Cold Sores
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Natural Cures for Cold Sores
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Cold sores are small, often recurring fever blisters that can appear anywhere around the mouth, and which are caused by the virus herpes simplex 1 (HSV1). Groupings of cold sore blisters are called a cluster.
The first outbreak of cold sores may be accompanied by flu-like symptoms, with fever, neck pain, lymph node enlargement, and fatigue, or it may go unnoticed. Typically, recurring outbreaks can appear weeks or months after the first, but it almost always is less severe and shorter than the first episode. Recurring outbreaks usually start with a burning sensation that is quickly followed by blisters that itch and can be very sore. Within a few days to several weeks, they burst, dry, encrust, and disappear. Although the infection can stay in the body indefinitely, the number of outbreaks tends to go down over a period of years. They can be controlled and in some cases eliminated.
Cold sores are very contagious, and can be spread from the mouth to the genitalia via oral sex.
Herpes simplex virus is the cause of herpes. HSV causes cold sores on the lips and in the mouth and genital herpes in, on or around the genital area. Although once you contract the herpes virus you have it for life, you can stop outbreaks. They can be controlled and in some cases eliminated.
Nearly all people experience cold sores at least one time during their lives. After the first attack, the virus remains dormant in nerve cells, and can be reactivated later by stress, colds, hot weather, anxiety, nutrient deficiencies, or other illnesses, especially ones with accompanying fever. Prolonged cold sore outbreaks may occur in people suffering from compromised immune function or in healthy people who are under high levels of stress.
There are natural cures for Cold Sores that do not involve the use of pharmaceutical drugs. They involve restoring the biochemical balance of the body, and making dietary and lifestyle changes designed to improve one's general health.
What are cold sores?
Cold sores are a very common problem caused by the herpes simplex virus, usually passed on through close contact such as kissing. The virus passes through the skin, hiding in a nerve root until it is activated. Once the virus is activated, it travels back to the skin. Then, when the sore appears, it's itchy, painful and highly noticeable.
Many factors can trigger cold sores, including colds and flu, emotional stress, tiredness, and things like bright sunlight and cold winds Most people realise when they have a cold sore on the way because they get a tell-tale tingling sensation.
