Simple Solutions To Relieve Cold Sores

By Chris Borg

Many people go online every day to research the question are cold sores contagious. This viral infection has affected most people at one point in their lives and they may not have even realized it. This infection is the herpes simplex virus.

The answer to this question depends on quite a few variables. Since a cold sore is a viral infection it is hard to say if every person will encounter it or be lucky enough to avoid it. The sore is a small, moderately painful blister that can be filled with fluid. They can appear on the mouth, the nose and the lips. Most often they are found on the lips. The virus that causes them is the herpes simplex virus. The body cannot completely eliminate this virus that is why the blisters appear, it is the way for the body to show its defense against the virus. Before the blisters appear the person will feel a burning, tingling sensation and then a red spot will appear. Then as the red spot forms into a blister it will fill up with liquid. Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, usually last for a few days and then go away.

Research has shown that most people get infected before age ten. This first attack is called the primary attack and some attacks can be so severe that a doctor is needed. The causes also vary from person to person. Some conditions associated with the sores are contact with an infected person, fever, colds, stress, and damage to the skin area, the sun and hormonal changes. These are also associated with re occurrences. Sometimes there is no cause for a re occurrence, it just happens. If and when they do reoccur they will generally show up around the same spot as they were located before.

There are several steps in the prevention for sores. One of these methods is to avoid kissing or having skin contact when the blisters are visible. This is because the blisters excrete a moist substance and without even knowing it can be transferred from one person to another. Even if the blisters are not present the virus can still be passed on due to the saliva being infected with the disease even after the blisters are gone.

Another thing that seems to be a given is not to share your personal items with others. Items such as towels, Chap Stick, lip gloss or utensils should never be shared. If you are the one who does obtain the virus avoid toughing other parts of your body after being exposed to the blisters because it could spread to the other areas that were touched. Always wear sunscreen all year around.

Depending on what method you like best, there are pills to ease the symptoms or a topical cream to help clear up symptoms. Home remedies that have worked for others are, using a cold compress, changing your diet and changing your diet. Other include the use of supplements such as vitamin E oil, Zinc, and vitamin C.

Lysine is also another good remedy. It is a natural supplement that is an amino acid. It can be taken in the pill form or through your diet. Foods that contain Lysine are fish, chicken, vegetables, cheese and milk. Lysine can be purchased at any store. Other natural supplements include vitamin C, Bioflavonoids and Zinc. Another good treatment is Abreva. Abreva is the only FDA approved cold sore treatment that heals fast. It is a cream that is applied to the area and reduces the pain and itching. It contains an active ingredient which is commonly used in cosmetics.

When looking for the answer to the question are cold sores contagious remember the prevention methods and if you do happen to contract this infection, as most people will there are a lot of remedies to help deal with the symptoms. As of now there is no cure but at least you will receive some relief from the treatments that are available.

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Ever wonder: "Are cold sores contagious?" Herpes Simplex sufferers can get more information about tried and tested home remedies for cold sores on our site, today.