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.

Viruses Resulting in Cold Sore Ailments

Even though the name is cold sore, one important thing you have to remember is that the condition is not connected with normal cold problems. Cold sore situations must not be confused with canker sores as well, as these are two distinct health conditions. Cold sores normally grow to fluid-filled lesions, which erupt after a few days, hence making it different from canker sores. Cold sores or fever blisters are caused by HSV-1 and HSV -2 pathogens as well. To read more about the differences of fever blisters or cold sores and canker sores, you may refer to www.removecoldsore.com.

HSV-1 Cold Sores

HSV-1 or herpes simplex virus type 1 is the cause of most cold sore disorders. The impacted areas may go through a tingling sensation for 2 days before the sores start to show up. The sores will then open after a couple of days from which fluid oozes out before it begins to crust over. The crusting indicates the beginning of the recovery process, which normally take 7 to 14 days in some individuals. This sort of infection, herpes virus, is known as the common root cause of genital cold sores.

HSV-2 Cold Sores

In rare occasions, cold sore problems may also be caused by an infection resulting from herpes virus type 2 or HSV-2. Such type of herpes strain commonly leads to the growth of anogenital sores or cold sores in the genital area. In addition to its pathological perspective, this type of sore is almost similar to the ones due to HSV-1 and needs the same period of time to heal. This just suggests that both virus strains can result in genital and oral herpes.

After learning what is a cold sore it can also be important to know how the virus could be passed on, along with its transmission rate. HSV-1 can be passed on through touching, using personal things and kissing. Self-care is considered as the best solution against the issue. On the other hand, this is only applicable when you are acquainted with the first symptoms of the problem. Nonetheless, once the sores erupted, these will need their own process of healing that generally takes about two weeks. Thereby, opting for quick relief or cure against the problem could help prevent an episode and shorten the process of healing of the issue.

How to Heal Cold Sores?

Applying ice compress on the area where you are encountering a tingling sensation can help prevent cold sore breakouts. Ice solution can inactivate the virus’ ability to multiply, thereby reducing the indications of infection as well. You can also apply petroleum jelly on the afflicted area to prevent the blisters from drying up or it could cause severe pain. It is also necessary to always keep the affected area clean by cleansing it with clean water and antimicrobial soap.

When you want to go out, make sure that you cover the affected area to prevent it from being exposed to sunlight. You could also try applying home cures, like aloe vera gel, alum, garlic oil, as well as toothpaste and oregano oil on and round the affected area. On the other hand, make sure you wash your hands properly before and after using home treatments to the lesions in order to prevent it from dispersing to other body parts.

Lifestyle and dietary changes are essential as well. Nonetheless, if the treatments stated earlier cannot supply relief against the lesions, it is crucial to see your personal doctor and go for medications against the problem. A medical doctor can also provide you more knowledge about the what causes cold sores symptoms. This can make it less difficult for you to control and prevent the condition in the future.

Alleviate Cold Sore Signs with Organic Vinegar

Unfortunately, there are no cures intended for herpes infections. Herpes can be contracted in childhood, because this is the time when the body’s immune system is vulnerable and immature. The herpes simplex virus will continue to be dormant inside the body and stays asymptomatic. The herpes simplex virus can be passed on from one person to another and may be activated by several factors, thereby resulting to the growth of cold sores. Considering that the pathogen stays inside the nervous system, no medicine can get to it and kill the virus.

Nevertheless, there are lots of approaches to minimize the symptoms of the problem and prolong its dormancy. Lowering the break out of cold sores before its eruption can lessen the period of the episode and ease the indications of the problem. Among the treatments which can be used successfully from fever blisters as well as its symptoms are the following:

Vinegar is known as an acidic material produced by fermenting apple and grape juice. The process of its production goes thru two levels and is almost similar to the manufacture of wine. The initial level involves the production of alcohol from bacterial fermentation of the fruit juices and the next stage is fermenting the alcohol, which is carried out to create vinegar. Vinegar will then be regarded as as an over aged wine beverage. The acidic property of it can be utilized effectively for eliminating the signs of cold sores. Then again, the kind of vinegar that is widely used for the signs of cold sores is apple cider vinegar and this can be utilized in various methods.

Topical Application

As among the most effective cold sore remedies, vinegar may be used topically against cold sore ailments, especially the itching feeling. However, experts do not suggest its direct application to an open blister. To use it topically, you can just put vinegar to a cotton swab and then place it on the blister. This may sting a lot when put on open sores so it would be better to use vinegar on the initial indication of infection and even before the lesions begin to erupt. Soreness and pain often precede the formation of sores, so as soon as you sense something itchy or painful on the area affected, make sure to apply vinegar on it immediately.

Intake

Regular utilization of white vinegar can also be completed as part of cure for cold sores. You can begin by including two teaspoons of vinegar into water and drinking it after, prior to or during a meal. You can increase the consumption to 3 to 5 teaspoons gradually, however it should not be more than that. This type of white vinegar is effective in reducing the quantity of sugar in meals, hence avoiding the appearance of cold sore outbreak and any other sorts of infections.

Apart from being an efficient cold sore treatment, vinegar can also be used to maintain overall health condition and stop various infections, as it includes natural sanitizing qualities. Furthermore, vinegar is also helpful in maximizing the body’s defense mechanisms to prevent the occurrence of cold sore problems in the future.

Variations between Canker Sores and Cold Sores

The main reason why most people are mislead between cold sores and canker sores is because both conditions develop by the presence of fluid-filled blisters in or around the mouth. Nevertheless, cold sores normally take place in or throughout the lips when canker sores usually develop under the tongue, on the soft palate and the internal portion of the lips and cheeks. Both disorders can be identified in accordance with its causes and indications as well.

Causes

Fever blisters are caused by a virus strain called herpes virus type 1 or HSV-1, although this is not the identical virus that triggers genital herpes, because that is herpes simplex virus type 2 or HSV-2. Then again, the working procedure for both pathogens is almost similar. These pathogen strains typically impact an individual in their childhood years and when infected, the herpes simplex virus stays deep inside the body’s neurological system. These viruses will stay inactive for some time until activated by certain conditions or factors. These include stress, vulnerable immune system and too much contact with sunlight. The main reason for the progression of canker sores, on the other hand, remains unidentified. These canker sores are usually noticed in the form of localized irritation or ulcers. The appearance of canker sores can be activated as a result of vitamin deficiency, sleep deficiency and stress.

Transmission

Herpes simplex virus type 1 is very contagious which could be easily spread from one infected person to another by means of saliva. A cold sore problem is also known as the kissing disorder, as it could also be passed on by kissing a person contaminated by the virus. Canker sores, however, are not transmittable as the affliction is not caused by any kind of virus.

Treatment Method

No permanent treatment methods are intended for cold sore ailments. HSV is deeply planted within the spinal cord, in an area where no medication will be able to reach it. This makes it difficult to get rid of the infection or the virus itself. Nevertheless, it is possible to ease the indications of the condition by means of cold sore home remedies and medications. These over the counter medicines consist of Carmex, Orajel, Orabase, Abreva, Anbensol and Zilactin. All these are helpful in relieving irritation and pain because of the illness. Lysine and vitamin C supplements are also useful against cold sores or fever blisters.

Canker sores can be quite painful, especially if there are lots of large sores. When the crust covering the sores started cracking, this may lead to microbe infections. Therefore, it is recommended to rinse the mouth by using an anti-bacterial mouthwash in order to prevent further infection. Keeping the area affected damp using petroleum jelly can help speed up the process of recovery of the problem. Aphthasol, on the other hand, is the only medicine authorized by the FDA for canker sores. Besides this, you may also use over-the-counter gels to cure the indicators of the condition.

Both illnesses have the tendency to reoccur. Nonetheless, maintaining proper oral hygiene can help prevent recurrence as well as the seriousness of episodes. As much as possible, you also need to avoid being in touch with sufferers in order to avoid the infection. To find out more regarding cold sores and canker sores, it would be advisable to consult your doctor.