Preventive Tips and Cold Sore Home Remedies

Cold sores are fluid-filled blisters that usually appear on the mouth. In most cases, the condition is due to an infection by HSV or herpes simplex virus 1, but some people may contract the condition due to herpes simplex virus 2 as well. The latter is usually the cause of genital herpes or simply known as herpes. Cold sore conditions are very common and are affecting almost 80% of the US population the reason behind this is that the condition is highly contagious and it could be transferred to another person through kissing or close contact.

HSV could be easily transmitted from an infected individual even if he never had cold sores before. Some of the common symptoms of the condition include colds, fever, and flu and skin trauma. Individuals infected by HSV should remember that the virus needs arginine for replication. That is why it is necessary to restrict the consumption of foods containing this type of amino acid. Another type of amino acid known to work against cold sore is lysine, however, is very effective against the virus. If you are unaware of the foods that you have to avoid to prevent cold sores, these foods include the following:

* Nuts
* Gelatin
* Seeds
* Oats
* Crabs and oysters
* Brown rice
* Lentils
* Peas and beans
* Peanut butter
* Oranges and grapes
* Onions
* Refined cereals
* Jams and jellies
* Coffee
* Chocolates
* Pickles
* Vinegar
* Processed fruits

However, there are foods that are helpful against the conditions as well. These foods should be consumed regularly to prevent cold sores. Some of these foods are as follows:

* Cheese
* Yogurt
* Goat milk
* Tuna in water
* Salmon
* Soy products
* Beef
* Cod

Other foods that contain high amount of lysine are spinach, liver and avocado. However, you should know that these foods also contain high amount of arginine, which means it might not be beneficial for the condition.

Tips on How to Get Eliminate of Cold Sores

* One of the most common mistake cold sore-affected individuals do is picking or squeezing the blisters. You should know that this practice has to be avoided, as it will only help the virus spread on other areas of the face and prolong the duration of the condition. So as much as possible, make sure that you avoid scratching or touching the sores.

* Rinse your mouth frequently using a mouthwash with no alcohol contents to reduce irritation.

* Hold an ice cube wrapped in cloth on the sores to soothe the pain and reduce itching.

* Wash your hands thoroughly before applying medications into the affected area to prevent the virus’ capability of spreading to other areas in the face.

* Do not let the condition stress you, as stress can only worsen the condition. Instead, give your body enough time to rest and heal.

ll these are helpful against cold sores. The tips provided above can help ensure speedy recovery against the condition. If the sores are causing extreme pain and painkillers cannot provide relief against it, it would be best to talk to your health care provider to know how you can handle the condition, reduce the pain and relieve yourself from the discomfort due to cold sores.

Medicines and Natural Home Remedies for Cold Sore

Many people are unaware that cold sore outbreaks within the facial area result from an infection brought on by HSV type 1. About 90% of all incidents of cold sore in the area above the waistline is caused by HSV type 1. On the other hand, HSV type 2 is the one responsible for cold sores episode in the genital area. The appearance of blisters in the face is regarded as orofacial herpes, while the ones located in the genitals are called anogenital herpes.

Up to this day, no drugs are intended for addressing the illness yet. The available medications can only be administered to relieve the pain sensation and shorten the time period of the outbreak. The procedure of treatment methods are similar no matter where the lesions appear, which suggests the same medicines are suited to cold sore problems around the lips and other parts of the face. The treatment methods could also involve the application of OTC or prescribed medications and home remedies.

Since reason for the infection is an infection due to a virus, the primary treatment method requires the administration of antiviral drugs. With regards to the seriousness of the situation, physicians may suggest the use of oral prescription drugs, including valacyclovir, famciclovir and acyclovir. Topical creams or ointments may also be useful for the treatment of the illness. Then again, immediate management of the disorder is important to prevent the outbreak from exacerbating.

Organic cold sore remedies may also be used to relieve the signs of the ailment. These home cures include the use of tea bags, Echinacea tea tree oil, petroleum jelly or ice packs. This can give you relief in just 2 days from the initial break out of cold sores. Though it is not considered as a natural cure, it is also required to avoid picking or squeezing on the blisters to prevent irritation and spread in other regions. Washing hands both before and after using ointments or creams is also recommended.

Proper hygiene is also required when afflicted by HSV-1 or 2. Maintaining the area clean can help stop the virus from growing to other parts of the body. The fluid-filled blisters on the infected area needs to be drained properly and this needs to be washed using water along with an antimicrobial soap. After cleansing the spot, dab it with dry and clean bath towel. Even so, do not forget that serious cases of cold sores have to be clinically diagnosed by a health practitioner to determine the root cause of the condition.

For the management of the situation, lysine, vitamin C and zinc supplements are often advised. These nutritional supplements are all useful in boosting the immune system, thereby shortening the outbreak period and hastening the recovery process. These complementary cures fever blisters can also help minimize the risk of outbreak recurrence. Other than these, lifestyle and dietary improvements are also necessary to stop the condition.

Take notice that your best protection against the illness is to make certain that your immune system is kept healthy. Therefore it is necessary to speak with your medical doctor at the initial indication of infection to acquire an immediate solution for it. Good diet, healthy way of life and proper personal hygiene also play a crucial role when managing cold sores. You can also ask a physician for tips on how to steer clear of the ailment, and also approaches on how you can keep the strength of your body's immune system.

Important Facts That You Should Understand About Cold Sores

This video explains how cold sores are different from herpes. Learn more facts about cold sores and understand the causes, symptoms and treatments better.

Efficient Treatments against Fever Blisters

Throughout a cold sore episode, one important thing that you must take into consideration is the fact that the disappearance of the sores or blisters does not indicate that the infection is cured. Although sores go away after several weeks, the herpes simplex virus remains within the body in dormant state. One important thing you must remind yourself concerning herpes virus is that as soon as it gets inside the body, it will never go away. It will remain in the body inactively till it is activated by certain mental, environmental and physical factors which results to the indication of the symptoms of fever blisters or cold sores.

Transmission of Fever Blisters

As stated, HSV or herpes simplex virus is the major culprit for the problem. Even though the virus continues to be dormant within the body, there are occasions when transmission is at greater risk. HSV can trick the body’s immune system by making it feel that the virus does not occur in the body. Whilst the virus is in its dormant state, the immune syste of the body is unable to find it this is exactly why no medicines can be implemented to inform the body's immune system that the virus occurs within the body. Transmission of the pathogen may arise from the following:

* Kissing

* Eating on the same plate or using the same utensils

* Sharing the same drinking glass

* Sharing lipstick or cigarette

* Sex

* Coming in contact with the blisters and then touching someone else utilizing the same hand without washing or disinfecting it can transmit the herpes simplex virus.

* A pregnant woman afflicted with the illness can pass it on the unborn child inside her womb.

* Individuals who are experiencing the condition can transfer the virus though it is asymptomatic. Even though the person never experienced any break out before, that does nott mean that the pathogen is less infectious and that it cannot be transferred to other individuals.

The treatment method for fever blisters is unable to cure the problem, but it can offer relief against the signs of the problem. These solutions may include the usage of topical solutions, such as behenyl alcohol. Zinc sulfate and zinc oxide ointments or creams can be applied together with these solutions to boost the healing process of the problem. Drugs may also be given, for instance penciclovir and acyclovir.

In addition to these, there are home cures designed for the ailment as well. Applying ice in to the area affected can help reduce the pain and minimize the inflammation or swelling. Tea tree bag is another beneficial cure against fever blisters. Simply put the bag on the affected region and it will help take care of the blisters and reduce the duration of the break out. Another beneficial treatment method is the application of tea tree oil. This will help reduce the outbreak and prevent it from distributing.

Aside from these effective cold sore home remedies and medications, lifestyle and dietary adjustments are essential as well. First, it is vital that you stay away from eating meals that contains high amount of arginine and acid, because these can encourage viral growth and aggravate the condition. In case you are going through severe indicators of the ailment, it could be wise to talk to your health care provider promptly for proper medical diagnosis and administration of the most suitable treatment plan for the affliction.