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Home Remedies

July 16th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

There are many reasons a person may want to consider home remedies in order to stop cold sores and everyone may have a different reason. But the main reasons that people have are the fact that they feel much safer using something natural to stop cold sores versus placing medication near their mouth. Also, some people are able to afford the home remedy ingredients a lot easier then the medication even though in terms of medicine, the prescription treatments are pretty affordable for most.

When trying to figure out what kind of home remedies you could use to stop cold sores, it is probably best to start a search on the Internet. There are tons of popular methods used and a lot of sites will explain exactly when and how to use each particular method. Also, many homes seem to have those home remedy books lying around so check those out as there may be a lot of great tips in there as well to stop cold sores dead in their tracks. All in all, even if you do not find anything that works for you, the average sore lasts about ten days so it will go away on its on in due time.

How To Stop Cold Sores In Their Tracks

July 11th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

Many people say that popping cold sores can hasten the healing period of the condition. On the other hand, doing this may also complicate the condition more as stated by other people. Many people have conflicting ideas regarding popping cold sores. Those who agree on popping cold sores say that this will hasten the healing period because a popped cold sores will scab within a few days instead of over a week. Popping cold sores are also believed to be able to dry out the small blisters for earlier healing and scabbing.

For those who oppose popping cold sores, they state that fiddling too much with the tiny blisters can lead to complications of the condition. This is because popping cold sores can spread the virus around your body as well as let other harmful bacteria into the open wound that is not ready for healing yet. They also believe that the mere fact that you are touching the blister can further the spread of the disease.

Overall, popping cold sores is not a good idea because it can transfer the virus into some other parts of your body that may have come into contact with the initial sores. Opening blisters also make them vulnerable to bacteria and germs that can lead to another entirely different infection. This is not a good idea especially if the cold sores occur in your face. You may be disfigured by this or may have deep scars.

Popping cold sores may be effective for some people but there is surely a way that these individuals deal with the cleaning of their blisters in such a way that they do not contract other infections. There are some antiseptic and antibacterial ointments that you can apply on the cold sores that have popped to prevent them from getting infected. Popping cold sores may lead to deep tissue scarring that can deform your face.

Information On Cold Sores And Pregnancy And How Would This Affect The Newborn

July 6th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

Neonatal herpes is a form of herpes which affects about 3000 births globally every year. This is a fatal disease which is the result of a herpes infection during the pregnancy. This makes prevention of herpes very important, particularly if you are pregnant. Keep in mind the danger of being infected is at its maximum when your sexual partner has active cold sores. Avoid sexual contact with anyone who is suffering from herpes, particularly if the person has active cold sores.

Take careful measures to see that your newborn is protected from the possibility of contacting this infection by screening those who can hold the baby. Do not permit anyone who is suffering from cold sores to be around the baby as this can cause the infection to be passed on to the baby sometimes with fatal consequences.

Generally speaking information on cold sores and pregnancy is not a very big issue, with the exception of neonatal herpes condition which is rare. Nonetheless, you need to inform your gynecologist about this problem, even though you have no active cold sores at the time of the delivery of the baby. In cases where the would-be-mother has an active outbreak, the doctor might prefer to do a c-section to protect the baby from imminent danger of infection.

Be Careful About The Sources Of Your Information On Cold Sores

If you are worried about your condition or about the chances of your baby contacting this problem, the best thing to do is talk it out with your medical practitioner who would definitely put your fears to rest by explaining you the facts about this condition. Many expecting mothers gather their information on cold sores from friends or the Internet, which might not always be one hundred percent correct.

Be careful about the sources of your information and never take any medication during pregnancy without first getting thumbs up signal from your doctor. There have been many cases where expectant mothers have put their lives and that of their baby’s in danger by following “friendly advice” they gathered from unreliable sources.

Episodic Treatment

July 1st, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

Another form of remedy is the episodic treatment, in which the outbreak is shortened so that recurring viruses may be prevented from coming back in the long run. This form of treatment is mostly advised for patients who do not have much frequent outbreaks of the virus.

Other ways on how to reduce redness of cold sores are through diet and nutrition and topical solution. In battling HSV, amino acids such as lysine are essential in slowing down the growth of the virus. It helps counter-act arganine, also an amino acid that boosts herpes virus growth. Vitamins A and E are also needed to help and protect the skin from all sorts of bacteria and germs, making your skin more immune to attacks.

Boosting your immune system can be very helpful on how to reduce the redness of cold sores. Upgrading your body’s natural defense system might just do the trick from preventing such kinds of viruses from spreading to your body.

Pain relief remedies can help you adjust to your body’s discomfort from herpes simplex virus. Salt baths, painkillers can also reduce discomforts from outbreaks. Even tea bags can help through its tannic acid which is found in it, also believed to have antiviral properties. Other forms of remedy are using loose underwear to avoid friction and discomfort on infected areas and rubbing ice to numb and soothe the area.

Finding ways on how to reduce the redness of cold sores don’t just depend on how many remedies you have come to know. Avoiding is also a key factor to maintain a quick relief to it. Be sure what kind of herpes virus you have before resorting to remedies and treatments. It’s better to be sure to treat the right infection with the right treatment. Taking certain antibiotics will only have little if not no effect whatsoever on how to reduce the redness of cold sores. Certain viruses may be immune to bacterial treatments.

What You Need To Know About Herbs For Cold Sores

June 26th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

One of the most effective herbs for cold sores is lemon balm (Melissa officionalis). It has anti-viral properties as well as tannins, which are also in black tea. These tannins, known as polyphenols, take over the spaces in cells that viruses latch onto. Lemon balm is also one of the most inexpensive medicinal herbs for cold sores on the market.

You can drink lemon balm tea, take capsules or make your own compress from the dregs of the lemon balm tea. You can mix in mint to improve the taste. If you buy the dried herbs, than you can make your own tea with a teaspoon of dried herbs to a cup of water. Let is infuse for ten minutes. Drink the tea. When the herbs for cold sores have cooled, apply them directly to your sores.

The mint family is also a well known herbicide, so mixing mint or other members of the mint family can help not only improve taste but help with your cold sores. Other herbs in the mint family include hyssop, oregano, rosemary, sage, thyme and self-heal. There are some ready-made ointments with the mint family in them, but read the label to see if it can be used around your mouth.

Raspberry Leaves

This is the best herb for cold sores according to Earl Mindell, Ph.D, author of Earl Mindell’s Herb Bible. Raspberry leaves (Rubus idaeus) are used in the same ways that lemon balm is. Raspberry leaf tea is also very helpful in easing any sore throats which sometimes can accompany cold sores. Pregnant women must avoid this herb, as it can cause uterine contractions.

Echinacea

This powerful herb for cold sores is used to treat any kind of viral infection, not just the herpes virus. There are many tinctures, teas, capsules and products made with echinacea. You must follow the directions carefully – even when drinking echinacea herbal tea. Your body needs a two week break in between treatments.

Beauty Emergency! Help for Cold Sores

June 21st, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

Taking care of oneself is the best way to prevent cold sore outbreaks. Though the virus that causes cold sores, herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), is permanent, it can remain dormant for months or years at a time. The most common causes of cold sores are sun exposure, fatigue, stress, menstruation, poor nutrition, illness, and dehydration. Many women may experience all of the afore-mentioned in just one busy day! Obviously, women can’t stop their periods, and will develop common colds and fevers which may cause cold sore outbreaks. However, baking in the sun, skipping meals, not getting enough sleep, and overdoing it can be avoided or at least managed better. Herpes will not become active if the body is healthy. It enters an active state when the body is faced with physical or emotional stress.

Help for Cold Sores: Treatment

Help for cold sores involves treating them at the first sign. This may be an itching sensation, a hardened bump under the skin, redness, or excessive dryness around the mouth or nose. Topical ointments like Abreva, Carmex, Herpecin-L, and Campho Phenique can stop cold sore outbreaks in their tracks if applied before the cold sore blister emerges. For recurrent cold sore sufferers, it is a good idea to have a prescription for an antiviral medication such as Valtrex on hand with multiple refills to treat additional outbreaks. Once a cold sore, or fever blister, emerges, it will take 7-10 days to form, swell, seep, crust, peel, and finally dry up. It isn’t a pretty sight. Avoiding the mirror and the urge to pick at the cold sore will benefit both the ego and the healing process.

Help for Cold Sores: Camouflage

If the cold sore emerges and life must go on, there are a few ways to camouflage or at least minimize the its appearance. Most of the topical ointments come in tinted formulas for that very reason. (Sorry guys, I guess this option is only helpful for the ladies). Applying ice to the cold sore in intervals can reduce swelling and redness. Abreva truly shortens healing time from 7-10 days to 3-4 days though a tiny tube costs about $20. Thick, talc-based make-up can be applied to cold sores to dry up weeping and provide additional coverage. Hands should be washed frequently to avoid spreading the virus.

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