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Cold sores are caused by a virus called herpes (say: hur-peez). Herpes is one of the most common viral infections in the world. The medical name for the specific virus that causes cold sores is herpes simplex. There are two types of herpes simplex infection: herpes simplex virus one (called HSV-1 for short) and herpes simplex virus two (called HSV-2 for short). Although both can cause cold sores around a person's mouth, most herpes cold sore are caused by HSV-1. HSV-1 is so common that most Americans get infected with it, although many never have any symptoms. People can catch HSV-1 by kissing a person with a cold sore or sharing a drinking glass or utensils, so it's easy to see why there are so many cold sores around. Kids who get infected with HSV-1 may get cold sores occasionally for the rest of their lives That's because even after the sores themselves dry up and go away, the virus stays in the body, waiting around for another time to come out and cause more sores. When a cold sore reappears, it is often in the same place as the previous one. Please remember that all stages of cold sore formation should be considered to be contagious. So to avoid spreading the herpes virus (either to others or even other parts of your own body), after applying any medication or treatment to cold sores you should always wash your hands. Over-the-counter medications for cold sores. Many over-the-counter (OTC) cold sore medications are primarily palliative in nature, meaning that their intended purpose is to relieve the symptoms of cold sores (pain, itching, burning). Other curing cold sore OTC products help to provide an environment that is thought to inhibit the continued development of cold sores and/or help to promote cold sore healing. A third category of OTC medications possesses properties that directly interfere with the herpes virus' ability to form cold sore lesions. OTC virus inhibiting medications for cold sores. Products containing docosanol. Docosanol is a compound that is capable of inhibiting the herpes virus and therefore can help to limit both the duration and severity of cold sores. Clinical trials for one product containing docosanol showed that it reduced the median time-to-healing period for cold sores by about a day. Topical aciclovir or penciclovir, in the form of a cream applied to affected areas, shortens attacks of recurrent herpes simplex provided it is started early enough. Cold sores are a very common illness caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). The disorder is characterised by groups of fluid-filled blisters which appear on red swollen areas of the skin or on the mucous membranes. The areas can be tender and painful. The blisters heal without scarring but have a tendency to recur. There are two types of herpes simplex virus. HSV-1, which is the most common type, usually causes cold sores (oral herpes). HSV-2 usually causes genital herpes. But both types can infect any area of the skin or mucous membranes. Approximately 80 per cent of the adult population have antibodies against HSV-1 in their blood. Around 25 per cent of the adult population have antibodies against HSV-2. What causes the virus? The virus can only be transmitted by close personal contact such as kissing. Most people will have come into tea tree oil cold sore contact with the virus between the ages of three and five but will not show any symptoms until after puberty. HSV invades the cells of the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin, causing fluid-filled blisters to appear. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help reduce pain. Cool compresses on the affected area may also provide relief. It is important to keep your skin clean and dry so you don't develop any other types of infections in the blistered area. Your doctor might also prescribe some type of antibacterial ointment to help prevent infection. Self-care tips You can help prevent cold sores by avoiding contact with the blisters. Wash your hands frequently, do not share food or drink, and do not touch a blister then touch others or other areas of your body, especially the eyes or genitals. Use sunscreen and protective lip balm when outdoors to avoid sun-related outbreaks. As with any illness, it's important to get plenty of rest, follow a healthy diet, and reduce stress levels. People with a skin condition called atopic eczema should avoid any exposure to the herpes virus because it can develop into a possibly fatal condition called eczema natural cold sore remedy herpeticum. Contact your doctor if your symptoms become worse or if the blisters appear to be infected. This can be bought over-the-counter from a pharmacy or obtained on prescription. The treatment should be started as soon as the first symptoms appear. It can often reduce the length of the outbreak and the infectious period. Recurrent severe attacks can be treated by anti-HSV agents in pill form. Related concepts: Fever Blisters, Herpes Labialis, Secondary Herpes Introduction: Kids often feel the tingling before you can see the sore. If your child has a cold sore, he is cold sore info likely to have them again and again before he grows up. You will want to learn what to expect and what to do. A cold sore does not mean that your child has recently been exposed to herpes. People don’t get cold sores when they first time get a herpes infection. What is it? Cold sores or fever blisters are caused when a prior herpes infection flares up again. They are usually caused by herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1). Who gets it? Cold sores can affect anyone who has had a prior herpes infection (up to a third of children have by the time they grow up). Most commercial yogurts however have gelatin (may induce a cold sore outbreak) as a thickener, so make sure you read the label! Natural food stores carry you get cold sore gelatin-free yogurts Homeopathic Natrum muriaticum (Nat mur) This is the first choice for cold sores around the lips and mouth, nose and chin. It's especially useful in the early stages of herpes when the upper lip is swollen but no vesicle - or fluid-containing sac such as a blister - has appeared. You may also have dry, chapped lips, your mouth may be dry and you may be thirsty. Nat mur is indicated if the person is emotionally upset. Rhus toxicodendron (poison ivy) The herpes that are relieved by Rhus tox usually burns and itches, and acrid fluid may seep from yellow vesicles. Rhus tox is effective for the tissue crusting that occurs with herpes. Can be used after Nat mur to finish off the cold sore. Sepia (cuttlefish ink) People needing sepia have herpatic eruptions around the lips, corners of the mouth and particularly around the nasal area with crusty eruptions inside and on the nose. Use an extract instead of a tincture to avoid getting a full-body rash. Combine equal parts of tinctures of echinacea, calendula, oats, burdock, and lomatium and take 1/2 teaspoon four or five times a day. This combination of herbs will boost the immune system, soothe inflamed tissues, remove toxins from the body, and kill viruses and bacteria. Lysine Many people have reported that taking the amino acid L-lysine has prevented or lessened the duration of their cold sores. Apparently, the herpes virus uses another amino acid, arginine, to grow and replicate while lysine inhibits the virus' ability to replicate itself. Reduce your intake of arginine-containing foods as mentioned above. If you get sores frequently take 1,500 to 3,000 mg. daily as a preventive measure. When you feel a sore coming on, take 3,000 mg daily until the sore crusts over. Experiment with the cold sore virus dosage until you find one that inhibits recurrence by reducing the amount until you find the optimal maintenance dosage, perhaps to 300-600 mg. Lysine may also be applied topically to the sores. |
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