As there is no cure for cold sores, the most effective way to combat them is through diet. This includes eating foods high in immune boosting vitamins such as C, E, Zinc, and L-lysine during an outbreak this may require some supplements and it may be advisable to take a lysine supplement a few times a week just to keep your levels up.
Try to avoid or limit the intake of foods with an unfavourable ration of arginine to lysine, these include chocolate, peanuts, almonds, seeds, cereal grains, gelatin, beer, and raisins.
Keep your B12 levels up – B12 can boost your immune system. It is advisable to take 2000-2500 mcg a day 3 or 4 times a week or regular supplements from your doctor or naturopath.
Avoid stress as much as possible and try to leave time for yourself; time to allow your body to rest even if you are active. For example fitness classes, reading, taking a long walk, or just catching up with friends, can help relieve stress.
Using a sunblock daily and opting for lip balm with SPF will help as weather has a big impact on the resurrection of the virus.

Tips During an Outbreak
1) For regular sufferers of cold sores the advice of Don’t Touch It may seem unnecessary but for those unaware, never touch your cold sore. To apply ointments use a cotton swab or tissue and dispose of it in the bin (do not compost).
2) Change your toothbrush – you can use the same toothbrush while you have the active sore, but once the sore is gone, throw the toothbrush out. After each use of the toothbrush, soaking it in a glass of boiling water can help to clean it an kill some bacteria. It will not kill all bacteria and after the outbreak Change Your Toothbrush.
a. A bamboo toothbrush does not pick up germs as easily as a plastic one, and using one may have some benefits. They are also more responsive to the boiling water trick.
3) Do not wear makeup the first day – the first day of an outbreak, although it is an ugly sore and applying a cover up may seem like the only option, try to avoid it. When applying makeup to a cold sore – weather it is cover up or lipstick…, apply some petroleum jelly first; this will create a barrier between the sore and the makeup. Be sure to clean the sore at the end of the day. The barrier can impede healing time.
4) Change your face cloth daily – each time you wash your face use a new face cloth.

Remedies for Cold Sores
1) Ice – applying ice to the area upon tingle can result in either the sore not forming a bubble or the bubble being smaller than it may have been.
a. Once the bubble has appeared applying ice 3-4 times a day will help reduce spreading and any itchy sensation.
The way to apply ice is to either use something frozen such as a bag of peas and apply it as a cold compress to the area for 10-15 minutes 3-4 times a day, or the other way is to use an ice cube and to apply it to the area ideally until the cube has melted or as long as it is tolerable; this is best done over a sink to catch the drips.
b. A cold compress will also work; the colder the better
2) L-lysine – most lysine pills can be taken several times in a day; many have a dosage of 2 pills 3 times a day, and with an active outbreak take the maximum dosage while the sore is visible and for two days after it falls off.
3) Lemon balm – any balm or essential oil from the mint family can help with redness or swelling and applying these can help.
4) Tea Tree Oil – tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic and helps to keep the area clean and it also can speed up the drying process.
5) Vinegar – vinegar, either white or apple cider has a time during the lifecycle of a cold sore where it is effective; and that is before it has dried. Applying vinegar to a dry sore will not have much impact.
6) Aloe Vera – applying aloe vera can help reduce redness and treat swelling.
7) Tea bags – applying a used tea bag to a sore for 10-15 minutes can help to reduce swelling. Any tea bag will do but green, black, and herbal teas have shown to be more effective.
8) Cornstarch – making a paste of cornstarch and water (50/50 consistency) and applying to the sore can help relieve itching and help with drying.
9) Baking Soda – making a paste of baking soda and water (50/50 consistency) and applying to the sore can help relieve itching and help with drying.
10) Red wine – the reservatol in red wine can have anti-inflammatory benefits – drinking a glass can help, but dabbing some on the sore may also help. Others say to put a little bit in a saucer and let it sit until the liquid evaporates. Slather the sore with the solidified dregs and it should ease the pain on contact.

Each of these natural remedies has a different effect for each individual, and there may be some trial and error before the right one is found. As not all cold sore outbreaks and tingles start at home where you may have one or many of these items at your disposal, it is advisable for cold sore sufferers to always be prepared – for instance keep some tea tree oil in a purse, bag, or in the car, always take aloe with you on vacation, and keep some lysine pills in your office, car, home, gym locker.