Also called fever blisters, cold sores typically form around the lips, though they sometimes appear in the mouth or on the cheeks, nose, or fingers. The sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, which can be transmitted through kissing, sharing eating utensils, drinking from the same glass, drying your face with the same towel, or sharing the same face makeup as a person with the virus. After infection, the cold sore may take up to 20 days to appear. Once it develops, the sore can take 7 to 10 days to heal.
Some people develop antibodies to the virus after contracting it for the first time, and they never get cold sores again. Others have repeated episodes of cold sores, usually on or near the original site. Recurrences are usually milder than the Initial infection and are sparked by sun exposure, extreme stress, menstruation, or an illness that is accompanied by a fever. Herpes simplex can cause serious illness in some children. The virus can only be transmitted by close personal contact such as kissing. Most people will have come into contact with the virus between the ages of three and five but will not show any symptoms until after puberty.
Signs and Symptoms
Red, painful area of skin, usually around the outside edge of the mouth, that is covered by one or more small, fluid-filled blisters that eventually drain and form a hard, yellow scab.
How are cold sores diagnosed?
A combination of the patient's medical history and the appearance of the sores will usually be sufficient for a diagnosis. A scrape or a blood sample can be used to confirm it.
Conventional Medical Treatment
Physicians or dermatologists can diagnose a cold sore by examining the area. They may also take a blood test or a culture of material from your sore in order to establish the presence of herpes simplex virus.
Treatment consists of icing the area to relieve pain and keeping your hands off the sores. The virus can spread from your hands to your cornea, which in turn, can lead to blindness. You should also avoid contact with infants or anyone who has atopic dermatitis. In particular, avoid people who are using an immune system suppression medication, such as cancer patients and organ transplant patients, or those with AIDS, since herpes simplex virus can cause a life-threatening condition in people with suppressed immune systems.
Depending on the severity of the outbreak, your physician may prescribe an antiviral ointment or oral medication.
It's estimated that 80 to 90 percent of the population harbors the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores, but it's possible to have the virus and never experience an outbreak. On the other hand, some people are troubled by regular cold sores. The pain and discomfort can be considerable, but my patients often seem just as troubled by the embarrassment of their appearance.
There is no effective drug therapy that will cure cold sores, but the good news is that there are a number of very safe and effective natural remedies.
Nutrition and Supplementation
Arginine, an amino acid, encourages the growth of the herpes virus. Avoid foods that contain arginine, including most grains, nuts, chocolate, and legumes. Lysine, another amino acid, balances arginine and inhibits the herpes virus. Lysine can be found in most meats and dairy products.
Take the following daily supplements to treat cold sores:
Most Important
vitamin B complex (100 to 150 mg twice daily)-important for healing
vitamin C (3000 to 6000 in divided doses; use a buffered form)
vitamin E (400 IU)
vitamin A (50,000 IU; do not exceed 8000 IU you are pregnant)-vital for healing tissue in mouth an lip area
Lactobacillus acidophilus (as directed on label)-balances bacteria
zinc and vitamin C lozenges
L-Iysine (4 grams for 4 days in individual doses, then 500 mg 3 times a day for 2 weeks)-fights the virus that causes cold sores
(For an acute condition, take supplements until your symptoms subside. If symptoms persist, seek the advice of your health care provider. For a chronic condition, consult your healthcare provider regarding the duration of treatment.)
Aromatherapy
Any of the following essential oils can accelerate the healing of cold sores: bergamot, eucalyptus, geranium, lavender, lemon, melissa, rose, or tea tree. Apply a single drop twice daily, about 12 hours apart.
Homeopathy
Cold sores may respond to homeopathic treatment. Try these remedies, depending on your symptoms:
Arsenicum album-when the lips burn intensely; you feel chilled
Hepar sulfuricum-for cold sores that are sensitive to cold and painful to the touch
Natrum muriaticum-for them on or near the lips; lips are dry and cracked; can come on after sun exposure
Rhus toxicodendron-if condition is marked by several small, itching blisters filled with yellowish fluid; lips are swollen and inflamed; condition worsens after exertion or exposure to dampness
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture Because practitioners, generally attribute cold sores to a damp heat condition, they typically treat with acupuncture therapy for damp-heat syndrome.
Chinese Herbal Therapy Because Chinese medicine views recurrent herpes outbreaks as a damp-heat imbalance or the result of excess stomach heat, herbs may be prescribed to treat these conditions as well.
Yoga and Meditation
Since stress can bring on an attack of cold sores, use deep-breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga on a daily basis to release tension. Choose a variety of poses and do three or four each day, being sure to include at least one of the following relaxation poses: Baby, Corpse, or Knee Squeeze.
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