The Facts About Cold Sores
Cold sores (also called fever blisters) – are a group of fluid filled blisters which usually appear at the edge of the lips, in and around the mouth (can also be seen on the face, inside the nose, or even the genital area). Cold sores are caused by a viral infection. Cold sores are uncomfortable and unattractive. They usually heal in several days to 2 weeks.
Most cold sores are caused by a herpes simplex virus infection (HSV-1). The skin around the blisters is often red, swollen, and sore. The blisters may break open, leak a clear fluid, and then scab over after a few days. There are also cold sores manifested by the virus that causes genital herpes. These cold sores are caused by another type of the herpes simplex virus called herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) and are spread by sexual contact. Either virus, ( HSV-1 or HSV-2) can cause cold sores on lips, inside the mouth, throat, and genitalia.
Is Oral Herpes Common?
Oral herpes is quite common. Over 60% of Americans have had cold sores, and approximately 25% of those infected experience recurrent outbreaks. Most people became infected before the age of 10. Anyone can be infected and once infected the virus remains latent for life.
The Herpes virus is spread from person to person via direct skin to skin contact. The most obvious time for transmission of virus is during the active phase. This phase begins with the appearance of the blister and ends with the scab formation. The herpes simplex virus usually enters the body through a skin break around or inside the mouth.
It is generally spread when a person touches the cold sores or touches infected fluid. This can happen through sharing eating utensils or razors, kissing an infected person. A parent who has cold sores often spreads the infection to his or her child in this way. However, studies have shown that infected persons can also transmit the virus via saliva without the presence of oral lesions. This is because the virus may be present in the saliva. Cold sores can also be spread to other areas of the body.
Herpes Symptoms
Treatment of Cold Sores
Pharmaceutical Treatment
Cold sores will usually start to heal on their own within a few days. If they become painful or make you feel embarrassed, they can be treated.Prescription treatment may be used during the prodrome stage to stop or markedly decrease size and duration of colds sores. These treatments include skin creams, ointments, or sometimes pills.
Other over the counter treatments may get rid of the cold sores only 1 to 2 days faster, dry them out, or help ease painful blisters or other uncomfortable symptoms. Prescription treatment consists of the use of antiviral drugs such as Acyclovir (Zovirax), Famciclovir (Famvir) and Valacyclovir (Valtrex). Acyclovir is the drug of choice and can be given as an injectable, by mouth, in pill form, or as an ointment. Acyclovir is effective in treating both the primary infection and recurrent outbreaks. When taken by mouth to prevent an outbreak, acyclovir reduces the frequency of herpes outbreaks.
Other treatments include topical antiviral creams and ointments, such as penciclovir (Denavir) cream. Some research demonstrates that penciclovir appears to reduce the
average size and duration of cold sores.
Penciclovir reportedly is best used as quickly as possible after symptoms (pain, tingling, itching, burning or blisters) begin to appear. Although the recommended dose varies with the individual, the average adult dose calls for applying the cream to the affected areas every two hours, while awake, for four days.
Alternative Treatments
Diet
Eating a healthy well balanced diet is believed to keep cold sores at bay.
-Imbalance of Amino acids Lysine and Arginine. A diet rich in amino acids may help prevent recurrences of cold sores. Herpes sufferers want to increase intake of lysine and decrease intake of arginine. Lysine is found in most vegetables, legumes, fish, and turkey. Arginine rich foods that should be avoided include chocolate, peanuts, almonds, as well as other nuts and seeds.
-Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugar.
Vitamins
Vitamins helpful in reduction of cold sore outbreaks:
–Vitamin C and bioflavonoids have been shown to reduce the duration of a cold sore outbreak as well as reduce the number of sores produced.
–Vitamin B complex can give support to the nervous system where viruses can hide out. B complex vitamins can also help manage stress, an important contributing factor to the outbreak of herpes viruses.
–Vitamin E. Applying the oil in vitamin E capsules directly to cold sores may provide relief of symptoms.
–Zinc lozenges are known to enhance the immune system as well as affect the reproduction of the herpes simplex virus.
-Ointments containing lemon balm or licorice and peppermint have been shown to help cold sores heal faster.
Newer Treatments
Xerese.
This is the only FDA approved pharmaceutical agent that can prevent the progression of cold sores. It has been proven to reduce the likelihood of ulceration along with faster healing and improved symptom relief. It is also the only medication that is antiviral and anti-inflammatory(contains steroid). Only recommended for 12 years and older.
Lip Clear Invisible Bandage.
This is a clear bandage that is applied directly to the cold sores. This protects transmission of sore while active, can be used as a concealer, and promotes faster healing.
Viroxyn Professional
This is a single application cold sore treatment available only thru dentists and physicians. Viroxyn contains 7.5% Benzocaine to numb the cold sores site along with an antiviral ointment. The dual action application will begin healing of the site almost immediately. Removing pain or discomfort as well as promoting faster healing. A typical cold sore last about 10-12 days but with proper use Viroxyn has been shown to reduce that time down to as little as 3 days.
Cold Sores Conclusion
As of today there is no cure for the herpes simples virus. After you get infected, the virus stays in your body for the rest of your life. If you get cold sores often, treatment can reduce the number of cold sores you get and how severe they are. It is important to be aware of the symptoms so as not to infect your loved ones. With diligent care and treatment, cold sore numbers and events can be reduced in time so your life is not adversely affected.