Cold sores erupt in the form of painful skin lesions on the lips and mouth. HSV-1 is the type of herpes simplex virus most likely to cause cold sores. Up to 90 percent of Americans have this virus, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, although only some people experience symptoms. Although vitamin D is not a standard treatment for cold sores, this vitamin can help strengthen your immune system.
Cold Sores
The HSV-1 virus spreads easily through kissing or sharing utensils that touch your lips and mouth. Common symptoms include tingling around your mouth area, fever, swollen lymph nodes in your neck, sore throat and the appearance of small fluid-filled blisters along your lips. There is no cure for this virus, but certain practices, such as avoiding kissing during an outbreak and washing your hands frequently, may help reduce the risk of spreading this disease to others. Factors that can trigger an outbreak of symptoms include emotional stress, illness and a weakened immune system.
Vitamin D
Most studies involving vitamin D and the immune system relate to how this vitamin may help lower the risk of certain chronic diseases including multiple sclerosis and diabetes, rather than what role it plays in preventing cold sores. Preliminary studies found a possible connection between vitamin D supplementation and a reduction in colds and influenza symptoms, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. Additional research may help provide a better understanding of the risks and benefits of vitamin D. Although vitamin D helps regulate your immune system, there is no conclusive evidence that it can help reduce the risk of cold sores.
Sunlight
Exposure to sunlight provides a natural method of obtaining vitamin D. Your body manufactures vitamin D by absorbing ultraviolet rays. Using sunscreen, having a dark skin tone and aging are all factors that can decrease your ability to absorb sunlight for vitamin D fabrication. Although sunlight exposure promotes vitamin D production, it also increases the possibility of cold sore breakouts in people with the HSV-1 virus.
Precautions
Consult your doctor before taking vitamin D supplements to help treat or prevent cold sores. Antiviral medications, such as acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir, are among the standard and customary treatments for these mouth sores. The maximum safe limit for vitamin D is 2,000 IU daily for adults, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Taking too much vitamin D may cause bone pain, vomiting, sore eyes and weight loss.
