General Cold Sore Information &
Cold Sore Remedies
Cold sore is a fluid-filled, painful blister that is usually on or around the lips. Other names for cold sores are fever blisters, oral herpes, labial herpes, herpes labialis, and herpes febrilis. Cold sores most often occur on the lips, distinguishing them from the common canker sore that is usually located inside the mouth. Cold sores do not usually occur inside the mouth except during the initial episode. Canker sores usually form either on the tongue or inside the cheeks.
This process of latency and active infection is best understood by considering the cold sore cycle. An active infection is obvious because cold sores are present. The first infection is called the "primary" infection. This active infection is then controlled by the body's immune system and the sores heal.
Some children have a very serious primary herpes infection called gingivostomatitis. This causes fever, swollen lymph glands, and numerous blisters inside the mouth and on the lips and tongue, which may form large, open sores. These painful sores may last up to three weeks and can make eating and drinking difficult. Because of this, young children with gingivostomatitis are at risk for dehydration (excessive loss of water from the body).
Most people experience fewer than two recurrent outbreaks of cold sores each year. Some people never experience outbreaks while others have more frequent occurrences. In most people, the blisters form in the same area each time and are triggered by the same factors (such as stress, sun exposure, etc.).
Cold Sores are the result of the herpes simplex virus. The virus is typically acquired during childhood, much like chicken pox or measles. The onset begins with a tingling or itching feeling on the lips. There is no cure for the virus, but there are medications which can help speed up the healing cycle. Patients may also use aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen for pain.
Cold sores usually occur on the lips, however, they can sometimes occur on the chin, nostrils or fingers, too. Cold sore sufferers don't have to give in to this embarrassing condition. The virus is transmitted through shared cups, utensils, cosmetics, and, of course, through kissing. Once contracted, this virus resides in the nerve endings until it is triggered. When triggered, a cold sore will erupt, creating a tingly, itchy, fluid-filled blister or cluster of blisters that is uncomfortable and embarrassing. A cold sore can take up to two weeks to completely heal.
Cold sores that revolve around heat exposure are also sometimes called ‚fever blisters, even though it is still the herpes virus. Cold sores generally occur when the immune system is weak, for example, when you already have a cold. Eight prestigious cancer centers in the United States are participating in ongoing studies.39% of victims of colorectal cancer die, because the cancer spreads to other parts of their body, particularly the liver.
Two weeks is a long time before cold sores disappears. However, the cold sore blister brings with it uncomfortable symptoms which can be embarrassing and irritating and you will want to get rid of cold sores. Two important proteins that you may have heard about in relation to cold sores are lysine and arginine.Arginine is the essential protein in herpes simplex virus creation. Cells cannot create herpes virus without it. Your cells store arginine in special receptors within the cell.Lysine is another protein similar to arginine but will not work for building new virus. Lysine is stored in the same place as arginine. Flooding your cells with lysine forces out and reduces the amount of stored arginine.
Mint A topical application of an extract of the mint family herb Melissa officinalis will speed healing of the sore, often within five days.
Myrrh Try a tincture of myrrh to relieve the pain.
Sage Make a tea by adding two or three leaves to a cup of boiling water; steep; add one teaspoon of powdered ginger. Drink several cups a day until the sores are cleared up.
Tea Steep an ordinary tea bag (preferably Earl Grey) in boiling water for a few minutes; cool; then apply to lesions. Within four or five days the lesions should crust over and disappear.
Vaseline: Vaseline will help ease cracking and dryness.
Yogurt: Yogurt is high in lysine. Most commercial yogurts however have gelatin (may induce a cold sore outbreak) as a thickener, so make sure you read the label! Natural food stores carry gelatin-free yogurts.