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Cold Sore Remedies

Updated: 06/25/2009

Did you know that as many as 90% of us have been exposed to the herpes viral infection? And most people who have it show no symptoms! Well, we've accumulated a bunch of remedies from our readers to help prevent herpes (both oral and genital) outbreaks. If you have a natural treatment for herpes, please share it with us anonymously.

Note: This page details remedies for cold sores, not genital herpes. For genital herpes remedies, click here. However, it is possible that one of the remedies on this page will also work for genital herpes, so please make sure to read both pages.

IMPORTANT!! THE ARTIFICIAL SWEETENER LINK TO HERPES OUTBREAKS
Based on reader feedback we have received over the past few years, our most important recommendation for those with the herpes virus (whether oral or genital) is to completely avoid diet products containing artificial sweeteners. These sweeteners appear to trigger a herpes outbreak (both oral and genital) within 10 minutes in some people! YIKES!!! Click here to read the feedback from our readers about artificial sweeteners causing herpes outbreaks. Click here to read the other side effects from artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose.

POPULAR REMEDIES:

L-LYSINE	11 YEAS
HYDROGEN PEROXIDE	10 YEAS
ACETONE NAIL POLISH REMOVER	9 YEAS
DIETARY RECOMMENDATIONS	9 YEAS
EAR WAX	8 YEAS
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR	5 YEAS
GARLIC	5 YEAS
COCONUT OIL	5 YEAS

ACETONE NAIL POLISH REMOVER

9 YEA
2 WARNINGS!

[YEA]  12/09/2008: P. A. from Galloway, NJ writes: "Acetone cured my cold sore! Stressing about Thanksgiving arrangements, pleasing family memebers,etc. which triggered a cold sore on my lower lip about the size of a nickel. So the day before thanksgiving I checked earthclinic and saw the acetone remedy for clod sores..I figured what the heck...I had already tried the over-the-counter remedies in the past without much luck so I applied the nail polish remover with a q-tip about four times that day then applied an anti-bacterial cream to clear up any infection. Overnight I was pleasantly surprised to see that it had reduced the cold sore to about 1/4 its original size! Flat, not sore, tingly or anything.Applied a small dab of makeup for Thanksgiving dinner and it wasn't even visible! Yea! Thanks Earthclinic!!"

[YEA]  06/01/2008: Michelle (jesse11579@yahoo.com) from Buffalo, United States writes: "On Monday I woke up and felt a tingling feeling in and around my nose. I immediately jumped up and cleaned my face. After washing I put novitra and abreva around the area that was tingling. This method use to work for me however it seems like with any remedy that works my system eventually become immune to the concoction or remedy and I have to find something else. Well that is exactly what happened to me this time around. I ended up with a full blown cold sore, starting in one nostril and traveling around to the other one with a cluster all on the bridge of my nose ending on the very brim of my right nostril. Very big and very embarrassing! Needless to say there went my entire week. I took off two days of work and it ruined my weekend. Just when I thought the worst was over, I was going to bed on Saturday and prepared to go through my nightly routine of washing my face etc, and low and behold there was a small tingling feeling on my upper lip. I'm screaming to myself this can't be happening. I can't afford to take off anymore work and expect to have a job when I come back but I can't endure another week of having an embarrassing cold sore at work. I put some Abreva and novitra on it and when I went back approximately 5 minutes later, it appeared to be forming a cluster. I immediately jump on line to see if I can find any type of alternative treatment and I came across this website. After reading all the comment I realized it was extremely late and I had to work with what I had. So I immediately went to work. I ran to the sink and dabbed a Q-tip in Acetone nail polish remover. I left it on the cluster for about 2-3 minutes. I then grabbed an ice cube from the freezer and compressed it against the sore blister until it had completely melted. I then dipped another Q-tip into the nail polish remover and left it on for 2-3 minutes. I put some more Abreva and Novitra on it and went to bed. When I woke up the thing was completely gone. Just to be sure I repeated all of these steps again and plane to do it again before I go to bed. But so far so good. I just wanted thank everyone for posting their remedies. If they hadn't, I'd probably be out of a job right now."

[YEA]  11/18/2008: Jen from Portland , Oregon replies: "YEP!!! This seems to be a miracle solution for herpes, both oral and genital. I get both but if I take a cotton swab and dip it in acetone and hold it on the sores for several seconds (or as long as I can) they go away super fast. I keep putting the acetone on the sores throughout the day to dry them up and both oral and genital last only a few days at the most!! My friend's boyfriend tried the acetone on his genital herpes on his last breakout and they never became sores and disappeared in two days. Outbreaks don't seem to be as often either. I also take L-Lysine too but its the acetone that really does that trick."

04/24/2009: V from Thousand Oaks, CA replies: "Can you put the acetone/polish remover on the sore if you've already had it for about 5 days? Or do you have to do it when you get the first tingle? I have a sore on my lip for about 5 days that won't go away but it's already blistered. I've been putting ACV on it but it's not working. I also put another over the counter med on it, but it's not helping either. I am worried that with the stage it's at now, that putting the polish remover on it will damage my lip and make it bleed or scar... plus, we are going on a cruise in 2 days! Help!"

[WARNING!]  04/09/2008: Christine from Virginia Beach, USA writes: "While I am sure that acetone will work against cold sores, you should never use acetone or put it on your skin and nails. There's a reason that acetone smells nasty - because it actually IS nasty. It can cause cancer and is poisonous. NEVER put on your skin what you cannot put in your mouth. Poisons can enter your body through your skin, and many cosmetics are, unfotunately, poisonous. For more info on acetone, see: http://blog.worldvillage.com/health/nail_polish_remover"

[WARNING!]  05/06/2008: Karen from Lindenhurst, NY replies: "I just want to say Dont use nail polish remover~!!! I tried this remedy and gave myself a bad chemical burn on my face. :-( Now I wish it was just a cold sore. I'll stick to L-Lysine in the future!"

03/29/2009: Tom from Panama replies: "Even if it has poison, the Acetone, a few q-tip strokes won't kill anyone. The trick though is to have the virus controlled.

Been reading a lot about foods containing arginine, which is pro herpes virus, and lysine if not mistaken, which works against the virus. If the food balance if maintained you can naturally keep the virus away. Also, I use Valtr ex 500ml 1 day, wait 1 or two more days, and have anotherone. This combination of steps food/medicine if you want to use it, has helped me stay months without even small wart coming; at the same tiem keeping me fro taking too much chemical drugs.

You may try using the food balance method and IT will work I tried it for two three months but it has it's ups and downs, that's why Im combining it with the medication and have gotten very lasting results.

Stress is a main factor also, good sleep and excersice.

You may find information about foods with argine vs lysine in diverse web sites. ( IF you have not seen this comparison already)

Sorry if I wrote too much hope it is useful to all!

PS
Love the Acetone and Apple Vinagger methods will test them when the nasty friend comes by to visit!

Blessings to all.
Tom"

[YEA]  03/29/2008: Randy (rwone4@msn.com) from Arizona City, Az writes: "This may sound strange, but when I feel a sore spot beginning to come on my lip, I take fingernail polish remover and dab it on the spot with my finger, 3-4 times a day. In many instances the eruption never happens...and if it does, it immediately starts drying up. I've taken care of my blisters for about 25 years this way with no adverse side effects. Works better than anything you can buy at the Drug Store!"

05/12/2009: Neeya from Norfolk, VA replies: "Nail polish, really??? Is that safe? Also, has anyone experienced cold sores moving from one end of the mouth to the other? I have, and it's a pain. I read that these sores usually last up to three weeks in some cases! I am ready for this to be done."

05/13/2009: Lewis (designline@columbus.rr.com) from Circleville, Ohio replies: "Oreganol oil and DMSO will get rid of a cold sore fast. I make a little paste, and use a Q-tip to apply."

[YEA]  11/21/2006: Jane from Boston, MA writes: "Acetone nail polish remover is fabulous for cold sores! If you can catch it just when there is the tingle but not quite a blister yet, it often never gets any bigger than a tiny blister and it disappears without ever reaching the scab or the even worse, 'scab off' stage. Sometimes I can tell it's going to be a doozy but I dab it whenever I think of it and it 's just so much better than I have ever experienced and each stage lasts only half the time."

[YEA]  05/18/2006: Maryann from Detroit writes: "I read on another site that nail polish remover works on cold sores so I tried it. With in two days it was gone. I put on the cold sore twice a day. I didn't have any of the usual scabbing either. So it was really great. Another thing that works really well is the amino acid L-Lysine. Before I found out about the nail polish remover I used to take L-Lysine alone which helped the reduce outbreak time. Next time I get a cold sore I probably will use both."

[YEA]  Mysti writes: "This was for oral herpes - I simply put acetone polish remover on it at night. When I wake up it's usually gone. It burns incredibly bad but hey, the sore is gone."

[YEA]  06/15/2008: Frosty from Atlanta, GA replies: "I fully agree. This actually works. Thanks everyone for their remedies.. im surprised they work but very thankful!"

[YEA]  10/10/2008: Nina from Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada replies: "Just had an GH outbreak after going 9 years without one! It was a small cluster on the outside labia (not on the mucous membrane) I was devastated and didnt want to have to go through weeks of pain. I was willing to try anything, and i did! I tried the acetone remover trick and IT WORKED. I pressed a q tip to the small cluster of sores that had not broken open yet, about 10 times yesterday and kept the area VERY DRY with cornstarch all day and night. Today, they are healing over and almost gone! they didnt break open, they didnt scab over, they didnt get any bigger...they are healing and almost gone. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!"

ACIDOPHILUS

2 YEA

[YEA]  06/02/2009: Jimdave from Lavinia, Tennessee writes: "Acidolpholis cured my cold sores and fever blisters. Had them all my life and saw a note about this bacteria in a magazine. I laughed, like everyone else. Later is desperation I tried some Bulgarian Buttermilk and within 24 hrs they were gone. Worked for years, then they took the buttermilk off the shelves. Replaced it with bulgarian style (no bacteria added). It's a fake and doesn't work anymore. Bought the pills over the counter. Also works great. Just take one or two ocasionaly when traveling and eating processed food.If takeing antibiotics or drinking clorinated water you will need to take a mega dose between antibiotic pills. You will be amazed. No thrush or hemorriods. Most every company has thier own kind of bacteria so I alternate and keep a couple on hand. Some now say that they contain Bulgariacus. That apears to be the best."

[YEA]  09/30/2008: Marvia from St. Catherine, Jamaica writes: "I've always had outbreaks of cold sores for more than ten years until a friend told me about Acidophilus. Whenever I feel the tingling on my mouth I crush two tablets of the (Probiotic) Acidophilus (preferrably the Schiff brand) with 1 tsp. of milk and take and repeat this three times a day.

The outbreaks of my cold sores usually happens after the intake of antibiotics which usually breaks down the friendly bacterias so the acidophilus regularises the friendly bacterias and it's a great digestive support."

ALCOHOL

1 YEA

[YEA]  10/23/2008: Mary from Vancouver, Canada writes: "Cold Sore Remedy

This remedy came from my mom who is 80 years old this year. I developed a cold sore at the corner of my lips. I tried food grade Hydrogen Peroxide which did not seem to do anything. Next I tried Apple Cider Vinegar which relieved much of the burning and tingling. Unfortunately the ACV did not appear to heal the sore or stop it's spread. My mom said to use any type of alcohol on it. Not wanting to put any propyl or Isopropyl alcohol on my skin I used 40% proof vodka. Within a couple of hours I saw a major reduction in the size of the sore. My mom said to apply it often and I did. Twenty-four hours has passed and the sore has healed up and the burning and scabbing is going away. I wanted to share this with everyone here as it is sure working fast."

ALLERDOPHILUS TABLETS

1 YEA

[YEA]  11/27/2007: John from Sandpoint, Idaho USA writes: "At first sign of a COLD SORE take two allerdophillus or acidofillus capsules with water three times a day. These bowel friendly bacteria used to be available in yogurt and/or goats milk but are now usually removed. I believe that the friendly bacteria helps balance the ph of the colon and eliminates the cold sores. I have used this on myself and my family and a dozen other people in the last 25 years and never seen it fail.  Results almost immediate and it never takes more than 24 hrs."

ALOE VERA

1 BETTER BUT NOT CURED

[BETTER BUT NOT CURED]  06/19/2008: Amanda from Tampa, FL writes: "I have gotten cold sores since I was little. And I am 22 now and i still get them. My docter use to give me this paste for them however it just made them look worse and never helped. Last summer I got cold sores probably about once every 2 weeks. As soon as one was gone another one would come in its place. I have bought everything you can buy at walgreens. None of it works, esp. Abreva the stuff just flat out does not work. I went on the internet one day and found that Aloe Vera, if you put it on the cold sore as soon as it starts it stunts the cold sore and it never gets any bigger. I also use L-Lysine tablets, about 4,000 or more mgs a day if I go to the beach while I don't have a cold sore, I will still take about two or so tablets. Also my docter gave me valtrex which does work well but only if you catch the cold sore right as it is starting to form, which is hard to do since I am not always at home when they start. Carring supplies in your purse is helpful though, I know it's a pain but when you get cold sores you gotta do what you gotta do. Last night I was at work and felt one forming on my lip. It never got any bigger and I thought it wasn't going to but than another one started to form on my lip also. I ran home and put aloe on it but I think i was too late. I am trying Apple Cider Vineger right now and so far it seems to be working so I think this will go in my list for remedies, lol. Thank you!"

06/21/2008: Joyce from Joelton, Tn replies: "Amanda, from Miami, Increase that l-lysine to 2 grams (2000 mgms) 4 x a day and see if it doesn't work. It always works for me at that dosage. You might also consider avoiding high arginine foods, like peanuts."

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

5 YEA

[YEA]  06/08/2009: Eric from San Francisco, California writes: "I've been getting cold sores occasionally for 12 years and have tried every over the counter topical treatment there is, but NOTHING worked like Apple Cider Vinegar did.(I actually find that most of those oily/waxy treatments make my sores worse.) I take a L-Lysine supplement pill every day of my life which I feel helps keep the breakouts down to a minimum, but occasionally sun exposure etc. will bring on a sore and I was desperate for a treatment that finally worked! I was skeptical of home remedies especially when I read that people were applying acetone to their faces, but 2 days ago I had a cold sore eruption the size of a dime on my lower lip and I thought I'd try about anything to speed along it's demise. I came across many sites listing Apple Cider Vinegar as a topical solution and I remembered my grandfather using it for burns and cuts. The fact that it's all natural was a major selling point, so I decided to give it a try. I had already had the sore for about 24 hours when I started applying 100% Apple cider vinegar directly to the sore with a Q-Tip. It was at the red sore with white blister stage, but hadn't yet erupted or oozed. Well let me tell you, within 5 minutes of applying vinegar it started to sting a little and then pulsate and I knew something was working. I read that viruses can not live in an acidic environment and this was no exception. Over the next few hours, I continually applied and reapplied a few drops and it was as if I had placed a time machine on my sore. What would usually take about 5-7 days occurred over the course of a few hours. My sore erupted oozed, dried out, cracked and crusted over that evening. I then cleansed and applied a little acne medication and left in on overnight to dry the sore further. By the next morning, the scab sloughed off in the shower and I was left with just a dry reddish area of skin, but no sore or bump whatsoever. I was able to cover it with a little concealer (something that NEVER works effectively on an actual cold sore) and with a little loose powder, it was practically invisible. The area is still dry and little painful due to the war that had occurred on the premises the night before, but should be all cleared up by tomorrow and best of all, the cracking/bleeding stage was skipped all together. Essentially, what would usually have lasted 7-10 days for me was complete in just 48 hours. I can only imagine how much better it would have been if I had caught the sore at the tingling stage and applied Apple Cider Vinegar right away. All I can say is that I am AMAZED at the results. Apple Cider Vinegar. Who Knew??? I'm a Believer!"

10/14/2008: Dave from Parts, Unknown writes: "I was originally diagnosed with GW early last March. The doctor prescribed Aldara which worked a bit but as many of you know it's very pricey. i finally thought i had it kicked only for it to return in full vengeance about a month ago. I started back up with the Aldara than stumbled upon this site.

I started the ACV treatment 3 days ago and it definitely seems to be working as the affected area is either completely raw or blackish/green in color. The warts arent raised from the skin at all and the blackish/green portion is a couple of splotches.

I have noticed that much smaller black marks have appeared on the opposite portion of my penis that the ACV has not even touched. I assume these are much smaller warts that the ACV is triggering. Is this assumption correct? If so, I guess I need to attack these too. A couple of them are on the side of the head of my penis so I'm not looking forward to my head getting even remotely raw. Any advice?

Anyways, thanks to everyone for sharing their stories and advice. This remedy definitely seems to be working and I am optimistic for the first time in a long while. Well best of luck to everyone and thanks again!"

[YEA]  01/15/2008: David from Los Angeles, CA writes: "Well.. it's official.. this last week, what I thought was a zit on my chin, slowly turned into a large festering herpes wound. How fun for me. I don't need a biopsy to know, it's herpes. I've had a bit of a bout with swollen lymph nodes, fever, and overall yuck.  I didn't see a doctor because it was the weekend and I wanted to see if it would go away for a day or two. I usually take chinese herbs at the first sign of a cold and never get fully sick, but this lasted more than 24 hours so I new it was something different.  As always when something comes up medically I try to research online to feel empowered.  I'm here to mention the wonders of Apple Cider Vinegar.  My festering wound over a couple of days turned into a giant scab a top a large red mound that seemed to be competing with my nose for who could stick out the farthest.  I had read that this was the period when it would heal because it's scabbed but who the hell wants to walk around with a scab on their face.  Anyway, this morning after I decided I could no longer look at this awful scab on my chin I used tweezers to remove it hoping it had had enough time to heal beneath.  Well, it didn't. Immediately it started oozing and breathing and winking as if to laugh at my naivet'e.  I think I even heard it growl once but that may have been the dog next door.  Well, long story too long, I decided to use apple cider vinegar on the wound.  I just kept pouring it on my chin letting it air dry fully, then any ooze got dabbed off with tissue and then another pour and air dry.  After about maybe 10 or so times going through this the gaping wound finally gave up it's relentless fight and went dry with out needing to scab.  Victory was mine.  The rest of the day it has significantly reduced and I feel like I can almost show my face to the world without being embarrassed.  The real problem with the herpes virus is it's friggin' ugly.. If it gets to the point of being an open wound, apple cider vinegar will heal it faster.  I've also drank a cap full 3 times today mixed with apple juice.  That plus vitamins and L-Lysine for the past couple days may have been helping, but the scabby, woundy part is healed because of straight apple cider vinegar poured on it.  I'm confident that I will know the signs earlier next time and use other remedies to catch it BEFORE it becomes the messy roommate living on my face that it became this time.  Knowledge is power.  Thanks for letting me share in the posters knowledge and to now add mine.  Peace."

08/05/2008: secondch@nce from Phuket, Thailand replies: "I was just wondering, How do you apply apple cider vinegar if it's Genital herpes? You know, the sores and all in the insides? does it also, like, heal or helps to keep it from too much itching and burning?"

[YEA]  01/05/2008: Lisa from Wichita , KS writes: "I found this site a week ago and Thank God I did. I have been suffering for 30 years with cold sores from time to time and NOTHING has helped with my cold sores. I have tried everything.  So I thought I would try ACV.  I put ACV on a cotton ball and held it on my cold sore for a few minutes 4 times a day at the first sign of the tingling.  In 48 hours my cold sore was gone!  It is amazing!  Thank you earthclinic.com "

[YEA]  08/09/2006: LaVon from Coeburn, VA writes: "Out of everything that I have used, this was the only thing that took care of the pain and with only one day use. Already the Fever Blister is drying up. Last week I got to much sun and it caused me to get a Fever Blister on my bottom lip... Had me crippled for about 3 days. Had to drink with a straw and had to eat finger food so nothing would touch my lip.. I was in pain... For some reason the internet was my only solution.. Looked up Old Timers Remedy....... Thank God I did... Read all about it, So, found a bottle and poured some in a glass, took a cotton swab and soaked the Fever Blister really good and WOW Pain City for about 30 sec. after the pain left the fever blister did not hurt anymore. I did this on and off all day, now it is late in the evening and the thing is healing. Gods Honest Truth Rem..... No Pain No Gain."

[YEA]  Kendall from Minneapolis MN writes: "the only cure for cold sores and herpes is apple cider vinegar. i tried everything else and nothing worked. now when a cold sore comes on i immediately douse a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and hold it on the cold sore constantly --nite and day--until it stops burning. once it stops burning it scabs and begins to heal. with this therapy a cold sore lasts 1-3 days MAX."

08/01/2008: Depressed_KD from phuket, Thailand replies: "I would like to ask if ACV can be used on genital herpes? and how do I apply it? I had discovered circles in my intimate area and it got worse, and when I went to the doctor, she said that I might have GH... I was so devastated and don't know how to move on with my life. I would also like to know if I could still have my own family even if I am already infected? Sorry, I am so devastated."

10/28/2008: LIA from NY, NY replies: "I would like to ask if ACV can be used on genital herpes??"

EC: More info: http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/genital_herpes.html#ACV

10/30/2008: Joyce from Joelton, Tn replies: "Hi LIA, for all viruses, including genital herpes, think L-lysine 2 grams (2000mgm) 4 times per day for adults."

03/16/2009: Bob from Somewhere, Ma replies: "even if you have GH, you can still have a family. It does not pass the fetal/blood barrier.You would be given surpressors a few weeks prior to delivery to help ensure a clean vaginal delivery. The only draw-back is if you have a break-out and are ready to deliver. The doctor/mid-wife will not deliver vaginaly if you have a break-out (a) becasue you will most assuradely pass it on to your newborn and (b) it can cause blindness. A break-out will garuntee a c-section."

ARTIFICIAL SWEETENER LINK TO HERPES

54 SIDE EFFECTS
1 QUESTION

[SIDE EFFECTS]  04/26/2009: Susan from New York, New York writes: "It has finally dawned on me that after consuming many cans of Slimfast for weightloss, I now realize that this is most likely the cause for my HB. 4 days after consuming Slimfast, I had a breakout. After reading the ingredients on the can, the company lists "non nutritive" sweetners, which obviously is some form of artifical sweetner. I am wondering now if the manufacturer might realize the problem and never intentionally mension the actual sweetners by name????? So, I will never drink Slimfast again. I do not take any diet products of any kind or artificial sweetners. I think people who are allergy prone have a higher chance of this kind of reaction. I believe that with all of the obesity in this country, more and more people will have outbreaks due to weightloss products. Thanks for this site."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  04/09/2009: IGOTITTO from Martin, TN writes: "I have been able to link one of my worse outbreaks ever to my new diet and these drink mixes. Of course, it has aspartme. I was wondering though, which of you all was able to link it to wine? Thanks for the help guys. A community that is able to help others is a loving thing. Thanks again."

[QUESTION]  03/21/2009: B from Washington DC, USA writes: "I have a question. So we know there's an artificial sweetener link to cold sores. Is it the ingestion of the product or the mere contact of it. Here's my dilemma. The girl I'm currently seeing is a hardcore Diet Coke fiend. We may very well be doing some kissing tonight and I'm afraid if I kiss her right after she had a diet coke I may get a cold sore. Does aspartame cause cold sores because of the ingestion and weakening of the immune system or is it a contact thing? Does anyone have experience with this? Anybody date someone who consumed a lot of aspartame and did it spread cold sores? Am I being paranoid? Will I be okay? Thanks."

03/21/2009: Joyce from Joelton, Tn replies: "Hello B,

I am definitely no expert to answer your question, but taking into consideration the other things the excitotoxins cause, the answer would most likely be that it damages the immune system along with other parts of the body. It might be a good idea for you to research excitotoxins and print out the things they cause and present them to your friend."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  03/18/2009: Jason from Miami, Fl writes: "OMG, u guys are saviors. I have not had an outbreak in almost a year. A week ago my roomate brought home a box of Sugar Free Popsicle. Although I hate sugar free products, one night last week I wanted some ice cream and I had 2 of the popsicles the first night and 1 the next night. Can you believe I'm having the worse outbreak right now? it's been over a week now. I was wondering why am I having an outbreak so bad, like I've never had before. Usually I have one red spot around the head of my genital, now it's two and so painful. Worse of all, right before I came to this site I had another one of that poison popsicle last night during my outbreak, so u know I'm f----d. I can't believe this. I'm about to throw away these suckers right now. And someone please tell me, can I get L-Lysine over the counter?"

EC: Yes, L-Lysine is an OTC supplement. Some grocery stores and pharmacies even carry it, but you may want to check out a health food store first.

[SIDE EFFECTS]  03/16/2009: L from Boston, MA writes: "cold sore prevention: About 12 years ago, I figured out that artificial sweeteners triggered my cold sore outbreaks. I removed all artificial sweeteners from my diet but would still have outbreaks twice a year. Then, I noticed the outbreaks coincided with my teeth cleanings. Prophy paste contains artificial sweeteners. I now have my teeth cleaned with pumice and never have outbreaks."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  02/02/2009: Patricia from Elmont, NY writes: "emergen-c caused a herpes simplex outbreak. I was shopping at Trader Joes and I picked up a pack of emergen-c. thinking that it will supply me with needed vit-c. I took one packet right at the store with water that I bought there. I felt really weird after taking it. I read the ingredients and I noticed natural flavors and natural sucrose. I know from previous time that anything edible containing natural flavours it is MSG. No sooner did I get into my car to leave,my lip became inflamed and I had the start of a cold sore. I returned to the store and got my money back. I later spoke to the manager about the situation and he said he cannot pull anything off the shelf. It has to be done by headquarters. Now I only depend on good quality Vit C. Emergen-C is on my not-to-buy-list!"

EC: Read the rest of this thread here: http://www.earthclinic.com/Supplements/vitamin_c.html#SIDEEFFECTS_21899

[SIDE EFFECTS]  01/08/2009: Steve from Birmingham, UK writes: "I regulary have outbreaks of coldsores, although they seems to be to two different types.

The first type - normal, typical ones that are on the lips, they start small with the tell tale tingle and spread, with recovery expedited with the use of Acyclovir.

The second type are a bit different these seem to be a much larger pre-determined size,they have more smaller fluid filled welts, a far greater distance from my lips either on the tip or side of my nose or upper chin. They do not have the tell tale tingle, nor do they do respond well to acyclovir.

The second type I used to strongly believe was an allergic reaction to either bannanas or artificial sweeteners as opposed to coldsores because of these differences, however medical tests confirmed that they were cold sores. I currently avoid both potential triggers and seem to get far less outbreaks, however artificial sweetners are almost impossible to avoid.

Who knows!!?? "

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