Herpes infections are marked by painful, watery blisters in the skin or mucous membranes (such as the mouth or lips) or on the genitals. People can catch HSV-1 by kissing a person with a cold sore or sharing a drinking glass or utensils, so it’s easy to see why there are so many cold sores around.The blisters resemble those seen in Chickenpox an infection caused by a third member of the alpha-Herpesviridae subfamily, Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV), also known as Human Herpes Virus 3 (HHV-3). Lesions heal with a crudescent scab, the hallmark of herpetic disease. HSV is generally transmitted by direct contact of lips or genitals when the sores are present, or also when no sores are present (known as viral shedding). HSV can be present in semen, vaginal fluids, and saliva. In addition, herpes may be transmitted during childbirth, which can be fatal to the infant. The immature immune system of the child is unable to defend against the virus and even if treated, infection can result in brain damage.

HSV-1 is so common that most Americans get infected with it, although many never have any symptoms. Around 1 in 5 people in the UK have frequently recurring cold sores. Some people never get them, either because they do not have the virus or because it never becomes active. Kids who get infected with HSV-1 may get cold sores occasionally for the rest of their lives That’s because even after the sores themselves dry up and go away, the virus stays in the body, waiting around for another time to come out and cause more sores. Cold sores will usually go away on their own within a few days.Treatment may include topical creams or ointments or sometimes antiviral medicines (such as acyclovir or famciclovir). Treatment may reduce the duration of the cold sores by only 1 to 2 days. Using a medication may shorten the duration of cold sores and decrease your pain.

Treatment of Cold Sores

1. Drug called acyclovir (Zovirax), which may help shorten the length of the outbreak.

2. Good hand washing when a sore is present will help prevent the spread of the infection.

3. Treatment may include topical creams or ointments or sometimes antiviral medicines (such as acyclovir or famciclovir).

4. Treat any pain by taking paracetamol or applying witch hazel to the sore. A topical (applied to the skin) anaesthetic

5. Avoid salty, spicy or acidic foods and drinks, which may irritate the sore.

6. Eating a healthy, balanced diet that’s rich in vitamins A, C and E, zinc and iron is also important to keep the immune system strong.

Home remedies of Cold Sores

1.Ice is a very good home remedy for cold sores. Rub ice on the infected skin for few minutes, repeat this every hour.

2. Apply a tea bag for few minutes on the blisters, repeat this every hour. One can also consider pressing a warm tea bag on the blisters for approximately 30 minutes.

3. Applying Witch Hazel on sores will give you some relief.

4. Avoid acidic and salty foods. Foods such as chocolates, peanuts, grains, peas, seeds, oatmeal and whole-wheat are high in arginine, therefore they should be restricted.

5. Avoid tea and coffee. Eat vitamin rich diet.

6. Applying sunscreen to your lips may help prevent sun-induced recurrences of cold sores.

7. Change your toothbrush.

8. Coconut Oil – Take 100ml of coconut oil, 2ml of dettol, and 3ml or carbolic acid and mix them together. Apply twice daily directly on your cold sore. Some people say this formula also works on boils and mosquito bites.

9. Take a leaf from an aloe vera plant and rub the liquid from it onto your cold sore blister

10. Tea Tree Oil is the best home remedy for cold sores. This is a drink that contains tea tree oil, herbal sage, and violet. These ingredients are mixed together with a couple sage leaves and ginger powder, and put in with a cup of boiling water. Drink this 2-3 times a day and within a couple of days your cold sore will be gone.

11. Ibuprofen is a useful home remedy for cold sores as well as additional bodily ailments.

12. Take 3 acidophilus pills in the morning and 3 in the evening and it will start to dry out and clear up. If you suffer from frequent ones, take 2 a day to keep them away.

During that 7-to-10-day period, the blisters break, ooze, and form a yellow crust. They thus get even uglier. The scabs then fall off, and the skin heals without scarring. During that period, the sores are communicable through direct contact with others (or with yourself) or through an intermediary like a towel or razor. So, if you can actually find someone who will kiss you on the lips during that period, refuse them that dubious privilege.

Protect your lips from the sun. Applying sunscreen to your lips may help prevent sun-induced recurrences of cold sores. Look for a sunscreen designed especially for the lips that has an SPF of 15 or higher. Or, choose a lipstick that contains sunscreen.

Cover cold sores with a protective petroleum-based product. This will speed healing and help protect it from secondary infection with bacteria.

Witch Hazel is an herb that grows naturally in North America, Japan, and China. An extract of witch hazel is used for various medicinal purposes, including stopping the effects of cold sores. You can likely find it at your local health food store.

Avoid close contact with people who have cold sores! This goes beyond kissing people who have cold sores. If someone who has cold sores touches their lip and then handles something that you handle, there is a chance for you will get cold sores if you touch your face.

Replace your toothbrush with a new one once detected you have a cold sore. Toothbrushes incubate cold sore causing viruses and it will keep coming back if you use the same toothbrush. You also need to replace your toothpaste tubes since toothbrush bristles get in contact with the toothpaste tubes each time you use your toothpaste. Buy smaller toothpaste and avoid rubbing your toothbrush bristles against the opening of the toothpaste tube.

Three oral antiviral medications sometimes prescribed are acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir) and valacyclovir (Valtrex). Although none of these medications will eliminate the dormant HSV-1 infection that causes cold sores, they can help the sores heal faster and relieve the associated pain and discomfort. They also can also help to suppress a cold-sore outbreak.

If your cold sores persist for longer than two weeks, even with home treatment, you should consider seeking professional medical treatment, especially if you experience frequent symptoms of the herpes type 1 virus or suffer irritation in the eyes.

Keep it to yourself. Cold sores are extremely contagious. Avoid kissing and sharing cups, towels, or other such items. Wash your hands frequently, especially after touching cold sores. And take care not to touch your eyes or genitals immediately after touching cold sores. Like many people around the world, I suffered with cold sores for many years, trying all sorts of treatments in vain.