Cold sores, or fever blisters are caused by a viral infection. Is there a cold sore cure? The experts say no. But it's not all doom and gloom; cold sores can be zapped in as little as three or four days, if you do it right.

Herpes Simplex, the medical term for a cold sore, has a sinister ring to it. And that's not without good reason. You see, once the virus gets into your system, it can be eliminated from your skin by your own immune system, but it won't be completely eliminated from your body. And an even more sinister fact is that you can pass the virus on to othJohn Couttsers even though there's no visible signs of a cold sore on your face.

Cold sores last about 10 to 14 days. Typically, they start out as little red pimples that soon blister. They can be preceded by itching or burning feelings. After a few days the blisters start to dry out and they form a yellowish crust. The final stage is when the crusty bit comes off and the natural color returns to the skin area. Not everyone will have the same experience, though.

If you get a cold sore, avoid eating any salty or acidic foods, as these may irritate the condition further. You should also avoid sharing bathroom towels with any other member of the household. This also goes for plates, cups, glasses, etc, and you should avoid unnecessary skin contact with others as well.

Some research has found that people with cold sores are low in B12 levels. Other research suggests that there may be calcium deficiency in sufferers. Yoghurt, the plain variety with live cultures and not the heat treated kind, when added to a diet seems to work wonders. It may stimulate the immune system, and thereby reduce the period of suffering, or even prevent an attack altogether.

There are foods to avoid as well. Chocolate, most kinds of nuts, and whole-wheat products, as well as grains and coffee, are all food that have been suggested as being possible irritants that might initiate a flare-up.

A cold sore cure may not be possible, but it's definitely possible to reduce, or even eliminate cold sore attacks, perhaps even forever, if you go the right way about it.