Cold sores are small pimples on the lips, these fluid-filled sores may also appear on mouth and nose. These sores are painful and last for a few days. They are caused by a type of virus called Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). Herpes is, in essence, the name given to a viral infection. The virus that causes the infection is called Herpes Simplex Virus. Herpes simplex virus is available in different forms, but its main variations are Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV 1) and Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV 2). Beyond the common cold, herpes is probably the most common viral infection in existence.
Symptoms of infection with HSV 1
It is generally referred to as cold sores - bulbs sometimes fever, sometimes oral bulbs, and there are other descriptions as well. During an appearance of symptoms HSV 1 - symptoms appear not always - an outbreak of blisters occurs, usually around the mouth and face. The HSV 1 infection is extremely common: up to ninety percent of people are infected with HSV 1, but not everyone infected with HSV 1 show symptoms.
Symptoms of infection with HSV 2
They are generally referred to as genital herpes. Twenty per cent of adults, roughly, infection with HSV 2, but the recognition of symptoms is rare: only twenty percent of the population, give or take, infected with HSV 2 are aware of their status. When HSV 2 symptoms appear, they usually appear in the genitals. The infection HSV 2 is classified as an STD.
The most effective ways to treat cold sores for the long term is to help prevent frequent outbreaks through vitamins and supplements. There are many natural supplements on the market today to strengthen your immune system, such as ImmunaSure, a natural multivitamin that was co-created by Dr. John Sherman. Multivitamins for herpes treatment often have a blend of several natural ingredients and herbs to help give the immune system a boost. A healthy immune system will help to fight the virus and prevent outbreaks. Even if an outbreak occurs, the severity may be lessened simply by keeping your immune system strong.
Once an outbreak of cold sores occurs, there are also products to help relieve the pain of the sores such as Neosporin (R) and many cold sore ointments to help alleviate outbreaks more quickly. During an outbreak, you should avoid citrus foods, salty foods, or other foods that can irritate the cold sores. Keep the sores clean and covered with pain-relieving ointment. Apply ointment at night before bedtime to allow time for healing as you sleep. Also, avoid touching or squeezing the sores, and wash your hands frequently to keep the sores from spreading.
Besides taking vitamins and supplements for immune system strength, be sure to exercise and eat a healthy diet to keep your immune system healthy. Get plenty of sleep, and drink lots of water. Avoid excess sugar, caffeine, and alcohol. Also, avoid getting too much sun, especially on the face. Apply sunscreen to your facial skin and even on the lips if possible.
Natural supplements to help lessen and/or prevent cold sore outbreaks are readily available online. You no longer have to suffer and go around worrying about your next possible herpes outbreak. With a stronger immune system, your body will be well equipped to keep your herpes cold sores at bay!
Symptoms Of Cold Sores
Cold sores are small fluid filled blisters that form around the mouth, which are caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus I. Also known as Fever Blisters or Oral Herpes, the virus is present in the majority of the adult population, although many people never suffer a cold sore outbreak. While it is usually not a serious illness, the appearance of the blisters and the scabs that follow them can be extremely sore, but perhaps worse, particularly among the young, is the blow to self esteem that comes from the cold sores, which typically last from seven to ten days without treatment.
The HSV virus is transmitted through contact with someone who is infected, usually, but not always, when they are exhibiting the symptoms of a cold sore. Once the virus enters the body it enters the nervous system, where for the majority of the time it will remain in an inactive state. Like all herpes viruses, once infected it remains with us for life and although many sufferers show no symptoms, there is no actual cure for cold sores.
While the typical symptoms of a cold sore outbreak include a tingling or itching sensation in the infected area, followed by small fluid filled blisters that merge together and burst; and finally a scab that then heals, an additional symptom of a first cold sore outbreak may also be a sore throat.
As the infection is localised sufferers should take care not to spread the viral infection to other areas of the body and should always ensure they wash their hands thoroughly, particularly if they have been in contact with the sores or blisters.
So, given that the virus is incurable, the outlook for cold sore sufferers looks initially bleak. However, there are a number of steps you can take to help prevent frequent cold sore outbreaks and to heal them fast when they do occur.
The first thing to remember is that in the dormant state the virus shows no symptoms and it is help in this state by the body's own defence mechanism, the immune system. While the immune system is functioning well it can hold the virus at bay, it is only when the immune system becomes compromised due to fighting another infection or weakened due to other factors that the cold sore virus can reappear.
Therefore, by ensuring the immune system is kept in peak condition you stand the best chance of suffering fewer cold sore outbreaks. And in order to kept you immune system strong that means looking at your lifestyle and specifically exercise, diet and stress.
If you take little exercise then you already know that you should be taking more, but if you do decide to get fitter you should take it easy at first. Some gentle walking for 20 or 30 minutes a couple times a week is a good start, but if you can increase that to 4 or 5 times a week you're well on the way to improving your general fitness and boosting your immune system. With your diet you need to avoid saturated fats, processed foods, sugar and salt and take plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. And finally you should take whatever steps you can to reduce stress in your life in order for your immune system to be effective.
Both Nick Clipton & Jobeth Levina 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.
Nick Clipton has sinced written about articles on various topics from Dogs, Getting Pregnant and Teeth Whitening. Stay always free from cold sores and herpes virus, check out this if you are one of those who are infected
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