| Cold Sore Tips for Prevention and Treatment |
| Articles - Lifestyle |
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Cold sores aren't just cosmetically ugly; they hurt too. As anyone who's ever had one can attest, they can be almost overwhelmingly painful. To help you conquer cold sores, we've gathered some cold sore tips to assist you in relieving the pain of a current cold sore outbreak, and to help you prevent new outbreaks down the road.
Cold sores aren't just cosmetically ugly; they hurt too. As anyone who's ever had one can attest, they can be almost overwhelmingly painful. To help you conquer cold sores, we've gathered some cold sore tips to assist you in relieving the pain of a current cold sore outbreak, and to help you prevent new outbreaks down the road. Let's get started by going over the triggers that cause cold sores. Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are the result of the Herpes Simplex Virus I (HSV I). Note that this is different from the genital herpes virus. Up to eighty percent of population has the HSV I virus. Most of those with the virus were exposed to it before reaching seven years of age. There is no way to get rid of this highly contagious and almost universally prevalent virus. Once you have it, it's in your body permanently. Most of the time it is dormant, without causing cold sore symptoms. When the herpes virus lies dormant, there are no signs or symptoms in a person who has the virus. That is, until the virus is somehow reactivated, resulting in painful and unsightly cold sore blisters around the lips and mouth. Prevent Outbreaks with these Cold Sore Tips So, how does the normally inactive HSV I virus become activated? There are a variety of triggers, including: ? Stress ? Weakened immune system ? Sickness ? Pregnancy or a woman's period ? Irritation or injury to the mouth and lips Basically, whenever the body's defenses are compromised or the system is overloaded by stress, cold sores can be the result. The simplest way to avoid cold sores is to avoid the triggers that cause them. Obviously, when it comes to cold sore outbreaks in pregnancy or during a woman's menstrual cycle, some of the hormonal triggers can't be avoided. In these cases, the best prevention is a proactive approach. There are a variety of supplements and widely available products to prevent cold sores. A healthy diet that bolsters the immune system is vitally important, as is preventing injury or severe chapping of the lips. A good, moisturizing lip balm can calm chapped lips and help minimize the risk of cold sore outbreaks. Treat Outbreaks with these Cold Sore Tips Prevention is all well and good, but what do you if you need to relieve symptoms of an outbreak that's already under way? The following cold sore tips can help you get relief: ? Apply a medication directly to the sores to numb the pain. You may want to try one of the many "caine" medications, like lidocaine or benzocaine. Benzoyl alcohol or a phenol-containing preparation can also be effective. ? Use an antibiotic ointment to keep the sores from becoming infected. ? Keep the sores from cracking and bleeding with a good lip moisturizer. ? There is evidence showing that zinc and lysine supplements may help end cold sore outbreaks faster. Zinc is also known as an immune booster. Taking care of yourself with a healthful diet and exercise plan, combined with immune-bolstering supplements is the best way to prevent painful cold sore outbreaks. Be sure to get enough restful sleep, and use stress management techniques to avoid succumbing to stress. While the best course of action is a good prevention plan, if you do end up with a cold sore breakout, use these simple cold sore tips to help soothe your discomfort and end your breakout faster. DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice. Click Here to learn about a method to cure your cold sores within 3 days! It's quick and effective way to stop cold sores dead in their tracks!! |