Cold sores are one of the most common ailments of the mouth. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus and are estimated to affect up to 90 percent of the general population. Cold sores occur on the outside of the mouth around the lips. They usually begin with a tingling that lasts for a few hours and then turn into blisters that eventually erupt.

Unfortunately, cold sores are contagious and are usually transmitted through incidental contact with open cuts. If you get the virus, you may experience fatigue and fever symptoms. Once the cold sores go away (it takes about two weeks) the virus will remain dormant in your body. Stress, fever, illness or excessive sunlight can trigger recurrence of cold sore outbreaks.

There's nothing you can do to completely eliminate the virus or totally avoid getting a cold sore. But you can help keep it in check. To minimize outbreaks brought on by sun exposure, use a sunscreen on your lips year round. And if you have an outbreak, make sure you keep the cold sore dry and clean, and wash your hands after touching it. Look to Anbesol® to help relieve the pain and discomfort associated with cold sores.

Try Anbesol Cold Sore Therapy for maximum strength pain relief of cold sores and fever blisters. Made with Aloe and Vitamin E, it moisturizes the irritated area while it protects it and treats the pain.