A cold sore, also known as a fever blister, is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. The virus itself cannot be eliminated so there is no true cure for cold sores. As such, cold sore treatment is mainly focused on alleviating the symptoms accompanying the condition.
Symptoms can be seen as blisters that are painful with pockets of fluid are seen on the lips, mouth and sometimes in the nose. Since it is viral, it is in general self-limiting and runs its course within a week or two. Symptoms can be painful. Irritating sores or blisters appear on the affected area of the body, most commonly the mouth area. These sores burst within days, turn to crust and eventually disappear within weeks. People of any age can be affected by this, and can be most uncomfortable to babies and children.
Applying a cold compress on the affected area and gargling with baking soda often soothes irritation. You may also need to avoid acidic foods like citrus and tomatoes while the outbreak is active. These cold sore remedies may relieve symptoms. Doctors may provide treatments. Lipactin and Zilactin are topical anesthetics used to relieve itchiness and pain. Acyclovir is used to treat more severe cases and mainly acts on the virus to prevent further symptoms from occurring.
The herpes simplex virus cannot be totally eliminated from the body. In fact, people infected may experience recurring cold sores throughout their entire life. The virus may mask itself as inactive but later recurs with either mild or sever manifestations. There is a minority of people who have the virus but do not show symptoms like sore and blisters.
Contact with people that have an active break out is a common cause. Kissing, infected saliva, sharing of utensils, towels, razors are a few of them. The herpes simplex virus enters the body through breaks in skin and through the mouth. The best health plans for not spreading the cold sore virus is to frequently wash your hands, especially after touching the cold sore.
Posted in General Health | 
Tags: cold sore, cold sore remedy, cold sore treatment, remedies cold sore