Are you having problems with cold sores? Have they been pestering you for some time now? It can be really difficult to find the right remedy or treatment to help you cope with cold sore symptoms. You need to learn what your options are, which is why we have all the right products to help you deal with your cold sores right here on this page, including Betadine, Carmix, Compeed and many more.
What are cold sores and what causes them? Herpes simplex virus Common triggers What are your treatment options? Prices are Inclusive of GST (sales Tax).
Page updated 06/04/18 12:47:36 p.m.
What are cold sores and what causes them?
A simple definition of a cold sore is an inflamed blister that grows inside or near the mouth. It is usually caused by a viral infection with herpes simplex as the culprit. Cold sores are also called fever blisters. If you have blisters in or near the mouth you may have a cold sore. The blisters are often red, swollen and sore. The first signs before an outbreak happens include itching or tingling sensations in the affected area. Some people may experience severe pain with cold sores and children usually drool before an outbreak. Then in a day or two, blisters will start to appear. These may break open and leak a clear fluid and scab over after a few days. These are expected to heal in several days but may last up to 2 weeks.
Herpes simplex virus
Herpes simplex, the virus responsible for cold sore is very contagious and so people contract it through close contact with a person with cold sore. The virus enters the body through a break in the skin around or inside the mouth. The fluid that leaks out of the cold sore is the one that carries the virus and so when a person touches that fluid, either through sharing such things as eating utensils or razors, kissing an infected person or touching the saliva of the person with a cold sore, the virus spreads. Children are particularly prone. Once you get the herpes simplex it stays in the body and remains dormant until such time as it is triggered by either a situation or a condition.
What are the common triggers?
- According to Medicalnewstoday.com, the following triggers can activate the virus:
- Mental stress
- Deep sadness or upset
- An injury to the affected area
- Menstruation
- Intense sunlight
What are your treatment options?
While there are no direct treatments for the herpes simplex virus, there are medications and remedies that can help alleviate the symptoms and shorten the period of infection.
Pain relievers: Since some people, especially children, may experience pain during an outbreak, taking pain relievers will help. Ibuprofen or paracetamol are some options.
Antiviral medication: Over-the-counter cold sore antiviral creams can shorten the duration of a recurrent infection. These cream preparations contain either acyclovir or penciclovir.
Supplements: Lysine is one nutrient that has shown positive results in helping to accelerate the healing process of cold sores.
Other treatments: Some creams are helpful when the cold sores are very dry, itchy, or painful. These do not contain antivirals and may not speed up the healing process but can help alleviate irritation. Examples of these type of creams are: Blistex, Carmex and Compeed. Page updated 06/04/18 12:47:36 p.m.
