Cold sores are uncomfortable, unsightly, embarrassing and contagious. No one wants a cold sore and when someone gets one, he or she desperately tries to hide it with their hands, a big floppy hat or scarf, or some putty-type makeup. They try miraculous sounding remedies that promise to hurry that ugly blemish on its way and off your face.
What is a cold sore?
A cold sore is a fever blister caused by a strain of the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Type 1 herpes is not the same herpes virus that affects the genital area. That virus is type 2. Once you have contracted the herpes virus, the virus will remain dormant in your body throughout your lifetime, occasionally flaring up if conditions are right. Cold sores are different than canker sores. Canker sores are bacterial infections, not viruses, and are usually found inside the mouth, not outside like cold sores.
A cold sore blister typically starts out as a red itchy area, then a red bump, usually around the mouth, nose or other areas of the face. The bump will usually feel itchy, burning, tingly and tight. Over a period of several days the bump fills up with liquid, turning into a crusty annoying blister. It can take as long as two weeks, even longer, for the blister to completely heal and disappear. Future cold sores most often occur in the same area as previous cold sores.
What causes a cold sore?
Coming in close physical contact with a person who has a cold sore, especially an open sore, such as when kissed, coughed on or sneezed on by that person, is the most likely method of contracting the virus. A contagious person can also transmit the virus to another person through saliva even without any noticeable symptoms of active cold sores.
Once the virus is contracted, future cold sores can flare up for a variety of reasons. If a person is suffering from a fever, cold or the flu or is under a lot of stress, their immune system has been compromised and is more vulnerable to a flare-up. Hormonal changes such as the menstrual cycle can also lead to an outbreak of cold sores. Even weather conditions such as cold, wind or sunlight can trigger a flare-up.
How to get rid of a cold sore?
1) Avoid touching or scratching the cold sore. Never pick or squeeze the sore. Any touching will only aggravate the blister, spreading the pussy liquid to a larger area, and prolonging the healing process.
2) Gently soak the blister with water to keep the area clean. Again, be very careful not to rub. Pat carefully with a clean cloth. Placing a hot or cold compress gently on the affected area may provide some relief.
3) Don’t try to cover up the cold sore with makeup or other concealers, as this will also aggravate the blister.
4) Avoid acidic foods, salty foods, and spicy foods that tend to inflame the area.
5) Try some over-the-counter soothers and creams that can help reduce the itchy burning feeling. According to WebMD.com, there are a few oral antiviral prescriptions and some antiviral creams that may help speed up the healing process, but they need to be applied immediately at the first indication of a cold sore, when the skin first appears red and itchy.
6) Try to be patient, hard as it may be. There are no sure cures and no super fast methods for getting rid of cold sores quickly. Cold sores will eventually go away if left alone. If they don’t, check with your physician.
How to avoid getting a cold sore?
Although it is estimated that over half of the American population will contract the HSV-1 virus during their lifetime, there are steps you can take to help reduce the chances of contracting the virus or of reducing future flare-ups if you do contract the virus:
1) Avoid direct body contact with a person that has visible, active cold sores.
2) Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Keep your stress to a minimum. Nourish a healthy immune system to fight off viruses and other diseases. Eat plenty of nutritious vitamin-packed foods and drink plenty of liquids. Get enough sleep and include exercise on a regular basis.
3) Always use your own toothbrush, toothpaste, drinking glass and other personal items, regardless of whether you are the person with the active virus or you are in contact with someone who has the symptoms. Oral sex is obviously discouraged during an active flare-up.
There are all sorts of self-proclaimed experts and cold sore gurus out there offering all kinds of quick solutions for getting rid of cold sores. Use caution and common sense when considering these remedies. Not all remedies work for all people and some may even cause harm or make things worse. If you continue to have frequent cold sore outbreaks you should consult with your physician who may prescribe an antiviral medication.
Sources:
http://www.getridofthings.com/get-rid-of-cold-sores. html
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/how-to-get-rid-of-col d-sores-naturally.html
www.webmd.com