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[C789]Cold Sores Fever Blisters

by Dee Cohen, Dee

A cold sore or fever blister is painful and can occur on the lip, genital area or other places on the skin and the mucous membranes. They start often with a tingle feeling and then grow into a sore which may itch. Keep in mind that this can be contagious during an outbreak so use caution around others. Many people are upset by catching a cold sore from a romantic encounter as it is something that is now in your system for life.

Please note that a cold sore symptom or fever blister outbreak is not the same as an aphthous ulcers or canker sores. These are similar in appearance but appear inside the mouth they are not caused by HSV. People on chemotherapy treatments may get canker sores in the mouth but these are not cold sores.

Lysine and zinc supplements are mentioned by some for helping the immune system against cold sores. For myself, I find if I eat peanut butter I may get a cold sore outburst on my lip, but if I take lysine at same time I won't. The amino acid ratio is very important in our systems. Some people find that argine will upset their system and cause an outbreak and this is in a high ratio in some body building formulas and supplements. If you take this to bulk up and tend towards cold sores, a lysine supplement can be helpful.

Sometimes before you get a cold you can get a cold sore because your body is not working optimally and you may not be sleeping enough. Be sure as well to always use sunblock on your lip when you are outdoors as I know I can get a fever blister on my lip if it is not protected due to UV lighting.

The application of ice as well as tea bags are two home remedies for cold sores that are advised to help to minimize the pain and inflammation. Tannic acid (in tea) has anti-viral properties and ice is always good to reduce inflammation. Neither of these are a cure but still can be an aid.

Most outbreaks of cold herpes sores are preceded by a sensation of burning, itching or tingling in the area prior to the blistering becoming visible. At times the cold sore will be dry and it forms a crust at the end stage. You are still contagious at this point however. Do not think that you can't pass the virus on just because it is no longer red or bleeding.

Traditional natural remedies that purport to ease the pain and length include acidopholous, grapefruit seed extract, aloe juice and b-12 supplements. Though some people say vaseline will stop the cracking, I found this spread my cold sore to create a second one next to it so I cannot recommend the vaseline.

They haven't found a cure for fever blisters and cold sores yet but you can find comfort in knowing that with a good system of prevention as well as measures you take with the initial tingle the length, severity and frequency can be greatly minimized and you don't have to live in a crisis mode with this.

Cold Sores and Fever Blisters have been a blight on the human face for over 2000 years. They have been, and still are, a worldwide epidemic. Historically, the ancient Romans were cursed with them too. In fact, they had such an outbreak of cold sores and fever blisters going on in Rome, the emperor banished kissing in public ceremonies. Today, it is estimated that nine out of every ten men, women and children over seven are infected with the virus that causes these unsightly blisters.

By the time you finish reading this short article, you will know the what, why and how of cold sores and fever blisters. You will learn the one thing you must avoid to prevent permanent damage to yourself or someone else when treating a cold sore. Finally, you will discover how to heal them and prevent future outbreaks.

Some folks call them cold sores. Others refer to them as fever blisters. Truth is, they are two different names for the same exact thing. They both are an oral herpes outbreak. Cold sores and fever blisters most commonly occur during or after physical stress such as colds (cold sore) and flu (fever blister). And that is how they got their names. Cold sores are the most common term used for these blisters.

The root cause of these hideous and painful blisters is the herpes simplex virus, type 1 or type 2. We all have various viruses in our bodies at any given time. Most, like cold and flu viruses, eventually disappear. This is not true with the herpes virus. This virus will likely stay with you your entire life. Fortunately, the fever blisters and cold sores oral herpes virus is normally latent. Nearly a third of all those infected will never get an outbreak. They will never even know they carry the herpes virus. The other two-thirds of us will get one or more fever blisters per year.

Cold Sores and fever blisters are dangerously contagious.

During an outbreak, you can easily spread the virus to someone else. You can easily spread cold sores to other areas of your body, such as your eyes. Fever blisters on the cornea can cause permanent damage or blindness. Avoid the itching temptation to touch the sore with your bare fingers. Constantly clean with alcohol on cotton balls or swabs. Coat them with a virus killing oil such as garlic or oregano oil. Don't be kissing anyone, anywhere.

How frequent and severe your cold sores depend greatly on your physical condition. It depends on the strength of your immune system. There are several easy ways others have used to quickly heal and prevent cold sores and fever blisters.

Lysine is a popular natural remedy for the herpes virus. It works quite well at a dosage of 1000 to 3000 mg. per day during the event. Those who get frequent blisters often do well taking a daily maintenance dosage of 500 mg. If you can get by without the maintenance dosage you might be better off. Studies have shown that the body may develop a tolerance to lysine.

Every person who is prone to cold sores and fever blisters should be taking a good quality multi-vitamin. This is critical today for a high level of health. It helps to reduce the effects of stress and give you a stronger immunity. And by good quality I do not mean the drug store one or two-per-day junk vitamin pills. They do not contain enough nutrients for your body to notice. And, they often do not dissolve during digestion. I have personally seen them in bedpans. You could still read the brand name on them.

Quite honestly, you will get more nutrition from two ounces of broccoli. Go to a vitamin store or check on-line. Expect dosages of six capsules or three large tablets per day. Better yet, dosage packets are becoming real popular today. That is what I am currently using.

Should the oral herpes virus break through the immune sentries, and you start to feel a burning or itching sensation on your lip or nose, get some ice or something cold on it immediately. This will often send the virus back into hibernation. Herpes simplex virus does not like cold. Acting quickly with the ice is an easy and proven way many cold sore victims use to prevent cold sores and fever blisters.

Article Source : Travel Insurance Medical Condition

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Both Dee Cohen & Denny Bodoh are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Dee Cohen has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Management, Medical Condition and Addictions. Cold sores and fever blisters can be minimized so that you don't suffer. Stop by to learn about them and. Dee Cohen's top article generates over 22200 views. to your Favourites.

Denny Bodoh has sinced written about articles on various topics from Herpes Cure, Yoga and Health. Denny Bodoh is a 35-year newspaper veteran and dedicated natural health research writer. Get the latest facts on and some amazing. Denny Bodoh's top article generates over 27100 views. to your Favourites.