How to Treat Cold Sores

Posted by: Admin in Cold Remedies on June 9th, 2009

A huge number of the population are looking for ways on how to treat cold sores. Cold sores are caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 or HSV-1. Like its cousin, the HSV-2, which is the culprit behind genital herpes, the HSV-1 that causes cold sores is highly contagious.

Majority of the infected population contracted the virus when they were still young. Once infected, the virus stays inside those persons for the rest of their lives, erupting to the surface from time to time, whenever conditions such as stress arise.

Cold sores are characterized by red, pussy blisters that form in the areas around the mouth or nose, and even in other parts of the body like between the fingers. When the conditions are ripe, the virus manifests in those areas, resulting in painful and ugly eruptions of the skin. They normally last from one to two weeks.

Cold sores are most contagious when the blisters have begun to burst, and when pus is already oozing out from the broken skin. Millions of the virus can be found in this pus. So, extra care should be taken to prevent its spread.

Since the virus will permanently lodge into the system of the infected persons, recurrences are inevitable. What one can do is be armed with the knowledge on how to treat cold sores whenever they come up. Below are some tips on treating and avoiding occurance of cold sores.

Ways to Treat Cold Sores (click here for more details…):

1. Be alert to the symptoms of cold sores. Since the lesions tend to form on the same area, people can usually tell when a cold sore is coming up. Symptoms include a tingling and itching sensation, coupled with burning or numbness in the area. Usually, these symptoms follow after the person encounters one or several of possible “triggers”.

2. Identify the triggers. Cold sores usually come up when the person experiences stress, is exposed to a great deal of sunlight or cold weather, fatigue, and have a cold or fever.

3. Apply a petroleum-based product like petroleum jelly to the infected area. This will prevent secondary infection from bacteria as well as speed up the healing process.

4. Clean the infected area with a washcloth and warm, soapy water. It will minimize itching and halt the spread of the virus.

5. Do not eat salty and acidic foods like citrus fruits and tortilla chips. They will aggravate the condition of the infected areas.

6. Avoid touching, rubbing, or scratching the infected area. You might unwittingly make it worse through bacterial infection, as well as spread the virus to other people.

7. Use an anesthetic ointment to alleviate the pain.

8. Take vitamin supplements that contain anti-oxidants, vitamin B, and lysine. This will help improve your immune system. Anti-oxidants are essential to a well-functioning immunity, and Vitamin B deficiency has been linked to cold sore outbreaks. Lysine, on the other hand, has been found to be effective in warding off cold sores.

9. Get adequate rest. Not only is it vital for enhancing the immune system, it is also a great way to relieve stress.

10. Apply ice to the infected area. This will prevent inflammation.

11. Keep your toothbrush in a clean and dry cabinet. Avoid keeping it in the bathroom, as wet places are ideal for Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 to proliferate.

Prevention is better than cure, so it is important to always be on guard for your health. Know the causes so you can avoid worrying how to treat cold sores. Click Here to cure cold sores in 3 days…