Dr. Chris Kammer, noted oral health authority, gives an overview about cold sores – how you get them, how to treat them and how to prevent them. Cold sores are also known as fever blisters or herpes simplex 1.
Want to know how to get rid of cold sores? Then this article was written just for you. In just a minute you will discover how to get rid of cold sores, fever blisters and oral herpes with medically approved cold sore treatment methods.
Learning how to get rid of cold sores using these basic steps is actually quite simple and effective. And it could save you quite a bit of money.
You see, there are a lot of wild claims for cold sore treatment methods and products that just do not perform as promised. You buy it and eventually throw it away.
Before you are able to truly learn how to get rid of cold sores, you should know exactly what they are.
The cold sore itself is formed by the total destruction of millions of close cells. These cells are destroyed as the final part of the herpes simplex virus replication process.
Nearly everyone (90%) carries this virus. It is normally dormant and hiding in the root cells of your facial nerves closest to the original infection spot.
Since it is very contagious, tough, and extremely good at hiding, you will carry this herpes virus for life.
Stress is the common trigger that usually activates the herpes virus. Stress changes your body to a slightly acid state and weakens your immune defenses.
The sole purpose of the virus, once awakened, is to create new copies of its own kind. It does this by wiggling to the surface along the nerve fibers and forcing millions of cells into being virus factories.
Once the cells are full, the herpes virus kills the cell to release all the new virus. As mentioned earlier, all these destroyed cells forms the cold sore ulcer.
The healing period begins at this point as your body creates new cells and skin to heal the massive destruction.
The speed of the healing process is dependent on your current health, and the availability of necessary nutrients. These include vitamins, minerals and proteins from your diet.
Here, now, is how to get rid of cold sores – in three easy and basic steps. No matter what else you do, you really should use these as part of the total plan.
1. FIRST COLD SORE WARNING SIGNS
This is subtle but very important. At the very beginning of a new cold sore event, you will sense some discomfort in the target area. This may include itching, tingling, burning and dryness.
Many people miss these warning signs and thus end up with a full-blown cold sore.
If you apply ice or other cold object during these early warning signs, you can delay the cold sore – or sometimes stop it cold.
If you are able to get rid of cold sores at this early stage, it is a real blessing because you avoid the two or three weeks of discomfort and healing.
2. KEEP THE COLD SORE AS CLEAN AS POSSIBLE
Even without your help, your body knows how to get rid of cold sores. It creates a thick fluid to wash away the offending virus. This fluid continually weeps from the sore, just teaming with contagious virus particles.
Your body knows that the cleansing of the wound is extremely important for healing.
This is where you can really help it along.
You should use tissues or paper towels soaked in alcohol, wine, or peroxide to cleanse the wound of additional virus.
This will also help sanitize the area to prevent spreading the sore to a new location, such as your eyes.
3. COLD SORE HEALING TAKES TIME
During the healing phase, ice is not any longer a good cold sore treatment. It may reduce discomfort, but it really slows down healing. Now you must apply heat.
You can do this using throwaway paper towel dipped in hot water and applied to the sore. Or you can do what many do and use hot, wet tea bags.
The tea contains healing nutrients the will speed recovery. And they are cheap and convenient.
But, do not heat up in a microwave oven. This destroys the nutritional and healing properties. Use boiling water instead.
You will want to do 10 to 15 minute sessions with the heat.
As you can see – how to get rid of cold sores is actually quite simple using these medically sound and time proven methods that have worked for thousands of others.
There are other tips, tricks and tactics you can use to get rid of cold sores, but these are the basics by which everything else will work much better.
You see – the key isn’t how to get rid of cold sores, but how to do so effectively and permanently.
With the cold sore, there is no best time for it to appear on your beautiful lips. You must agree with me that they have a perfect timing, just when you are about to go for an interview, wedding or going to sit an exam. You must be asking yourself just why this happens. This is because the herpes virus which causes the cold sore is greatly triggered by stress.Cold sores are best treated during the initial stages. This is when you get the symptoms such as a burning sensation, itching or a tingling effect on your lip. The first outbreak is usually worse than a recurrent one and is best treated with oral medication and the second one can be topically treated. You can take 1500mg of Famciclovir (Famvir) once which is FDA approved. This will shorten the healing period by two days.It is also very important to control the acid in your body. When you are in good health, the PH balance is around 7.4 which is slightly alkaline. When it falls below 7 on the PH scale, then your system is said to be turning acid. When you are under heavy stress, suffering from flu or when you are exposed to too much sun, your body will turn on the acidic side. Its therefore advisable to avoid acidic foods such as tomatoes, citrus or anything with vinegar should you think that they will touch on the sore.On this strength, you can dab alcohol or hydrogen peroxide on the sore to clean it. Your sore should heal much faster though when you are cleaning it you might experience some pain, it shall save you the agony of having the sore longer though.
If you are suffering from a cold sore or a fever blister, you may be wondering what really is its treatment. Although there is no known cure for this infection, it can be managed and usually heals within 14 days leaving no scar.When you want to treat your cold sore, you should use a soft tooth brush so as not to prick and irritate the infected area. You may have realized that eating salty and acidic foods has become a nightmare. It is advisable to avoid them until the cold sore is treated.There are some anesthetics that can be used to rinse your mouth and aid in cold sore treatment. These anesthetics normally leave your mouth and throat numb. It is therefore important that when administering them to the young ones we should watch them not to choke on food.Amlexanox paste can also be used on the infected areas. Low powered laser can be used on the sores. This relieves pain immediately and prevents sores from recurring.Your doctor can prescribe some antibiotics which normally control secondary bacterial infections. He can also prescribe some ointments that you apply on the sore to soften the crusts and aid in the treatment of coldsores.Hope is not lost for people whose herpes virus is normally triggered by sunlight. You can apply sunscreen on your lips when going into the sunlight and whenever you know that you shall be exposed to the sunlight. What can you do to hasten cold sore treatment for your child?You can advise him not to rub the infected area. This will help in minimizing the risk of spreading it to his friends. Advise him not to share utensils, lip balms, toothbrushes or facial towels You can also boost his immune system to avoid opportunistic infections. Consult your pediatrician for further advise.
Cold sore symptoms are not exactly the same for every individual, but there is a common thread of symptoms among all of us.
Being able to effectively cope with your cold sores depends greatly on your awareness of your cold sore symptoms. This knowledge is critical if you want to reduce the severity, or completely eliminate, cold sores in your life.
After reading this article, you will have the facts you need to identify your cold sore symptoms and choose an appropriate treatment. Often, with proper and timely action, you can be outbreak free for life.
Quite likely you know by now that cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, either type 1 or type 2. As long as the virus remains dormant, you will not experience any symptoms.
But if the virus becomes active, you will begin to encounter an avalanche of cold sore symptoms at the target area.
The first symptom that you will notice is often called the itching stage. At this stage your body is sensing the virus moving from cell to cell of that nerve, toward the surface. Although itching is quite common, you may also experience dryness, tingling, or burning sensation.
Fact: When you start feeling these first symptoms, a cold sore is very close, perhaps only hours. If you act quickly, you can stop it and send the virus back into hibernation. Now is the time to apply a good cold sore treatment or ice to the target area. You may, as some folks have, start taking lysine capsules.
If you do not have a cold sore treatment with you, hold ice or a cold drink to the area. The cold will discourage, or at least delay, the virus from trying to replicate. Even if you do not stop it dead, the continuing symptoms could be a lot less severe.
The next symptom to expect is the inflammation stage.
The cold sore symptoms here include little red bumps, often mistaken for pimples. These painful. Swelling begins, along with enlargement of the lymph glands under the jaw.
Additional symptoms include headaches, malaise, and a slight fever.
Fever reducers and pain relievers are often used during this time. Some remedies at your local store may contain numbing agents. They help for comfort but do little to prevent or shorten the outbreak. Ice is excellent to reduce this symptom.
The next symptom of a cold sore is the open sore. The red bumps burst and merge, usually into one or two large open sores. This is a painful and very unsightly period. The sore is weeping a fluid that is teaming with newly created virus. Headaches, fever and painful lymph glands are common here.
Fact: Although cold sores are contagious from start to finish, the open sore and scab stages are dangerously contagious. Alcohol kills viruses and will keep the wound clean. Use extreme caution not to spread it, especially to your eyes. Eye damage can result.
This open sore now leads into the crust stage which delivers more uncomfortable cold sore symptoms. It is still very painful to the touch. The yellowish crust often cracks when you eat or smile, creating additional pain. You still may be bothered with headaches and fever. Your enlarged lymph glands will begin going back toward normal now. There will continue to be itching and much discomfort as the wound heals under the scab.
Your scab may last up to a week or so. Even though new skin covers the area, you will notice a reddish look and still some discomfort. The sore is still healing below the new skin. It is a deep wound so this may take another week or more. Fever and headaches should now be gone and your lymph gland should be greatly reduced.
Sorry, but you are still contagious until the redness is completely gone. Also, be warned that during this final cold sore symptom, the sore can come right back at you.
Keep treating it with ice or the cold sore treatment of your choice. Ice provides welcome relief during any stage or symptom, although it may slow healing at this point by driving blood away from the area.
Reducing or eliminating cold sores in your life depends on early detection and active treatment of your cold sore symptoms.
Development. Related Links: Herpes Virus (Part 2) www.youtube.com Dr. Jakub Simon www.umm.edu UMMC Hospital for Children www.umm.edu Division of Infectious Disease and Tropical Pediatrics www.umm.edu UMHC Special Programs www.umm.edu Patient Success Stories www.umm.edu Distributed by Tubemogul. … herpes “herpes virus” “infectious diseases” simon “jakub simon” outbreaks “herpes simplex” “cold sores” “genital sores” sex std transmission symptoms treatment antiviral “antiviral medications” ummc …
©2007 – Denny Bodoh
Cold sores are unsightly, contagious and very painful sores, normally occurring on the edge of the lip or nose.
Cold sores are created by the replication process of the herpes simplex virus type 1 or type 2. Current studies show that about 77% of cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex type 1 and about 23% by the type 2 version of this simplex virus.
Cold sores caused by either type of the herpes virus are identical. They both look the same, hurt the same, are just as contagious, and last about the same amount of weeks.
Cold sores will occur and reoccur in about the same location as the initial infection. For example, if your cold sore appears on your upper left lip, then this is the site of the original infection.
The virus that causes cold sores lives in the nerve cells. It will seek out the nearest nerve fibers at the site where the virus enters the body. That herpes virus will make a home in that particular nerve fiber for the rest of your life.
Now don’t be fooled. You can be infected several times in different locations. If another cold sore appears on your lower right lip, this is a different infection and you now have located another “family” of the cold sore virus living in another nerve fiber.
When you have a cold sore, keep in mind that you are not only very contagious to others, but to other locations on your own body too. Cold sores can appear anywhere on the body where the virus found a crack in the protective skin layer.
The herpes simplex virus normally is in hibernation farther down the nerve fibers from the surface. If you get a cold sore on your upper left lip, chances are this virus is hiding in the nerve ganglia near your left ear.
Your body defenses create cold sore anti-bodies each time you have a cold sore outbreak. These anti-bodies surround and help keep the herpes virus asleep.
Should there be some stress in another part of your body, these defenses may weaken and the cold sore virus will snatch the opportunity to move to the surface and create new viruses.
The herpes simplex virus cannot reproduce itself. The virus will enter a nerve cell and force the cell to clone copies of itself. When the cell becomes full of new virus, the original virus will destroy the cell to release all the new clones.
This destruction of millions of cells in a close area create those hideous open cold sores.
The open cold sore would be painful enough, but it is even more so because the herpes virus creates the cold sore right on the end of that nerve fiber. The pain is quite similar to a dentist hitting a nerve.
The most common way of infecting others with cold sores is kissing. Doting relatives and friends usually infect children before they are seven.
Remember, you are contagious from the first tingle until about two days after complete healing.
Cold sore sufferers will many times create a new area of infection on their body with contaminated fingers or towels. The fluid that weeps from cold sores is teaming with fresh virus looking for a new home.
If you have a cut on your finger and you get even one virus in that cut, you will likely get cold sores on your finger.
The body will naturally cure your cold sores without any special cold sore treatment but it often takes three to four weeks. A long time to be socially sidelined and feeling poorly.
There are many over-the-counter and prescription treatments for cold sores. The best and quickest relief comes from topical treatments – a salve or ointment that you put directly on the cold sore.
There are some prescription pills that are available but these are generally slow acting, giving no immediate relief for the cold sore sufferer. For the most part, oral remedies from the drug companies have been dismal failures.
Many people have reported great success with oral doses of the amino acid Lysine. Recommended dosage is 1000 mg. twice a day during the cold sores outbreak and 500 mg. per day between cold sores.
Ice is still the most universal and readily available cold sore treatment. Put ice cubes in a zipper type plastic bag and you’ll avoid a lot of mess. Ice reduces swelling, deadens the pain, and helps discourage the cold sores virus.
And applying ice at the first sign of a cold sore often prevents the cold sore from actually occurring or shortens the life-span of your cold sores.
Cold sore cures? Wondering if there really is are cold sore cures – or are just Internet hype?
This short article should clear up a lot of questions for YOU. Read it now and you will finally know the truth about cold sore cures.
Many experts, such as my good friends at Mayo, state that there are NO cold sore cures.
Other, equally trustworthy professionals, state, YES, there are cold sore cures. And they are being used with much success today by hundreds of thousands of people throughout the world.
Someone lying?
The fact is – they are both absolutely, 100% correct. It just happens that they are not referring to the same thing.
The group saying there are no cold sore cures is right. With their statement, they mean there is no known way to remove the herpes simplex virus from your body once infected. This is known as the cold sore virus.
Right now, the herpes virus is definitely a lifetime resident of your body. No vaccine, nor any other method, has yet been discovered that will find and kill it within the body.
And don’t be fooled. Those anti-viral prescription drugs do not work either. They do nothing to rid your body of this tough, parasite virus.
There are better choices, as you will see shortly.
But first, let’s set the record straight.
Those who claim viable cold sore cures exist are right also. They are referring to the ability of a remedy to clear your face of a cold sore and prevent future outbreaks.
After all, if you never get cold sores again, is that not a cold sore cure? Who really cares about the cold sore virus, as long as we do not get the actual sores – right?
Think about that.
Every disease in the world is diagnosed based on the symptoms specific to that disease. We all carry pathogens that can cause a variety of serious diseases.
But if your body keeps these germs from creating symptoms, you will not get sick. You do not have the disease.
And if you do get sick, and the doctors can cure the symptoms, they will declare you cured. You see this every day with cancer, as well as other illnesses.
And the same holds true for cold sores, fever blisters and oral herpes.
Nearly everyone in the world carries this highly contagious virus. Yet, a good third of those people will never know it because they will never get an oral herpes cold sore.
Their bodies have built-in cold sore cures. Their immune systems and the associated antibodies do not allow the virus to come out of dormancy.
The rest of us have to work at finding our own cold sore cures.
But one thing is for sure.
We now know ways the herpes virus can be pushed back into hibernation, and kept dormant for up to a lifetime. People are doing it everyday. No reason you can’t be one of them.
Do you want to cure a current cold sore? Or are you looking for a way to prevent future cold sores?
Whichever is most important to you at this moment, the very first thing you must do is start taking the highest quality vitamin supplement you can afford.
This one thing is all many folks need to be cold sore free.
In addition, start taking a lysine supplement. This is a very safe amino acid found in fish and dairy products. Flooding your system with lysine, fights cold sores like pouring water on a fire.
Commonly, folks use 2000 to 4000 milligrams of lysine during a cold sore, and 500 milligrams daily for prevention.
There are many other proven cold sore cures. I would love to tell you about them. But it would take pages.
Some will work, others will not.
Often they depend on your immune system being in tip-top shape. You do that with the nutritional boosters mentioned above.
Yes, there definitely are cold sore cures. Some are very simple. Some work best when combined with other methods. You must try different things to successfully discover your own, personal, cold sore cures.
Cold sore relief is on the minds of millions of sufferers at this very moment.
Some methods are quick, easy and work great. But there are many remedies that are a big waste of money when you need cold sore relief.
Please do not waste any more money before you try these simple, proven tactics for relief of your cold sores.
Are you seeking fast cold sore relief for an immediate problem?
First, you want to reduce or eliminate the pain. Next, you want to avoid further embarrassment and hassle by healing the sore quickly and completely.
Cold sores form on the end of nerve fibers by the replication action of the herpes virus. This will cause swelling of both the sore area and nearby lymph nodes.
You may also notice a slight fever and some possible headache action.
To deal with the headaches and pain, many folks take a pain and fever reducer such as aspirin or Advil. Generally these products are a good first step toward cold sore relief.
They will not totally eliminate the pain, but will help to some degree.
Next – application of ice will help reduce pain, fever and swelling very quickly. Ice also slows down – or even stops – the herpes virus reproduction process.
Although ice is available virtually everywhere, and is great for cold sore relief, it is not always convenient to use. At work or driving are both awkward times to use ice.
For times when using ice may be difficult, You will find some of the drug store remedies may be a convenient choice. Look for over-the-counter products, such as Campho-Phenique, that contain numbing agents.
These remedies often work quite well for cold sore relief – by numbing the nerve tips and reducing discomfort. Quite frequently these remedies also provide protection from secondary bacterial infection.
Keep in mind, however, that most of these products only provide comfort and do not speed healing of the sore. They often make big claims, but so far have not proven to actually shorten the duration of an outbreak.
Ice is probably one of the best remedies for stopping pain and reducing swelling and fever. But, once your sore blossoms open, your sore begins the healing stage. And ice will slow down this process.
Cold drives healing blood away from the wound.
Applying warmth during the healing period will give you the best cold sore relief by helping to cure the outbreak fast.
Hot water applied with a cloth will help. A warm, wet tea bag is a better choice. The tea contains ingredients that give excellent cold sore relief – by speeding up the healing process.
While in the healing phase, clean the sore area regularly with cotton balls or tissue soaked in alcohol or peroxide.
When the sore scabs over, keep the crust soft by applying olive oil, or other similar oil. This will reduce painful cracking of the scab.
After your current sore is fully healed, you should make an effort to reduce the possibility of future cold sores.
It is amazing. Nearly 35% of people who have the herpes virus never get cold sores. The primary reason is a strong immune system. Do you get a lot of cold sores each year? If so give the following method a try. It is quite likely you need it.
Many folks have greatly reduced the frequency of their outbreaks by merely taking a good quality daily multiple vitamin and mineral formula.
Do not buy grocery store vitamins – the one or two per day variety. Go to a good vitamin store or go on-line. A good, complete formula will require at least four to six capsules per day to provide the proper quantities of essential nutrients.
The nutrients that will benefit you the most in preventing cold sores are zinc, calcium, magnesium, beta-carotene, the B vitamins, and vitamins C and E.
Dealing with existing cold sores calls for the application of ice at the start, and then warm tea bags during the healing phase. Continuous cleansing of the sore with alcohol will speed healing also. Keep the crust well oiled for additional comfort.
For preventing or reducing the appearance of new cold sores, strengthen your immune system. Do this with good food choices and proper nutrition.
A good quality vitamin supplement may be all you need for permanent cold sore relief.
Fast Cold Sore Cure – visit the site: fastcoldsorecure.cjb.net
