Cold sores are caused by the Herpes Type 1 virus that usually causes a painful blister on the lips or nasal area. The virus remains in your body even after a cold sore outbreak is over, and cold sores will continue to flare up over time. Stress, sickness, physical activity, anxiety, and some medications can cause them to flare up and the time between outbreaks can be as short as a few days and as long as a few years. There are also people who seem to be immune to this virus, and although exposed do not contract it themselves, but could possibly pass it on to others.
The blisters caused by the virus are what are called cold sores, and are usually puss filled blisters that look similar to a burn on the facial area. These blisters are contagious and are most contagious when the cold sores have busted or are leaking. During this time it is ideal not to have mouth to mouth contact with another person, and this includes eating or drinking after someone who has a cold sore or when you have a cold sore yourself.
There are many different ways to alleviate cold sores, and while most of those ways involve over the counter medication, there are also ways to help them with home remedies. These home remedies are not necessarily like some other things with mixtures and contraptions that are suppose to help, but ways to lessen the severity and length of an outbreak as well as some ways to alleviate them.
Replace items that come in contact with your mouth regularly. This includes replacing toothbrushes used during an outbreak, Chap Stick, lipstick, and facial scrubbers. The virus can be harbored in these items and contact with these items after a cold sore is gone can cause another flare up.
Add lysine to your diet. Dairy products, potatoes, and some types of yeast contain lysine which can help to naturally keep the virus under check in the body. Yogurt is the best way to add lysine to your diet because the pro-biotic it contains can also boost the bodies immune system.
Apply petroleum based products such as Vaseline to the entire affected area. This will help the area to heal faster, as well as keep a secondary infection at bay.
Boost the immune system. This is the best way to help cold sores. Resting well, taking vitamins, exercising, eating healthy, and regular cleaning of the face with fresh cleansing clothes are a great way to keep cold sores at bay. Making sure that you don’t get overly stressed or upset is a great way to also keep an outbreak from happening. None of these things will get rid of the virus, but with the correct care can help lessen the severity of outbreaks over time.
Steven hart has been a remedy specialist for the last 4 years as a hobby, he also is a financial guru who sells annuities and life insurance.