A cold sore is a fluid-filled red blister often appearing around the mouth, nose, lips or cheeks. This sore may signal a deficiency in Calcium or Vitamin B12, but it is usually from the herpes virus. Stress, sun exposure, illness or a lack of nutrition may trigger the virus and sore to appear. A fever may or may not accompany the sore. The blister may appear by itself or in clusters, and may dry into a scab.
With the cold sore blisters, the virus may be transmitted with contact and is contagious. It is important to be cautious with shared items such as towels, linen, drinking glasses and other items that may spread the infection and virus to other people. These could also cause recurrent cold sores or spread the sores to other parts of the body. When a cold sore lasts for more than a couple of weeks, it is advisable to seek the care from a medical professional.
B Vitamins as a Cold Sore Treatment
Taking B Vitamins can help with cold sore treatment, as it disperses itself throughout the body. Although B Vitamins are water-soluble and will pass through the urine, it is always wise to discuss with a physician on the best dosage to consume according to medical history and circumstances.
Vitamin B Complex
A Vitamin B Complex supplement may help to get rid of cold sores, as Vitamin B supports the nervous system, and it's important to keep the immune system working at its best. Viruses often tend to hide within the nervous system. It also has a relaxing factor diminishing stress, which tends to be noted when an individual has these sores. Stress can also cause more outbreaks. Some doctors recommend taking 3 doses of a Vitamin B Complex supplement of 50 mg.
Vitamin B1 and Cold Sore Treatment
Vitamin B1 may be helpful with cold sore treatment, as medical research has shown that this vitamin supplement is one of the best to treat the herpes virus. If the herpes virus is treated and is under control, then there is less chance of a cold sore to occur.
Vitamin B6 and Antibody Production
Vitamin B6 produces antibodies to help rid the body of infections.
Vitamin B12 and Rapid Improvement of Condition
Medical studies indicate that people who often have cold sores also have a deficiency in Vitamin B12. Reports showed that when there was the supplementation of 250 mcg. of Vitamin B12, along with folic acid, the cold sores quickly diminished.
Foods Containing B Vitamins
Some of the best sources of B Vitamins are dairy products and meat. Other foods contain B Vitamins like brown rice, fish, liver, meat, grain cereals, wheat germ, soybeans, oatmeal, whole wheat, berries, chick peas, navy beans, lentils and bananas.
B Vitamin Toxicity
The intake of more than 1mg of Vitamin B9 could hide a Vitamin B12 deficiency leading to permanent neurological or nerve damage.
High levels of Vitamin B3, 3,000 mg per day with 1,500 mg of nicotinic acid (niacin) may cause redness and itching of the skin, including symptoms of liver toxicity. These include nausea and vomiting, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, jaundice and a diminished appetite. A recommended amount of Vitamin B3 is normally not in excess of 35 mg per day.
Excessive Vitamin B6 to treat a cold sore may cause sensory neuropathy (damage to the nerves) and skin lesions. The upper tolerable intake level of Vitamin B6 should be no more than 100 mg per day.
