How to Deal with Cold Sores

It is agonizing and frustrating to experience cold sores but the reality is that you have been facing it for quite a couple of weeks with no immediate benefits of several medications. I assume here that you're not randomly taking medications and you have consulted an expert dermatologist. Medications may or may not work in cold sores and the outbreak of this medical condition is also not predictable with mathematical accuracy. Unfortunately, there are no standard ways to tackle cold sores as there is no cure for it.

But you needn't worry because in simple cases, cold sores go away roughly within two weeks time. In some intense cases, they may take more time, at least couple of months. The best cold sore treatment is by combining various treatment options. Cold sores control can be prevented from further outbreak in the body by medications and home remedies. There is absolutely no need to panic or feel low. Cold sores may force you to be locked up in your house and miss some important trips or parties, but you can't take the risk of infecting others from the same contagious disease, so better cure yourself first and then live a normal life.

It's all Red, Itchy and Blisters Rupture Frequently, Is it Cold Sores?
The initial symptoms of cold sores are more intense than in the later stages of infection. Some of the first signs are mouth soreness, especially around the lip area. Sore throat, fever and swollen neck glands are some other prominent hints towards cold sores infection. In the starting days, tingling sensation will be felt in the area where sores are going to break out. If you experience so, then it is a hint that the skin is going to develop the blisters soon. Since, cold sores are accompanied by fever, they're also known as fever blisters. As the tingling sensation becomes more apparent, the skin becomes red, inflamed and blisters start forming. Finally, blisters may burst leading to painful conditions like ulcers.

The Herpes Simplex Virus - The Dangerous Body Infiltrator
Herpes simplex virus has many types and depending on the area it affects the body, cold sores are given different names in medical terminology.

• Herpes labialis: Infections in the mouth or lips area.
• Herpes Genitalis: Usually, it is categorized in STDs. This infection is also a cold sore affecting the genital area.
• Herpetic Whitlow: Commonly found in dentists and doctors, this is an infection of the hands.
• Primary Herpetic Gingivitis: The severe infection of the oral cavity in infants that is caused due to saliva after kissing from mother or relatives.

How Is Herpes Simplex Spread?
Extremely contagious in nature, HSV spreads through any of the following ways.

• Skin to skin contact (for instance, during kissing)
• Saliva
• Through toothbrush, drinking glasses, face towels etc.

Why is HSV a Pain in the Neck?
Due to its recurrent nature, this virus will hide in the body by remaining dormant and when it encounters factors that trigger it, it will resurface frequently. Many times, it will also affect the body during illnesses when your immune system is weaker. This is the only reason why this virus is a cause of concern.

So..What are the Factors that Trigger It...?
Although, medical community hasn't come up with some well documented research studies regarding trigger factors affecting cold sores, following are regarded to be some possible factors that can cause resurfacing of HSV virus.

• Exposure to sunlight especially on the mouth and lips.
• Stress
• Fatigue
• Injury to the mouth (weaker gums, cuts due to shaving)
• Other infections like cold or common flu.
• Allergies of food
• Menstrual cycle changes
• Pregnancy

How I'm Going to Deal With this Infection?
You must contact a dermatologist who will diagnose you with cold sores by taking samples of your saliva and swabs from the blisters. After that, you'll be prescribed several medications that will ease your pain. If your pain is not going, a combination of home treatments can also be considered. Besides, treatment, you must also exercise caution in not spreading this disease to anyone else. That is why during the treatment phase, as a patient, you must keep your clothing and daily use items separately. Over the counter medications are effective but not in every cases so if you have got to be patient with your doctor and ask him for better medications, if the ones prescribed to you aren't working. Amongst home treatment options, applying ice on the cold sores leads to relief in pain. Further, you have to remain stress free and that can be done by exercising daily and creating a positive thinking approach in mind. Since stress is a trigger factor for this virus, if you remain sad and upset regarding blisters on your skin, a low emotional state of mind can further hamper the healing process. Cold sore treatment over the counter are available at medical stores; however, we advise you to take over the counter medications only after consultation with a medical expert. Dietary and lifestyle changes are also expected during treatment phase. Avoid spicy or too much salty food during treatment of cold sores.

'How to deal with cold sores', is certainly a question that plagues minds of people who're infected with it. While treating cold sores, people must not lose patience as cold sores require time to fade naturally. Taking preventive measures washing hands regularly and avoiding oral sex, if a person is suspected to have contracted HSV is important.