help reduce the pain and help decrease the development of your cold sores.

4. Another home remedy for cold sores is to use petroleum jelly. Using petroleum jelly on your cold sores will prevent them from cracking and spreading. So, place some petroleum jelly on your sore.

5. The fifth remedy for your cold sore is to apply petroleum jelly onto your sores. This will help keep them from cracking or spreading.

These are the remedies for cold sores. If you have sores, you need to do something about it right now. If you wait, you might be at risk of having a severe breakout or you could possibly spread the sores to other people.