Dr. John Sherman, a naturopathic physician and medical advisor for surenature.com, explains outbreaks and treatments of cold sores:
The virus HSV-1 enters bodies through mucous membranes in areas such as the mouth and lips and lives in the roots of nerves. A cold sore appears at the nerve ending. More than 80 percent of people have the cold sore virus, even if they’ve never had an outbreak.
Causes: Getting a sunburn; an overly acidic system — drinking too much orange juice, consuming too much sugar.
Treatment: Don’t use a topical salve or concealer on a cold sore. It’s better to draw out the virus by drinking sage tea or taking bentonite clay.
Red flag: The typical cold sore lasts 10 days. If you get them often, they cover a wide area and are accompanied by fever, seek medical attention. This is a sign that your immune system is being challenged.
Solutions: A cold sore may relate to issues in your colon, such as not enough of the right bacteria or too much of the wrong bacteria.