Foods to Avoid with Cold Sores

Cold sores are small fluid-filled blisters that mostly appear around the mouth. In most cases these cold sores are caused by the virus herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1), whereas some people may contract the herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2) as well. The HSV-2 is responsible for causing genital herpes, commonly known simply as herpes.

Cold sores are very common as it has been estimated that around 80% of Americans have had cold sores at least once in their life. The reason for this high prevalence is that cold sores are highly contagious and can be transferred easily through kissing or close contact with the infected person. The HSV could be transmitted from an infected person even if he hasn't developed cold sores. Some of the symptoms that a person with HSV may have are fevers, colds, flu and trauma to the skin.

People with cold sores have to remember that HSV needs arginine to replicate itself. So, foods containing this amino-acid are a strict no for people with cold sores. Another amino-acid lysine is very effective against the virus, so doctors will always recommend you to have foods high in lysine and low in arginine to get rid of cold sores quickly. So, let us take a look at the foods that should be avoided when one is suffering from cold sores.

• Gelatine
• Nuts
• Seeds
• Oysters & crabs
• Oats
• Lentils
• Brown rice
• Peanut butter
• Beans & peas
• Grapes & oranges
• Onions
• Lentils
• Refined cereals
• Coffee
• Jams & jellies
• Pickles
• Chocolates
• Vinegar
• Processed fruits

Foods Helpful in Containing Cold Sores

• Yogurt
• Cheese
• Goat milk
• Salmon
• Tuna in water
• Beef
• Soy products
• Cod

There are various other foods that are high in lysine like avocado, spinach, liver etc. but these also contain high levels of arginine. So, having these foods might not be beneficial as you will be providing the much-needed arginine to HSV for replication. Now we know what foods should be eaten to fight against cold sores, let us take a look at some tips that can help you in getting rid of these sores quickly.

Tips to Get Rid of Cold Sores

• The most common mistake that many of us make when we have a cold sore is that we try to squeeze or pick at the blisters. This helps the virus to spread to other areas of your face and prolongs its duration. So, make sure that you resist the urge to touch/scratch the sore.
• Rinse your mouth with a mouthwash frequently to reduce irritation.
• Holding ice-cubes wrapped in a cloth against the cold sores will also help in soothing the pain and reducing itchiness.
• Wash your hands each time you apply medication to the affected area as the virus has the capability of spreading to other areas.
• Do not fret too much over it and instead give your body ample time to heal itself by taking sufficient rest.

This was some information on cold sores. The tips mentioned above will ensure speedy recovery from cold sores. If the sore pains a lot and taking pain-killers is not helping much, you can always take the help of a doctor.