Cold sores, or the Herpes simplex virus (HSV1,) are usually associated with sore on the mouth, however, they can cause infections that affect the mouth, the face, the genitals, the skin, the buttocks, and even the anal area. Many people acquire the herpes virus and never show any signs of having symptoms. For others, painful blisters appear near the area where the virus has entered the body. Typically, the blisters heal completely but reappear at some point in the future when you least expect ,or want, them too. Between attacks, the virus lives deep in the roots of the nerves any lays dormant until something, like stress, triggers another outbreak. When herpes simplex lesions appear in their most common location, around the mouth and lips, people often refer to them as “cold sores” or “fever blisters.”
AT HOME TREATMENTS FOR COLD SORES:
- Peppermint oil – it has been discovered the essential oil of peppermint has been found to sink into the skin and helps heal the virus . Peppermint oil is absorbed through the skin, so that even small amounts can be toxic and should never be ingested.
- Take daily vitamin supplements – particularly those containinglarge amounts of antioxidants and vitamin B. Vitamin B deficiency has been shown to have a direct connection with a rash and anti-oxidants are essential in maintaining healthy body functions.
- Exercise -not only does it strengthen your immune system, it is an effective way to remove stress, one of the most common triggers of cold sores.
- Avoid salty foods, like potato chips, and acidic foods, like lemons and other citrus fruit, as they have been proven to aggravate the sores and cause them to become more painful.
- Do not store your toothbrush in the bathroom. Moisture in the bathroom extends the life of the herpes virus which causes cold sores on your toothbrush and will cause more sores to form in your mouth – keep your toothbrush dry.
- Keep the infected area clean – wash the infected area numerous times daily with warm soapy water to help disinfect and heal the area.
- Wash your hands – people would be amazed at what their hands touch on a daily basis and most people are not aware of the things they come into contact with. It is vitally important that you keep your hands clean if you have a cold sore, because we unconsciously touch or faces and you may touch your cold sore and get some of the fluids on your hands and then pass the fluids to another area of your body, or another person’s body, where a new sore will then develop.
- Ice – icing the infected area can help relieve some of the pain and irritation associated with cold sores and can also help the virus from spreading more, as the virus stops growing in colder temperatures.
- Use oil-based products, like vasoline, around the infected area. This helps to prevent secondary infections of bacteria and speed healing
OTHER TREATMENTS FOR COLD SORES:
- The use of an over the counter (OTC) anesthetic cream to help relieve pain and discomfort.
- If your cold sore has become severe or has not cleared up within two weeks, you may want to go see a doctor and have them prescribe an oral prescription medication, which is a stronger form of an over the counter medication and may be needed to clear up your particular case of cold sores.
Tags: blister, Cause of Blister, causes of cold sores, cold sores, Cold sores in mouth, cold sores treatment, Treatment for Blisters
