Clod Sores….Herpes 1….

Again my son suffers very often from cold sores, so I thought I would write a little on them……

                            Cold sores are caused by a strain of herpes simplex virus, it appears like a cluster of blisters that are very painful.

       Type 1 Herpes:  causes cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth.

       Type 2 Herpes:  is genital herpes and is sexually transmitted.

                             Herpes blisters ruptures into weeping sores that crust over and eventually heal. After healing the virus remains dormant, some people may never have another episode, while others have reoccurrences throughout their lives.

                             Hormonal changes, physical or emotional stress, fever and exposure to the sun may trigger a reoccurrence.

                              Lysine, an amino acid supplement may give some relief. When you get the warning symptoms of oral herpes, prompt use of an ice pack may help. If the lesion appears, use a cold compress of water or milk, this may alleviate the pain.

                             You must be aware that this can be transmitted to others and therefore you should not share anything with anyone and most of all no kissing. Try and stop younger children from sucking their thumb or fingers when they have a cold sore

                             To prevent reoccurrences, strengthen your immune system by eating a well balanced diet. Again this is another reason we have my son on a multivitamin supplement. If you suffer from cold sores often, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication to treat them, this may shorten the duration and ease the pain.

                            With cold sores it is important to begin treatment as soon as you feel the symptoms;

n      Tingle

n      Itching

n      Redness

n      Small blisters

                       You can still treat it after the blisters have appeared but the treatment may not be as affective.

                         Cold sores will usually clear up without treatment, but do consult your doctor if;

n      You have a pre existing health condition

n      Cold sores do not clear up within one or two weeks

n      Symptoms are severe

n      You have frequent reoccurrence

n      You have irritation in your eyes

                  I hope this helps…………….