(ARA) – Stress is something just about everyone deals with at one time or another in their lives. It may come from pressure on the job, anxiety over an upcoming test, job interview or first date, or from planning a big event such as a vacation or wedding. No matter what the reason, stress is a big factor in the appearance of a cold sore.

More than 40 million Americans suffer from these contagious lesions, characterized by an eruption of small painful blisters on the lips, or around the mouth or nose. Caused by the herpes simplex virus 1, they lay dormant in the body and become active later when something triggers them. In addition to stress, they can be caused by illness, menstruation, pregnancy, pain from an injury, sunburn or wind, being over-tired, and irritation in the mouth area.

There is no cure for cold sores, but there are numerous remedies and prescription drugs on the market to help relieve these painful, embarrassing sores. "Unfortunately," says Robin Barr, 51, formulator of Cold Sores Begone, "herpes is a virus that remains in the body for life. Once the cold sore is healed, the virus retreats back into the nerve cells where it stays dormant until triggered, causing a new cold sore to appear."

Barr's lifelong battle with cold sores led her on a quest to find a better solution than what was available. During her research, she came across studies from Germany suggesting certain herbs might be helpful in the early stage of a herpes simplex infection. "In my kitchen, I put together a mixture of glycerin, lemon balm, echinacea, golden seal and allantoin in specific ratios, and found when I applied it at the early symptom of an impending eruption, the sore never erupted."

Barr knew she had made an interesting discovery but continued to use it only for herself, and sharing it with friends and family who were also plagued with cold sores. A few years later, after getting a lot of positive feedback from people who had tried her remedy, she decided to start marketing it as Cold Sores Begone.

Cheri Gant, 58, of Boulder City, Nev., came across the remedy completely by accident while at work one day. "I work in a dental office in Las Vegas, and one day a drug rep. came to the office with a sample. I was very interested because of the severity of my attacks. I rubbed some on my face the next time I felt some tingling, and it stopped it in its tracks," says Gant, who used to suffer outbreaks every six months like clock work.

Cold sores aren't the only ailments for which Barr's formula has proven effective. A slightly modified version can help people who suffer from canker sores as well. Canker sores are open sores in the mouth that appear as a white or yellow ulcer surrounded by a bright red area. They are benign, but very painful, and usually appear on the inner surface of the cheeks and lips, tongue, soft palate, and the base of the gums.

"I found it in a health food store. At first I was skeptical, because nothing had worked for me before, but decided to give it a try anyway," says Beverly Kuchinsky, 70, of Los Angeles, Calif. "Other treatments took the pain away but it came right back. I've found this one diminishes the pain, and makes them go away faster."

Barr says Canker Sores Begone seems to be more effective for oral sores caused by stress and fatigue than those caused by eating acidic foods.

"The worst thing that can happen to a bride or groom on their wedding day is to have an outbreak right before they march down the aisle," says Barr. "I've heard this and other similar stories countless times."

Today, with many innovative product and prescription choices, its easier than ever to decrease your chances of future outbreaks.

Cold Sores Begone and Canker Sores Begone are available at health food stores. You can also order online at www.csbegone.com, or by calling (888) 877-6315.

Courtesy of ARA Content


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Courtesy of ARA Content