Cold Sores

Cold sores is also called fever blisters or Herpes simplex, it is characterized by groups of fluid-filled blisters and affects skin and nervous system. Often erupts around the lips and sometimes under the nose or around the chin. This type of infection is caused by herpes virus (type 1) is contagious. The initial infection or primary herpes, which often occurs before adulthood, may be confused with a cold or flu and can cause painful lesions to erupt throughout the mouth.

If a person is infected with primary herpes, the virus stays in the body and causes occasional attacks. Sometimes the virus remains inactive.

Causes

Cold sores are caused by the virus known as Herpes simplex type I (HSV-1), which is different from the virus that infects genitals (HSV-2).

After the first infection, the virus lies dormant in the nerves or skin around the original area. The infected person will be at risk of having more outbreaks throughout life.

Typically an outbreak will last anywhere from three days to one week. The blisters on the face and nose are at risk of serious complications from an infection involving the mouth or nose.

In rare cases, the herpes virus can infect the brain and the central nervous system. This can produce meningitis or encephalitis. These types of infections can only occur if the infected person has weakened immune systems.

Some causes of cold sores includes the following:

• Biting your cheek, tongue, or lip
• Chewing tobacco
• Wearing Braces
• Burning your mouth from hot food or drinks
• Induced drugs that might cause mouth sores include chemotherapeutic agents, aspirin, barbiturates, penicillin, streptomycin, and sulfonamides.

Symptoms

Symptom that may appear during an outbreak of cold sores may include:

• Burning
• Tingling
• Itching in the area around the mouth or nose

Within few days, the infected area may become reddened and develop small fluid-filled blisters. Some of these small blisters may even come together and form one large blister.

Treatment

Baking Soda:
Make a paste of baking soda using clean water, apply in affected blisters area using cotton swabs

Peppermint oil:
Apply in affected areas, can also lessen the pain due to lesions.

Acidophilus:
Take four acidophilus capsules three or four times a day with milk.

Aloe Vera Gel:
Apply on the affected area

Chaparral:
Commonly used by Native Americans as a remedy for colds, it comes in capsules and a spray, which provides almost instant relief from cold sore pain.

Cornstarch:
Make a paste by adding clean small amount and apply in affected area.

Camphor:
Dab on the sore with a cotton swab.

Grapefruit seed extract:
Mix a few drops of grapefruit seed extract with aloe or olive oil, and dab it on to the sore.

Ice:
Rub an ice cube on the sore for a few minutes this process may prevent the movement of the virus from the nerve to the skin.

Mint:
Apply topically in infected areas, this will speed healing of the sore

Myrrh:
Apply a tincture of myrrh in affected areas this helps to relieve the pain.

Sage:
Make a tea by adding two or three leaves to a cup of boiling water; steep; add one teaspoon of powdered ginger. Drink several cups a day until the sores are cleared up.

Tea:
Steep an ordinary teabag in boiling water for a few minutes; cool; then apply to lesions.

Without proper hygiene practices, this virus can be contagious. Always wash hands especially after touching the infected areas. Do not share food utensils with another person.

Prevention

Don’t get in contact with an infected person
Wash your hands frequently

Cold sores

Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are small, fluid-filled blisters caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV). They are not contagious, although they are often mistaken for canker sores, which is a non-contagious mouth ulcer. Herpes labialis are cold sores found on the lips and mouth. It can also appear on the chin, nostrils, fingers or the genital area.

Symptoms

Direct contact with the herpes simplex virus will trigger the onset of the disease within 20 days. The skin will grow small, fluid-filled blisters that can either be color red or brown. These blisters may be painful for some people and it may threaten to burst. After 1-2 days, a tingling sensation may occur. Fever, headache, itching, quick temper and swelling of the lips and lymph nodes may follow.

The patient might have trouble swallowing foods or any forms of liquids. Drooling is apparent for small children before a cold sore appears.

Symptoms may last from 7-10 days.

Causes

The herpes simplex virus (HSV) is classified into 2 types: HSV 1, which causes oral herpes, and HSV 2, which causes genital herpes. These viruses are highly contagious and are easily acquired by direct contact. It can easily be transferred when interacting with an infected patient. A person who recently recovered from cold sores may still carry the virus in their saliva although the symptoms are already undetectable.

Cosmetic surgery, unhygienic dental treatments, overdue fatigue, lip or gum injury, hormonal changes, and pregnancy may threaten the cold sores to come back.

Home Remedies

Ice: Rub ice on the infected skin for few minutes. Repeat the procedure every hour.

Tea bags: Put a used tea bag on the blisters for a few minutes. Repeat the procedure every hour. You can also try pressing a warm tea bag on the blisters for about half an hour.

Witch Hazel: Applying witch hazel astringent on the sores will provide immediate relief.

Salt: Press some table salt on the sores for 30 seconds using your moist index finger.

Aloe Vera: Rub aloe Vera in gel or oil form on the sores as gentle as possible.

Lemons: Lemon balm extract helps reduce the appearance of symptoms and helps speed up recovery. This remedy should be taken especially for patients with weak immune system.

Diets

Eat lots of fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables; foods that rich in antioxidants and high complex carbohydrates; include garlic in your diet. Avoid processed foods.

Eat foods that are rich in vitamin A, C and E, iron and zinc.

Foods that are high in A-amino acid L-arginine such as chocolates, peanuts, grains, peas, seeds, oatmeal and whole-wheats should be avoided for they help cultivate the herpes virus.

Avoid tea and coffee, and acidic and salty foods.

Other Treatments

Wash your hands regularly to prevent the spread of the virus coming from your hand’s fingers.

Avoid contact with blisters caused by cold sores.

Use sunscreen on areas that are vulnerable to the disease.

Observe proper hygiene and never share personal items with an infected person.