Cold sores (or fever blisters) are caused by herpes simplex virus-1. They appear on your lips, corner of the mouth or even the nose as a large red blister. Fever blisters are contagious and is something that you cannot get rid of. They stay in your system and pop up at the most inconvenient times.
Most of the time people do not see a doctor to diagnose cold sores. There are tests available that can tell you whether you have herpes type one or two. The doctor takes a look at your medical history and the symptoms you are experiencing. After this, they will take a scraping from the blister itself and run tests on it.
Cold sores are usually spread through physical contact. Kissing is probably the number one way it spreads. Make sure that you wash your hands after you touch the cold sore because this will help to stop it from spreading to other parts of your body or family members.
Cold sores pop up when the dormant herpes simplex virus particles decide to reactivate. Normally, the virus sits at the base of the spinal cord in the nerve roots just waiting for the immune system to weaken. When it finds an opening a cold sore will pop up, out of nowhere.
In rare cases, the eyes can be infected by cold sores. This can be extremely serious and even result in blindness. Make sure that you try and keep your stress levels at a minimum and keep them shaded from direct sunlight.
Here are things that often encourage a breakout to happen: Infections in the upper respiratory tract, sun/wind exposure, flu, stress (both physical and emotional), dried lips and colds.
Try to keep your immune system strong by taking vitamins, managing your stress levels and eating a healthy diet. As soon as you feel a cold sore developing you should start treatment. This will make them disappear much more quickly. There are plenty of creams that you can buy OTC that provide relief from the pain. Prescriptions are also available but carry with them a laundry list of side effects.
Natural remedies can also be helpful and do not have any of the side effects that prescriptions carry with them. Echinacea and Viscum Album will give your immune system a strong boost. Olea Europa (olive leaf extract) will fight the virus and heal you straight from the source. Astragalus Membranaceus can be used to rejuvenate your body back to it's former healthy state.
Author Resource:-
Dee Braun, a single mom of 6, is a Cert. Aromatherapist & natural health practitioner. Click now to visit Natural Holistic Health Blog which offers info on more natural home remedies & healing techniques for common health, emotional ailments & conditions at http://www.Natural-Holistic-Health.com/
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