Cold Sores

on

 Cold-Sores

Are you having cold sores? Cold sores usually appear when your immune system is weak or a sign of a serious infection. Cold sores also known as"fever blisters" is a herpes simplex virus type 1(HSV-1), usually shows up on the mouth or lips as a cluster of blisters with a red or pink base. It is very common and mostly spreads by kissing or casual contact. It is characterised by an itchy, dry, crusty and painful blisters. In some recurrent cases of cold sores, they may cause a tingling feeling before they appear on skin.

Cold sores do not cause any permanent damage to the skin and generally they are not dangerous. Some scientific evidence suggested that the herpes virus can be inherited and any infection such as cold, flu can trigger the virus. Emotional stress, sun exposure, trauma such as cut or scrape can also cause cold sores. It is vital to know that treatment can only treat the symptoms not the condition and may also shorten the duration of the virus.

Specifically, there are two kinds of cold sores outbreak, which are:

  1. The Primary Outbreak:- When experiencing cold sores for the first time, there is a more severe outbreak which can cause unpleasant symptoms such as sore throat, enlarged lymph nodes, fever, and swollen gums.
  2. Recurrent Outbreak:- In this type of case, the recurrent outbreaks are much less severe than the primary outbreak. There will probably be no fever or other symptoms but sores can develop elsewhere in the body.

The 5 Stages of Cold Sores

There are 5 different stages of cold sores that you will probably pass through while dealing with the virus.

  1. Tingle:- The cold sores are invisible at this stage but a tingling or burning sensation may occur. Tingling is the first symptom you feel and its usually lasts between a few hours and a day. Antiviral cream such as aciclovir if apply at this stage can inhibit the further symptoms of cold sores and also prevent the growth of cold sores.
  2. Blisters:- These normally appear on the second day of the cold sore cycle. At this stage, a small group of painful, fluid-filled blisters are seen on the lips. Treatment with an antiviral cream can eliminate the effect of a cold sore.
  3. Ulcer:- Ulcer occurs when the small blisters have burst, releasing a highly contagious clear liquid that have a high number of viral particles. This stage lasts for several days, but you can take Vitamin C and other immune booster supplements to get it quickly healed.
  4. Scab:- A thin scab will form after about three to four days to serve as a protector for the new skin being formed underneath. The scab is sometimes itchy, but is not contagious at this stage. When the skin around the scab becomes dry and crack, apply moisturizer to the area to help reduce this and to also prevent bleeding.
  5. Healing:- This is the final stage of cold sore. Cold sore completely healed after 10 to 14 days, some can take longer or lesser days to heal, it depends on how severe it is. 

Risk-Factors

  • HIV/AIDS
  • Eczema
  • Severe burns
  • Cancer chemotherapy
  • Constant headache with high fever
  • Anti-rejection drugs for organ transplant
  • Frequent malaria

Treatment and Medications

  • Aciclovir cream should be applied 4 to 5 times a day for 5 days at the first signs of a cold sore (the tingle stage) to help reduce the attack and promote healing.
  • If you are using Idoxuridine with lignocaine such as virasolve, you should apply it at the first sign of cold sore every hour on the first day, then every 4 hours until the cold sore is completely healed.
  • Povidone iodine ointment such as Betadine cold sore ointment can also be used to stop the action of the virus. It can be apply at least 4 times a day at any cycle of the cold sore.
  • Supplements that contains Zinc, L-lysine, Vitamin C help boost the immune system and also promote normal healthy functioning of the body. Supplements such as Ethical Nutrients Lysine Viral Cold Sore Defence helps to reduce the frequency and severity of cold sores.
  • Blister, Carmex, Nyal Cold Sore Cream are good examples of protective lip balms that help to moisturize the lesion and prevent the cracking or splitting of the scab. Do not let your cold sore dry out, as it will prolong the healing process.
  • Apply ice to the blisters to ease pain
  • How to Prevent the Spreading of Cold Sores
  • Ensure you cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, as the virus can be spread by saliva.
  • Avoid sharing eating or drinking utensils, towels, toothbrushes, razors, lipstick etc.
  • Avoid touching your cold sore except when applying a cold sore cream.
  • Avoid kissing, hugging or allowing people to come in contact with fluid from the cold sore.
  • Avoid breaking the blisters or picking a scab, as this will increase the risk of bacterial infections and delay the healing of the sore.
  • Always keep the bursted blisters area clean and dry.
  • Try to identify and avoid the things that trigger your cold sore.
  • Limit the intake of foods that contain fat, salt or sugar and replace them with healthy meals that include fruits, vegetables and grains.
  • Try to avoid things that get you stressed out.
  • Relax and get enough sleep.

Comments

Post a Comment