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Who are are and what are we about?
ColdSores.com strives to be the leading authority site on cold sore information, treatment, and prevention. We are an subsidiary of HealthyInfo LLC. Please send any specific inquiries to admin@lgc1.com, the site manager of ColdSores.com.
What are Cold sores?
Cold sores are a form of the herpes simplex virus, the same virus that can cause genital herpes. There are two types of the herpes simplex virus, and while both types (HSV-1 and HSV-2) can cause cold sores, most are caused by the HSV-1 herpes virus. Cold sores are often called fever blisters. They are small blisters that form around the lips or nostrils, and can be very painful. They can occur on the chin, fingertips, or cheeks.
Since cold sores are caused by a virus, they can be highly contagious. The virus enters the body through a break in the skin, and can be spread by touch, eating with an infected person’s utensils, using razors, or from a parent with the virus kissing a child. Cold sores can be spread to other parts of the body, so care should be taken when an outbreak occurs.
The blisters from cold sores may break open, and they contain a clear fluid. When the blisters break a scab can form over the area. Cold sores usually last from a few days to up to two weeks.
Diagnosing and Preventing Cold Sores
Fever in the body can often trigger the onset of a cold sore. Some people even suffer outbreaks after being out in the sun for a while. At the onset there will be a tingling or itching feeling where the cold sore breakout is getting ready to occur. Often the cold sore is accompanies by a fever, headache, or swollen lymph glands.
It is not really possible to prevent a cold sore. Once the virus gets into the body, it will remain there. Taking daily anti-viral medications could help, but often the frequency of cold sore outbreaks do not warrant the intake of the medicine daily.
In order to control outbreaks Lysine taken in capsule form has shown favorable results as a preventive. Lysine, however, should not be taken long term. Lysine should be taken daily for three months, then stopped for three months. If the cold sores occur more frequently in the winter along with regular colds, the Lysine can be taken during those months to help prevent outbreaks of cold sores. Lysine ointment is not as effective as the capsules, as the amino acids in the Lysine must get into the cells of the body to be effective.
Cold Sore Remedies
Traditional remedies of prescription anti-viral medications can lessen the severity of outbreaks, and can lessen the frequency of outbreaks. Prescription anti-viral creams and ointments also may help relieve symptoms when an outbreak occurs.
Research studies in England have concluded that depleted vitamin B12 may be a reason for cold sore outbreaks, so vitamin B supplements have been recommended.
While lysine can help with occurrences of cold sores, arginine amino acid may encourage cold sores. Foods such as peanuts and chocolate, oatmeal and whole-wheat products contain arginine, so should be reduced in a person’s diet.
Ice can help soothe and heal outbreaks when they occur. Fresh aloe vera directly from the plant is one of the best cures for outbreaks of cold sores. Zinc sulfate is also recommended for healing a cold sore quickly..
