Cold Sores

Natural Remedies for Cold Sores IMPORTANT: Cold sores are caused by the Herpes simplex type 1 virus (HSV-1), which stays in the body for life and reactivates during times of reduced immunity. Natural remedies can significantly shorten outbreaks and reduce discomfort, but they do not eradicate the virus. See a doctor if you have very frequent episodes (over 6 a year), extensive lesions, persistent fever, or if the herpes appears near the eye (it can lead to herpetic keratitis, an ophthalmic emergency). ...