Cold Sores

please can any one  tell me what causes "Cold Sores" or "fever blisters"on the lips???
it hurts and causes alot of pain...
and is it contagious????

[jasmine1988]

Cold sores are small, painful blisters appaering on the lips, mouth, or nose. They ar caused by the Herpes simplex virus type I
it is spread by kissing or being in close contact with an individual who is infected.
it is contagious, and even though the blister dries up within a few days, it still doesn't mean you are free from infection
It usually does not require medical care,but the blisters take about 2 to 6 weeks to be completely healed. During this period, there is a chance of infecting another individual, as the virus can be recovered from saliva somedays following the drying up of the blister.
At home, there should be adequate hygiene, and care should be taken so that utensils used by you during the period of infection is not used by any other individual. You might also include vitamin supplements to help boost your immune system.
In addition, if there is a recurrent outbreak of the blister, then you might need to see a physician who might likely place you on some anti viral medication.

[Paxiled]

Natural treatment for cold sores include lysine, an amino acid, and lemon balm, or melissa.  You can find products for this at a good health food store.