RSS
Home
Something wicked this way comes - best natural remedies for cold sores
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
Pic courtesy of D. Sharon Pruitt
It’s lurking; a deadline at work, a family commitment, a trip or major event in your life is on the horizon. The details cover you like a blanket, you can’t sleep and your diet - ha! The stress builds and then you feel it! You scream!
If you’re a repeat customer, you know you’re in trouble when you feel that tingling going on. Yep, it’s a cold sore about to show its ugly head so brace for impact!
So what are cold sores? Also known as fever blisters, they are lesions that occur on the mouth, lip and facial area and are caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus but it’s rarely the same virus strand that causes genital herpes.
It’s estimated that about 80% of Americans have been exposed to this virus, but this does not guarantee they’ll all experience an outbreak and this is because some people’s immune systems have the ability to completely suppress the virus.
Once infected, the virus remains inside the body in a sleeping state until triggered or activated, causing a cold sore. Causes of activation relate to the immune system being slowed or run down in situations such as:
- - Menstruation cycle
- - Pregnancy
- - Excessive alcohol consumption
- - General conditions that compromise immune system
- - Prolonged periods of stress
- - Fatigue
- - Ultraviolet light
- - Sunburn or strong sunlight
- - Temperature extremes
- - Steroid medication
- - Diet and certain foods
Before a cold sore appears, the general or nearby area will sometimes tingle, feel almost numb, ache, itch, feel puffed up or look red and inflamed. This stage is a little different for each person. The numb/pain/tingling sensation is called the prodrome or warning symptom and occurs 1 to 2 days before the cold sore appears. The duration period of a cold sore is usually 8-12 days.
Cold sores are contagious. If a person has an active cold sore on their lip, the herpes virus particles can be transferred to any part of the body that is kissed, including the mouth, face or genitals. The virus is considered to be contagious from the very first sign of an outbreak (including the tingling, itching stage) until the area is completely healed again. Herpes spreads from the time the first symptom is noticed until the area is completely healed and the skin looks normal again. Contact with the infected area (including oral sex, kissing and touch) is very risky during this time.
It’s also possible to transmit the virus to another person through objects such as a drinking glass, eating utensil, lipstick, lip gloss, lip balm, toothbrush or even a face cloth.
Let’s understand how herpes works in the body. There are two amino acids that influence herpes and they are Lysine and Arginine. Lysine reduces outbreaks and heals the infection quickly, but Arginine provokes outbreaks and is required by the virus to replicate, cause symptoms and become active. Lysine has been scientifically proven to repress the metabolism of Arginine thus slowing down and retarding the growth of the herpes virus.
Luckily, we can get Lysine through our diet in such foods as vegetables, fish, chicken, cheese, milk, brewer’s yeast and beans. Arginine is present in foods such as nuts, chocolate, whole and white wheat, oats and gelatin so ease up on these foods if you’re experiencing frequent outbreaks. (Check out the Lysine and Arginine Food Chart.)
We can also benefit by taking a Lysine supplement of at least 1250 mg per day and in higher doses during active episodes. Supplements of Lysine that include vitamin C, bioflavonoids and zinc can reduce the frequency and intensity of herpes and cold sores and are proven in clinical trials to improve healing time. This combination is synergistic and is easily utilized by the body.
Keeping your immune system healthy is key. There are many herbals available that do this nicely such as the combination of andrographis, echinacea and olive leaf. These all have antiviral and immune stimulating properties.
Topical treatments such as Dynamiclear, Zovirax and Abreva can also help by shortening the duration and are available over the counter. Prescription drugs such as Famvir, Acyclovir and Valtrex are available from your doctor. Many find these treatments effective; however, they are not a cure.
Home remedies include brewing and cooling black tea and applying the cool tea bag to the affected area by holding it there for at least five minutes at a time, a few times a day. Start this at the first sign of an outbreak.
An ice pack can be applied to the area that feels numb or tingly to lower the temperature, thus inhibiting the virus. This only helps when you drop everything and grab some ice the first time you feel signs.
Honey is antibacterial and antiviral and is a good remedy to try. Apply it topical to the affected area several times daily and begin as soon as signs or symptoms appear. Specifically, Manuka honey from New Zealand is renowned for its wound healing properties and in clinical trials was found to accelerate the healing of herpes simplex virus lesions.
Domeboro powder mixed with water can help to stop itching, dry the sore and speed healing. You can find this at your local pharmacy and it usually comes in packets.
Baking Soda or cornstarch can also be applied to the infection to help dry out the sore and relieve itching. Dab a cotton ball in water and dip in baking soda or cornstarch and apply directly to the area. No double dipping! Use a new cotton ball for each new dip.
Aloe Vera, directly from the plant, or essentials oils used in combination with vitamin E such as rose hip, jojoba, calendula, hypericum, olive leaf and golden camellia can help in healing and repairing the skin after an outbreak. Apply once or twice a day for best results.
Simple aspirin or ibuprofen can help pain during an outbreak and herbal teas such as peppermint and chamomile will calm and soothe the body.
Stress relief is a must during an outbreak. Breathe deep and slow down. Bach Flower Remedies are homeopathic and can help in overcoming unwanted thoughts and bringing about a positive outlook.
Remember, when gazing through the looking glass at these times, it’s only the virus showing its glory that you see; the real you is underneath. Now smile, for this too, shall pass.
Related Articles:
Add a Comment
