Cold sores are unpleasant. Also known as fever blisters, these contagious lesions appear on or around the lips. They can be painful and unsightly, and they can last up to ten days. If you get recurrent cold sores, you may notice that they occur when you’re stressed or fatigued. They may also occur during hormonal changes, such as around your menstrual period or during pregnancy. There are natural ways to reduce your risk of recurrences, and if you have an outbreak, reduce the severity and healing time. Cold Sore Care, which is an essential amino acid that inhibits the growth of the cold sore virus (herpes simplex virus type 1), can be taken as a supplement at the first sign of an outbreak. You can also eat foods that are rich in lysine, such as meat, poultry, fish, dried beans, and cheese. You may find that foods high in the amino acid arginine, such as chocolate and nuts, trigger cold sores, and you can try avoiding these foods. Because cold sores may appear when your immune system is weak, it is also important to get good sleep, eat a healthful diet that includes antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, and reduce stress.