Cold sore treatments

You wake up in the morning and feel a tingling on your lip along with a small hard spot that isn't visible yet. You anxiously wait a few days hoping against hope it isn't a cold sore. No such luck, soon the tell tale red blisters appear and yup you have a cold sore.

So what exactly is a cold sore.

Cold sores are caused by herpes simplex virus of which there are two types. Type 1 herpes simplex virus (HSV1) normally only shows up above your waist and it is this virus that mostly cause cold sores. Type 2 herpes simplex virus (HSV2) usually shows up below your waist and and is known as "genital herpes". Type 2 is not usually responsible for cold sores although it can be. Cold sores are red blisters that appear on the edges of the mouth and lips. They sometimes discharge a clear fluid and form a scab after a few days. The scab is unsightly.

How did I get my cold sore?

Cold sores are contagious particularly while they active and the sore is visible. If you know someone who has an active cold sore and you kissed them, shared eating utensils or used the same towel you could have caught the virus off them. Usually you already have the virus in your body contracted maybe when you where a child. Then, when your immune system becomes compromised by illness, stress or infection the virus can be activated and you get a cold sore.

How can I avoid getting a cold sore?

Herpes simplex is highly contagious. Avoid kissing someone if they have cold sores also don't have unprotected sex with anyone you know to have genital herpes. Wash your hands often. Don't share eating utensils. Only use your own toothbrush and towels. Stay healthy, the stronger your immune system the less likely the cold sore virus will activate. Eat healthy. Take extra vitamin C.

What cold sore treatments are effective?.

Most cold sores will completely clear up within 14 days leaving no scar. If you want to help speed up the healing the following tips may help.

• Start treatment as soon as possible.
• See your doctor before trying any remedy herbal or drug.
• Antibiotics prescribed by your doctor.
• Anti viral creams.
• Avoid touching your cold sore.
• Take vitamin C and B12 to boost your immune system (check with your doctor first).
• Eat "live" yogurts ( with acidophilus).
• Get enough sleep.
• Do anything that helps boost your immune system.
• Reduce the amount of processed food you eat.
• Limit the amount of caffeine (Tea and Coffee) you drink.
• Keep the cold sore dry and clean.
• If you are stressed learn relaxation techniques like self hypnosis or meditation.

Remember, cold sores although unsightly will disappear within 14 days and do not leave a scar. It is not the end of the world! Stay positive, relax and before you know it you'll be back to your unblemished self.

All the best,

Laura

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