Cold sores or oral herpes are common infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. Sometimes they are called fever blisters because they appear as tiny blisters commonly on the lips or mouth area. These blisters give an itching or tingling sensation in the infected part of your body. They are highly contagious so once you are already infected by the virus, it will be very difficult to prevent the outbreak. There is even no absolute cure for the infection. So, the best way of preventing cold sores is to avoid getting them.
Like in preventing any other viral infections, preventing cold sores also starts with adopting a healthy lifestyle. Remember that some factors that may trigger the infection are stress, dry lips, exposure to the sun, common cold, sleep disorders, or digestive disorders. Therefore, the most effective ways on preventing cold sores include developing stress relief workouts, keeping your lips moisturized, and getting plenty of sleep.
The chances of getting a cold sore outbreak can also be reduced by lessening fatigue and improving your body's immune system. As we all know, a healthy and nutritious diet can strengthen your immune system. In particular, zinc and vitamin C are very good at that. Adding a high percentage of arginine and lysine in your daily diet will also help limit the virus from thriving and reproducing.
Foods that are rich in lysine are eggs, milk, cheese and other dairy products, so you may want to make sure you get the recommended amounts of these foods in your diet. Flounder is also a very good source of lysine. In fact, some use it as a treatment for cold sore. Other foods that are good in preventing cold sores are meat like beef, chicken and turkey and fruits like mangoes, avocados, and apples. Aside from preventing cold sores, they are also good in suppressing viral replication. However, foods like beans, peas, chocolate, and vegetables like eggplant, carrots, and cabbage should be avoided because they are said to contribute in the replication of the cold sore virus.
If you are with people who have cold sores, always wash your hands with antibacterial handwash and do not share foods, drinks, eating utensils, or towels with them to prevent catching the infection. Avoid kissing or hand shaking with them too.
But if you are already infected with the herpes virus, there are also some tips to prevent it from spreading to others. When blisters are present, avoid skin contact with other people as the virus can spread through the moist secretions from the blisters. Be extra careful as well in touching the other parts of your body especially those that are susceptible to the virus.
Applying sunblock in your face and lips before prolonged sun exposure is also helpful in preventing cold sores. A helpful sunscreen is one with at least with a sun protection factor of 15. For lip moisturizers, use the variant with sunscreen. The virus can also stay in your toothbrush and may reinfect you, so its best to use a new toothbrush when the sore is already gone.
Author Resource:-
Carolyn Anderson wants to share some tips in living a healthy life. To learn more about getting rid of cold sores, check out Cold Sore Freedom. Also check out Uti Be Gone, if you want to be free from urinary tract infections.
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