Channel Button

There are 21 articles on this title. You are reading the article ranked and rated #2 by Helium's members.

Health & Fitness   >

General Health (Other)

Get a Widget for this title

Getting rid of cold sores

What is a cold sore?

The herpes simplex virus causes cold sores. Once you have caught the virus it stays with you for life, causing infection when you are stressed or after exposure to the wind and sun.

How Do I catch cold sores?

Kissing a person with active infection, or sharing eating and drinking utensils transmits the herpes simplex virus. To prevent catching cold sores observe good personal hygiene when with anyone who has them. Lipsticks and mouth preparations should never be shared, and should be disposed of after you have had an attack.

What treatments are there?

The secret to treatment is immediate action, as soon as the first tingle appears. The doctor can prescribe antiviral drugs.Famciclovir, acyclovir and valcyclovir are all licensed for this in different countries.

The drugs be started at the first sign of symptoms, ideally within an hour. Unless you carry a pack on you this is not practical. Famciclovir is the easiest to take, as a single dose, and acyclovir the most complex, at five times day. They don't always stop a cold sore appearing, but lessen the severity of an attack and shorten its duration. They reduce viral shedding, so you are less likely to pass the virus to friends and family. There is evidence that a daily dose of these medicines will prevent cold sores. This is an option that you should discuss with your doctor. These drugs do cause side effects and the incidence increases with continuous use.

Several creams are available over the counter. The best contain the antivirals listed above. Creams should be started as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms and reapplied every three hours. A lot of them cause lip dryness and cracking. Early application will stop an attack or shorten it by a day or two. Brands without antivirals are available that contain a moisturizer such as petroleum jelly, and an anesthetic. They will sooth the sore, but not cure it.

The amino acid lysine is used to treat and prevent cold sores. Studies done in the eighties showed that a dose of 1000mg three times a day will stop a cold sore outbreak. Lysine tablets may be crushed, made into paste, and smeared on the sore to accelerate healing. A daily dose of 1000mg will prevent recurrent attacks. Herbalists may add Echinacea and golden seal to this regimen. Zinc and vitamin C boost the immune system and aid healing as does applying vitamin E oil or Aloe Vera.

Lowering your intake of the amino acid arginine is advisable, it occurs in chocolate, nuts, carob and coconut.

To keep your mouth comfortable during an attack use petroleum jelly to prevent cracking.

Old wives tales abound regarding cold sores. The immediate application of ice or hot water is common. Dabbing the sore with iodine, hydrogen peroxide, perfume, aftershave, vinegar or Jack Daniels are all suggested. These are all astringents and will dry the sore up, but not cure it.

237144_m Learn more about this author, Eve Redstone.
Contact this writer Click here to send this author comments or questions.


Below are the top articles rated and ranked by Helium members on:

Getting rid of cold sores

  • 1 of 21

    by Adrianna Flutters

    Getting cold sores and fever blisters can be a real pain and an eyesore. Cold sores and fever blisters are painful and come

    read more

  • 2 of 21

    by Eve Redstone

    What is a cold sore?

    The herpes simplex virus causes cold sores. Once you have caught the virus it stays with you for life,

    read more

  • 3 of 21

    by Joan Kuper

    For years I suffered from cold sores (also known as fever blisters). I dreaded what I knew was coming when I felt hat first

    read more

  • 4 of 21

    by Laureen Manera

    WHAT IS A COLD SORE?

    Cold sores, which are also sometimes called fever blisters due to their association with erupting during

    read more

  • 5 of 21

    by Cheryl Oliver

    Before we can begin talking about a 'cure' for cold sores, we first need to understand what causes these pesky visitors.

    read more

View All Articles on:
Getting rid of cold sores

Add your voice

Know something about Getting rid of cold sores?
We want to hear your view. Write_penWrite now!

125667

Featured Partner

Life in the Bible Institute

The Life in the Bible Institute's mission is to educate the general public about the value and importance of reading ...more

What is Helium? | Buy Web Content | Contact Us | Privacy | User agreement | DMCA | User Tools | Help | Community | Helium’s Official Blog | Link to Helium

Helium, Inc.
200 Brickstone Square Andover, MA 01810 USA