Treating And Stopping Cold Sores From Occuring

By David Paule

Once afflicted with the herpes simplex virus, which is accountable for cold sores, the common cold sore victim undergoes a fresh outbreak once every 10 months. The problem with the virus is that once infected the physique can't get rid of it, which is bad news for victims because it means that there are at present no complete cold sore cures, either natural or pharmaceutical; however, the symptoms may be treated and the impression of this unpleasant condition minimized.

There are a number of distinctive phases within the standard cold sore outbreak and right here we look at each stage and how best to deal with it using natural Cold Sore Remedies.

Stage 1: Tingling

The preliminary symptoms of a cold sore attack are so mild that they are hardly noticeable, with the sufferer experiencing a tingling sensation within the affected space, which can be experienced as itching, dryness or a firey sensation. Nevertheless it's experienced, it indicates that the virus is currently shifting from the nerve cells where it has been lying inactive, to the surface of the skin, this means that the subsequent stage will usually occur between 12 and 36 hours later. The application of ice to the affected region for 30 minutes at this stage will help stop the sore from getting so severe, or in some cases stop its appearance altogether. Lysine rich meals or supplements are also encouraged to diminish the impact of the sore.

Stage 2: Blisters

Some individuals experience inflammation in affected area after which tiny bumps that seem like small, painful pimples, which combine to form a bigger, fluid filled swelling. Some sufferers also go through symptoms resembling a headache and slight fever and puffy lymph glands because of the impact of the virus. Continue to take lysine in this phase.

Stage 3: Open Lesions

The blister often erupts after a few days, weeping see-through fluid. It is important to keep in mind that the fluid is extremely contagious and so try to be extremely careful about cleaning your hands, significantly in case you have touched the sore or fluid. Not only can the virus be passed on to other folks, however you can spread it to different parts of your own body. The applying of aloe vera, lemon balm, a topical lysine remedy or tea tree oil can all assist at this point of an attack as they act both to reduce the pain and reduce swelling and possess anti-viral properties, whilst covering the wound with a product like Vaseline may also help shield it from secondary infections.

Stage 4: Scabbing

Following a number of days the open wound will begin to scab over, though it may be painful to touch. Cracking and bleeding is frequent, but with the development of healing comes relief from irritation and other indicators. The sore stays infectious at this point and so care with sanitation must nonetheless be practised, and it is typically beneficial to keep the scab moisturized to stop cracking with one of many creams mentioned in the previous phase.

Stage 5: Healing

After a few days the scabs is dropped revealing fresh skin beneath. Since the sore continues to heal under the skin's surface, itching and reddishness might proceed to be experienced for just a few days more.

As you can see there are measures that may be taken throughout each phase of a new outbreak. While complete cold sore cures are presently impossible, the symptoms of Cold Sores can be handled to enhance your quality of life throughout an attack, which typical lasts 7 to 10 days. You must also take steps to increase your immune system to reduce the amount of attacks you experience, which although might require some lifestyle changes can make an enormous distinction to the lives of continual sufferers.