COLD SORES

    Very painful, clear, fluid-filled eruptions on the border of the mouth form hard, oozing scabs resulting from an infection of either the herpes simplex or herpes facialis virus. Once thought to be more common in infants and children, adults are becoming more susceptible. The infection makes chewing difficult and may impede the appetite. Mild damage associated with exposure to the sun, stress, abrasions from a toothbrush, bad allergies to certain foods, the onset of menstruation, or any disease that produces a fever or increases metabolic rate may produce a lesion. As a rule, the symptoms generally go away after 7 to 10 days.
Dehydration and secondary infections give reason for concern. Those having secondary health problems where intake of food and liquid are essential (such as seniors, very young children, diabetics, or those with low blood sugar) need to be particularly careful that their cold sores don't interfere with any other medical problems they may be experiencing.
    Since cold sores are a virus, they don't respond to antibiotics. Modern medicine appears sometimes to be at a loss as to how to "fix" the problem. Maybe that is one reason treatment will too often be centered on alleviating pain and preventing the spread of other infections rather than seeking the source of the problem and eliminating it. See the section on Canker Sores in this book.
    * Since the virus feeds on an excessive intake of the amino acid arginine, diets avoiding citrus fruit and nuts should be followed. Supplementation with the amino acid L-Lysine, found in most health food stores, is advised to stop the early spread of the infection.
    In 1991, a clinical study by Mayo and Shemesh, revealed the effectiveeness of Melaleuca oil for the treatment of this difficult and recurring challenge. Dab T36-C5 on the lesions immediately upon detection. Repeat every hour until the lesion either disappears or comes to a head. If it comes to a head, continue to apply T36-C5 once every 2 hours followed by MelaGel or Renew Intensive Skin Therapy. For persistent or large surface sores, use Triple Antibiotic Ointment every 4 hours.
    For sores in the mouth, gargle with 10 drops T36-C5 blended with a half-cup of warm water. Repeat several times daily. Dab T36-C5 onto your finger or a cotton swab and apply to the affected area. Regularly use Breath-Away Mouth Rinse, Melaleuca's Classic Tooth Polish and the Hot/Cool Shot Breath Spray.