Top 7 Tips To Treat And Prevent Cold Sores
Like canker sores, cold sores also known as fever blisters, can hurt like dickens. But that is where the similarity ends. Unlike canker sores, cold sores are caused by a virus, the herpes simplex virus and usually erupt outside rather than inside your mouth. One more thing, cold sores are highly contagious. Most people acquire the herpes virus in childhood. And most of the time, this silent invader lurks unnoticed in your system, only to flare up when you are under emotional stress, when your resistance is low, or even when you have been exposed to too much sun. You will first feel a burning, itching, tingling, or numbness around the area. Then, you will develop a small blister that ruptures and forms a crust. The pain of a cold sore tends to fade during the first few days, and the sore itself is usually history within 7 to 10 days. However, here are some tips that you can consider to adopt to ease your cold sore.
1. Keep The Cap On The Steroids
It is recommended not to use a topical steroid on a cold sore. Topical steroids can cause the herpes virus to spread.
2. Lick Blisters With Lysine
For an acute outbreak of cold sores, it is recommended to take 1,000 milligrams of the amino acid lysine three times a day. You will find lysine supplements in the vitamin sections of drugstores or health food stores. Lysine supplements can reduce the severity and frequency of outbreaks. Once the blisters have healed, take 500 milligrams a day to prevent a recurrence. Consult with your doctor, however, before you take this supplement. In some people, lysine can cause the liver to step up its production of cholesterol.
3. Have Some Cold Comfort
As soon as you feel the telltale tingling, warning you that a cold sore is coming on. Wrap an ice cube in a washcloth and hold it directly on the tingling spot. Ice the area two or three times a day for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Remove the cube every 2 minutes for about 15 seconds.
4. Keep The Sore Moist
Dab the cold sore with a lip ointment such as Blistex several times a day. Do not let a cold sore get too dry. It can crack, which can delay healing and increase the pain.
5. Stop The Spread
To keep your family safe, too, you need to guard against common forms of infection. Wash your hands carefully before you touch your eyes or genitals. Anyone with cold sores should use separate silverware, drinking glasses, toothbrushes, and washcloths.
6. Avoid Arginine
If you are prone to cold sores, it is recommended to avoid peanuts, chocolate, cereal grains, gelatine, carob, and raisins. These foods contain an abundance of the amino acid arginine, which promotes the growth of the virus.
7. Zap The Pain With Zinc
It is recommended to apply zinc sulfate ointment to a cold sore every hour it first appears, and then several times a day after that. Zinc sulfate stopped the pain of a cold sore within 2 to 3 hours. And regular use of the zinc greatly reduced the chance of the sores coming back.
Raymond Lee Geok Seng is one of the foremost experts in the health and fitness industry and is a writer specializing in body health, muscle development and dieting. He has spent countless of time and efforts conducting research and share his insightful and powerful secrets to benefit men and women all over the world. He is currently the author of the latest edition of "Neck Exercises and Workouts." Visit http://www.bodyfixes.com for more information.
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