How To Prevent Cold Sores And Treatment Once You Have Them

Cold sores are small fluid-filled sores resulting from being infected with a herpes virus known as simplex type 1 (HSV-1). This is not the same as genital herpes that is caused by the simplex type 2 virus (HSV-2). So there should be no fear of a cold sore giving anyone genital herpes.

Also known as fever blisters or oral herpes, cold sores are usually painful and itchy. In addition to the discomfort, cold sores have a tendency to be very visible and usually appear around the mouth or on the nose.

No one wants to be unattractive. People who want to know how to prevent cold sores and also cover-up the unattractiveness can purchase a product called Compeed Cold Sore Patches. They are made by J&J but not sold in US drug stores. The patches can be purchased through amazon.com are readily available outside the US.

How To Prevent Cold Sores

Cold Sores are very contagious and cannot be permanently cured once an individual is infected with HSV-1. So the best defense is to not become infected by the virus. In general you can prevent contracting a HSV-1 infection by using the same precaution methods used in preventing other viruses like the flu.

Because cold sores are so contagious they are easily passed between individuals. If you are around someone with cold sores focus on your hands. Wash them often and avoid touching your face as much as possible. Also, never share towels, cups, or utensils. In fact, if you want to be real safe, follow these practices at all times if you know someone has the cold sore virus. They might be contagious even if they are not currently experiencing an outbreak.

Relationships with HSV-1 infected people are tricky, but they don't need to be difficult. Just avoid kissing during outbreaks and wait until the healing is complete before you continue with the romance.

How To Prevent Or Minimize Cold Sore Outbreaks

Unfortunately there is nothing to be done to prevent outbreaks once infected. However, the number and severity of outbreaks can be minimized and lessened with medicines and common sense practices.

There is no explanation or scientific evidence to determine what causes cold sore outbreaks. Outbreaks are not consistent and mysteriously what caused an outbreak one time can fail to trigger an outbreak at another time. Research has cause to speculate that the flu and a common cold can be triggering events. It is also thought that stress increases the likelihood of a cold sore outbreak.

That being said, infected people can take preventative measures by eating healthy foods and living a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise and rest.

Further, controlling stress can reduce the likelihood of cold sore outbreaks. Use relaxation techniques like breathing and get plenty of quality sleep to minimize stress.

Some, but not all, people can prevent outbreaks by recognizing the early symptoms and using medications right away. There are a number of good medicines and topical creams that can shorten the cold sore outbreak time, but none can completely prevent HSV-1 outbreaks.

Once infected the HSV-1 virus remains with a person throughout their life, and no vaccines or medications can prevent someone from acquiring the virus. However, there are some good medicines for controlling and shortening cold sore outbreaks.

Please watch this informative video concerning cold sores and their treatment.