According to the Mayo Clinic, cold sores, also called fever blisters, form due to the herpes type 1 infection. Unfortunately, there is no way to quickly remove a cold sore. To help eliminate and prevent cold sores, you can supplement a specific selection of vitamins into your diet.
Contracting Cold Sores
Cold sores are a result of certain strains of the herpes virus. Virus type 1 causes cold sores, while virus type 2 is responsible for genital herpes. You obtain one of the simplex virus symptoms from another individual who has an active lesion. You can contract it from small things such as sharing a bathroom towel or kissing, according to the Mayo Clinic. Once you have the virus, you may experience a number of symptoms, such as a fever.
Preventing the Virus
There is no way to completely shield yourself from cold sores -- however, there are ways to prevent the passing of the virus from person to person by taking a few simple cautionary steps. Avoid kissing anybody who may have blisters on their lips, which may be an indication of cold sore formation. Keep your hands clean by washing them in warm water, which can help to kill bacteria on your hands that may contribute to cold sores. Also, try not to share items such as towels or utensils, since the virus easily spreads this way.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is used to help repair tissues in your body if they are damaged. Vitamin C is beneficial for cold sores -- as it can help to improve the healing process of wounds. According to the Mother Nature website, vitamin C can help to inhibit the progression of cold sores. Vitamin C is rich in food sources such as oranges, cooked leafy vegetables and cabbages.
Vitamin E
According to Medline Plus, vitamin E can help to prevent cold sores by acting as an antioxidant, removing bacteria and viruses from your body. Vitamin E also enhances the strength of your immune system, which can help to heal wounds like cold sores. Vitamin E can be found in foods like seeds, corn and olives.
