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Cold Sores
Overview:
Cold sores are blisters that form around the mouth and inside the nose often appearing towards the end of a cold. This common and infectious virus can also attack other parts of the face, the genitals (see Genital herpes) and other skin areas.
Signs and Symptoms:
* Itching or tingling of the skin in the affected area (normally the lips) - this may precede the appearance of the cold sore
* One or many clusters of small blisters forming over inflamed skin and filled with a yellowish or white fluid
* Red, painful sores on or near the mouth and lips, or on fingers
* Swollen, sensitive gums of a deep red colour
* A fever and/or flu-like symptoms
Causes and Organs Affected:
Cold sores are caused by the Herpes simplex virus, which is transmitted by contact such as kissing an infected person or sharing eating utensils.
The virus may lie dormant in the body for years, sometimes without causing any symptoms, only to be activated during periods of low immune status, stress, exposure to cold, and sunburn. Some women also find that menstruation can trigger cold sores.
Risk Factor:
You can take steps to guard against cold sores, to prevent spreading them to other parts of your body or to avoid passing them along to another person. Cold sore prevention involves the following: Avoid kissing and skin contact with people while blisters are present, Avoid sharing items, Keep your hands clean, Be careful about touching other parts of your body, Avoid triggers and Use sunblock.
Treatment:
Hygiene is an important factor in cold sore prevention. Be careful not to kiss someone who has a cold sore, or use the same utensils, towels, or razors. Always wash your hands after touching a cold sore, and be sure not to touch your eyes or genitals after touching your cold sore.
If you know that sun exposure is a trigger for cold sore outbreak in you, be very careful to avoid the sun.
Other Information:
The Herpes virus is made stronger by the amino acid L-arginine and weaker by L-lysine. Avoid foods rich in L-arginine (such as nuts, chocolate, carob, coconut, soya beans and oats). At the same time, increase foods high in L-lysine, (such as kidney beans, split peas, fish, lamb, milk, cheese and sprouts), and consider taking an L-lysine supplement.
Stress can be a trigger for cold sore outbreak - if you are getting lots of cold sores your stress levels may be to blame - look for ways to cope better.