Cold Sore Home Remedies And Treatments
What is a cold sore? Find out everything you need to know, including causes, cold sore stages and natural remedies…
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It’s the season of unsightly cold sores, but there’s help available. As well as over-the-counter treatments, we suggest you try these natural cold sore remedies at home.
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus , which is passed on through touch – most commonly kissing.
Seven in 10 people in Britain are infected by either HSV1 or HSV2 but only one in four of those will notice cold sore symptoms. Once you have the virus, you can’t get rid of it. It will lay dormant in your skin, and you’ll experience a cold sore break out when you’re feeling run down or and vulnerable to colds and flu symptoms.
These painful sores usually last between 7 and 10 days and are most common in the winter months.
The virus in cold sores is contagious, so avoid kissing anyone , and don’t share towels, cutlery or anything that may have come into contact with your cold sore until it has healed.
How To Get Rid Of Herpes 13 Home Remedies To Treat Herpes Outbreak Naturally
BySponsored by Impower Solutions onWed, Mar 17, 2021 at 6:02 am
What is Herpes and its symptoms? Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Herpes Simplex Virus What triggers an outbreak?Common triggers for outbreaks are a weak immune system 13 Home Remedies to Treat Herpes Naturally
How To Stop A Cold Sore In The Early Stages
Medically reviewed by Michele Emery, DNP
Worried you might be developing a cold sore? Cold sores, fluid-filled blisters that develop as a result of the HSV-1 or HSV-2 virus, are extremely common, affecting well over half the worlds population.
For most people, when herpes outbreaks occur, theyre a major annoyance, causing everything from discomfort and itching to awkward romantic and social situations. Luckily, for the most part, cold sores heal themselves over the course of a few weeks.
However, a proactive approach to treating a cold sore can speed up the healing process, resulting in a clear, cold sore-free face without the usual time spent dealing with discomfort and embarrassment.
Below, weve covered the best ways to attack cold sores when and as they form, as well as the medications that are most effective for helping you treat, heal and remove cold sores as quickly as possible once they start to develop.
Things Youll Need
- Avoid using scented soap while having a herpes outbreak, as you may aggravate the sores.
- If your herpes outbreaks are accompanied by a high fever, call your doctor immediately.
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Diy Home Remedies For Herpes
Herpes is a viral infection caused by herpes simplex virus . This can be genital or oral, around the lips and mouth.
Herpes simplex virus type 1 is transmitted by the direct contact with infected saliva. Herpes simplex virus type 2 is transmitted through sexual intercourse, as it is associated with the genital sores or ulcers.
Herpes can be itchy and painful and can affect both the men and women. It generally appears in the form of small, red, liquid filled blisters or sores near the mouth, eyes, lips and genitals. It is a highly contagious disease which causes many severe diseases like cancer, brain infection, chickenpox, etc.
With the help of these natural home remedies and tips, you can easily treat the herpes virus from your body and also prevent its recurrence.
How Is Herpes Diagnosed
The herpes virus is almost always spread through sexual intercourse, oral sex, or kissing. Although sometimes HSV-1 can spread via shared lip balm, utensils, or other items that come in contact with saliva.
In most cases, healthcare providers can diagnose herpes with a visual examination and by discussing various symptoms. If thereâs any doubt, they can take a viral culture to confirm, which involves lab analysis of a swab or scraping.
âIf the patient has no history of herpes simplex and is a new patient, I always do a viral culture,â says , MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of 5th Avenue Aesthetics. âAlso, if I am suspicious of HSV-2 or if it is an immunocompromised patient, I will order a viral culture. I start treatment right away before results come back. These results can take one week and it is best to start treatment early.â
But again, symptoms arenât always present. Fortunately, itâs also possible to diagnose HSV with a blood test. Your body produces antibodies to combat viruses, and doctors can use a blood sample to detect the specific antibodies that fight the herpes simplex virus.
A primary care physician can perform the examinations and tests necessary for an accurate diagnosis. However, sexual health clinics offer similar, reliable services.
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Cold Sores On Lips Vs Angular Cheilitis
These two are:
Cold sores or herpes labialis
img source: prod-carehubs.net
What causes cold sores or fever blisters? They are caused mainly by the herpes simplex virus type 1 .
Symptoms of HSV-1 on lips usually start with a burning, itchiness and tingling or tautness on lips or around the mouth. Due to irritation, the area is likely to turn red and small blister or tiny clusters of blisters that itch.
How long do cold sores last? They usually heal after a period of 2 to 3 weeks from infection time or when transmission of the HSV -1 virus occurs.
The symptoms will tend to vary with each stage of herpes simplex on lips. For instance, if individuals show the early signs of fever blisters during the first episode, they usually develop fever or illness depending on how severe the infection is.
If you have recurring fever blisters or cold sore symptoms, the following may be responsible for the activation of the virus after initial breakouts on your lips or face.
- Medical conditions like anemia, and Down syndrome
- Overactive salivary glands or if your mouth holds a lot of saliva
However, angular cheilitis is not a symptom of HIV since it is due to the compromised immune system that puts one at risk of it. Angular cheilitis can also last for days or possibly years.
Angular cheilitis symptoms
Like cold sores on lips, AC can also be symptomized by blistering, redness and swelling on the mouth corners.
Herpes: A Quick Guide
Herpes is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus and can appear in various parts of the body.
However, the most common herpes comes in two types: oral herpes and genital herpes.
Both types of herpes infections are highly contagious.
The first type can be transmitted through kissing or sharing of utensils, while the second one can be passed on through sexual intercourse .
Caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 , oral herpes is transmitted from one person to another through close contact such as kissing or by sharing things that can spread infected saliva like toothbrushes and eating utensils .
Genital herpes, on the other hand, is marked by the appearance of blisters in the genital area or rectum but it can also be found in other locations, typically on parts below the waist .
This condition is most commonly caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 transmitted through sexual intercourse, but sometimes, it can also be caused by HSV-1 through oral to genital contact .
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Symptoms Of Herpes On Tongue
Some of the common signs and symptoms of herpes on tongue are itching and burning sensation on the tongue, appearance of fluid-filled blisters on the tongue, cold sores along with fever, muscle pain and malaise. The development and severity of symptoms depends upon immunological state of an infected person. Some individuals do not interpret any symptoms even after acquiring herpes infection. The recurrent infection causes comparatively mild symptoms, which include itching, tingling and mild pain at the affected area.
Home Remedies For Herpes
There is currently no cure or vaccine for either HSV-1 or HSV-2.
Prescription medications have been proven safe and effective in reducing pain and partially suppressing the herpes virus during active outbreaks.
But many natural treatments and home remedies can complement these treatments and help to soothe outbreak symptoms in their own right.
In recent years, scientists have expanded their research into the antiviral properties of certain natural remedies.
If proven effective in the future, these remedies could be especially important in battling infections that have become resistant to prescription antivirals.
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What Happens If You Take The Wrong Probiotics
Iâll also show you the only probiotics you really need to keep in your medicine cabinet.
Probiotics are microorganisms that live inside your gut and influence your metabolism and overall health.
They can even trigger allergies. Their effects are so widespread that you donât want to have the wrong probiotics and risk messing up your gut flora. I personally know people who gained a lot of weight taking bad probiotics.
A good probiotic, on the other hand, can make all the difference: It can improve your digestion, help you get rid of gas, absorb the maximum amount of good nutrients from the food you eat, and take care of both diarrhea and constipation.
How Can People Test For Herpes
A person can ask for a herpes test at any sexual health clinic or a doctors office. A healthcare professional will either swab a blister or draw a blood sample.
At-home herpes tests often require a blood sample through a finger prick.
Once a person receives their test results, they should contact a doctor to discuss treatment options, if necessary.
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Andrographis: One Of The Best Antiviral Herbs For Herpes
Andrographis is the name of a medicinal plant of very bitter flavor, very well-known in Asia for its healing properties.
The scientific name of this herb is Andrographis paniculata, but in India it is known with the name of Maha-Tita that means king of the bitter. In Malaysia, natives name this plant Hempedu Bumi that means bile of the earth.
Andrographis belongs to the Acanthaceaes family and it possesses simple green leaves. This plant inhabits in India and Sri Lanka and it is cultivated in Asia.
The consumption of leaves and roots of Andrographis strengthen the immune system and it is more effective if we combine it with Echinacea, vitamin C and zinc.
Andrographis is one of the most effective medicinal herbs to treat herpes, but it isnt the answer to the question: how to cure herpes naturally forever?
The most effective way of preventing the outbreaks is by means of the invigoration of the immune system. Once exposed to the herpes virus, outbreaks are typically related to the times when the immune system is weakened or under pressure, such as stress, illness, fatigue, poor diet, surgery, over exposure to sunlight, medications, etc.
Andrographis interferes with viral reproduction and stimulates the production of antibodies and large white blood cells that kill invading viruses.
Andrographis fights herpes virus.
Summary of Andrographis for herpes
Scientific name
Mechanism of action against herpes
Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Herpes Faster And Preventions
Herpes is a disease caused by the herpes simplex virus. It exists in various forms, and can manifest itself on the lips or mouth in the form of cold sores, or in the form of ulcers in the genital area. It is a fairly common sexually transmitted disease, and is not life-threatening. Normally, it heals in any time between two to four weeks, and does not pose any major problem to anyone who might have it. However, it is uncomfortable, if nothing else, and is best dealt with in a quick and efficient manner. If you or anyone you know has it, dont worry. You can get rid of herpes very easily, and were here to help to get rid of herpes effectively with home remedies.
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How Can Herpes Be Prevented
As herpes is a virus, once you are infected the pathogens remain in your body for your lifetime. Cold sores and blisters are likely to recur if you have already been infected. Since herpes is spread through direct, physical contact, one of the best ways to prevent becoming infected with the virus is to avoid sharing any items that go into your mouth or touch your lips, such as cups, utensils, lip balm, toothbrushes, cigarettes and e-cigarettes.
If you are already infected, there are some changes that you can make in your everyday life to help prevent further outbreaks, or reduce the frequency of outbreaks.
Read on:
What Prescription Drugs Treat Cold Sores
Prescription-strength topical medications: Treatment with topical acyclovir or penciclovir will reduce healing time by approximately half a day and decrease pain associated with the lesion. Topical treatment is limited in its effectiveness because it has poor penetration to the site of replication of the virus and therefore is restricted in its healing ability. Acyclovir cream should be applied five times per day for 4 days, and penciclovir cream should be applied every two hours while awake for 4 days. A cream containing 5% acyclovir and a topical steroid called Xerese is also available.
Treatment for the first outbreak of oral herpes in an otherwise healthy person may include:
- Acyclovir, 400 mg orally three times a day for 10 days or until the lesions have crusted
- Valacyclovir, 2,000 mg orally every 12 hours for 1 day
- Famciclovir, 250 mg orally three times a day for 7-10 days
- Treatment doses for recurrent oral herpes are as follows:
- Acyclovir, 400 mg orally three times a day for 5 days: It may also be given as 800 mg orally twice a day for 5 days or 800 mg three times a day for 2 days.
- Valacyclovir, 2,000 mg orally every 12 hours for 1 day
- Famciclovir, 1,500 mg orally once
- Suppressive treatment for those with frequent outbreaks may be given for 12 months, but it may be extended if needed:
- Acyclovir, 400 mg orally twice a day
- Valacyclovir, 500 mg orally once a day
- Famciclovir, 250 mg orally twice a day
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Over The Counter Antivirals For Genital Herpes
- -Abreva is the only FDA-approved antiviral medication for herpes simplex that is available without a prescription. This medication slows the ability of the herpes virus to multiply in the body, which reduces symptoms and supports faster recovery.
- -Oral pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen arent antivirals, but theyre available over-the-counter to alleviate herpes-related pain and discomfort until your outbreak ends.
How To Cope After Diagnosis
Many posters were occupied with the issue of passing on the infection. Yolandayw points out that you can minimise the risk of transmission by postponing sex until all the sores have healed. She also mentioned that condoms should be used. They won’t completely prevent transmission but they will help.
Ending on a positive note, many posters emphasised that there was light at the end of the tunnel. Learning of the diagnosis may feel stressful at first, but it’s a manageable condition and certainly nothing to be ashamed of. Lucy03934 has had genital herpes for 25 years. She’s been married for 18 years and has two sons – living proof that there is life after herpes.
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Is It Possible To Prevent Cold Sores
The best way to prevent a herpes simplex infection is to avoid physical contact with someone elseâs cold sores. Items that touch the lips but cannot be washed or sanitized, such as lipstick or lip balm, should not be shared. During an outbreak, frequent hand washing and sanitizing with 60% ethanol-based hand sanitizer will help reduce the spread of the virus to other parts of the body or to other people. Wash hands immediately after applying topical treatments to a cold sore. L-lysine and other supplements have not been shown to consistently reduce outbreaks.
To prevent future outbreaks,
- avoid long periods of time in the sun and use sunblock on lips and face,
- reduce stress by getting adequate rest and relaxation,
- avoid trauma to the mouth or involved area, and
- take any antiviral medication exactly as prescribed.
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