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Cold sores plague millions of people throughout the world. The cause of these sores is the herpes simplex virus, type 1 or type 2. Nine out of ten people carry the herpes virus from youth.
The good news is that there are many ways for removing and preventing cold sores. Below, we talk about both prescription solutions and natural remedies.
Cold sores are blister-like sores that usually occur around the mouth or nose area. Kissing is the normal way you will be infected, or infect someone else. They are extremely contagious and usually passed to another by direct contact with active cold sores or virus-tainted saliva.
Initial symptoms you will experience are an itching or tingling. Then red blisters will begin to appear.
They come about primarily due to triggers such as stress or sickness that weakens your defenses. If you can keep your immune network strong, you will greatly reduce occurrences of these attacks.
Most people who suffer these sores would greatly benefit from taking a high quality multi-vitamin and mineral supplement. Specifically look for high amounts of vitamins C, B and A along with 800 milligrams of calcium daily.
Lysine is another very good cold sore remedy that you should try. It is a safe amino acid commonly found in most foods. Lysine capsules are the usual choice for convenience for controlling the amount you need. Lysine works by inhibiting the herpes virus activity.
If you suffer continual cold sore events, you can use lysine capsules (one or two each day) as preventative maintenance. For treating the once-in-a-while outbreak, begin taking lysine as soon as you become aware of a pending attack.
Zinc is the healing mineral that will help you to treat and prevent outbreaks. Zinc is sold in tablet or capsule form. Zinc is important for building and maintaining a strong immunity to viruses like herpes.
Some sufferers make a topical paste by mixing crushed zinc tablets and water. You will get much better results by using the form of zinc found in zinc lozenges for head colds. This form is designed to absorb fast.
Acyclovir cream is a commonly used remedy you can obtain from a pharmacy. For an acceptable result, it must be put on at least five times each day for five consecutive days.
Another lotion you may be inclined to give a shot is Penciclovir, a drug-related anti-viral. Usage directions call for putting directly on the sore at two-hour intervals while you are awake. You do this for four consecutive running days. At first it seems to clear the symptoms and repair the sore quicker, but the virus becomes resistant to it over time. Preventing the transfer of the herpes virus to adjacent cells is the primary way that these creams work.
These virus medicating salves and creams are not easy to use and cost more than I care to pay. For faster and better results, natural cold sore remedies still seem to be your best bet.
Other medical options you have are prescription tabs containing valacyclovir or famciclovir designed to treat herpes sores. The medication is delivered to the sore via your bloodstream.
The downside of these oral medicines, besides paying the price of a doctor and prescription, is that the virus can change and become unaffected by these chemicals. Also, these types of medications can be hard on your liver and other vital organs.
Some good low priced over-the-counter salves or creams are available at most drug stores. These often contain pain reducing agents such as lidocaine. This will help you deal with the discomfort that comes with these sores.
Cold sores are a painful and an annoying disruption in your life. They often pop up at the worst times. There are a few good store-bought treatments that offer naturally powerful relief when you need it most.
Fast action will give you the best results, regardless of what cold sore treatment you use. As soon as you feel those initial warning signs, start your treatment plan.
You are unique in your needs and as to what will work best for you. This will take some trial and error to develop your best treatment plan. It is worth the effort.
If you get too many outbreaks, or especially severe sores, you probably ought to see a local doctor to assess any specific causes or problems you may have.
Finally, you should keep researching new natural cold sore remedies. You would be smart to visit reliable, established sites that are focused on providing you useful facts, tips, information and proven home remedies for cold sores.
