If you have ever suffered, from cold sores whether it was just once or reoccurring you may have wondered exactly what they are and what causes them. Cold sores are actually a non-sexually transmitted form of herpes.
Before you get concerned chickenpox are also caused by a member of the herpes family of which there are a total of eight viruses. Cold sores can affect anyone, it is estimated that between eighty, and ninety percent of people in the United States will suffer from a cold sore at least once.
Prevention
There is no active way to prevent cold sores completely, however, you can greatly reduce the frequency they occur or help to prevent getting the virus, which causes it with a few simple steps.
If there are blisters or cold sores present avoid skin contact and kissing; the herpes virus that causes cold sores can be spread through skin-to-skin contact.
Avoid the sharing of personal items when cold sores are present. Wash hands and be careful when touching other parts of your body. Cold sores can appear anywhere in the body so if you have one and touch your eye for example you can spread it.
Avoid coming in contact with triggers or avoid commonly know triggers. Triggers for cold sores include stress on the body including illness, not enough sleep or damage caused by long exposure to the sun.
Cover the cold sore if possible. This will help prevent the spread both to yourself and anyone else as well as keeping the area clean allowing it to heal faster.
Treatment
There are a number of treatment options available that can help to prevent the spread of the virus at the same time it is healing the cold sore. Some are over the counter and some are prescription based. What works best depends on the individual person. However, you should see your doctor as soon as you notice the symptoms of a cold sore especially if suffer from anything which might compromise your immune system.
The best prevention is to take care of physical and mental health and follow good hygiene practices this will help to limit both contact with the virus and prevent the spread as well as any outbreaks, which may occur. The treatments that are available as over the counter, prescription or home remedies like the use of garlic can help to heal outbreaks faster, prevent the spread, lessen the appearance of cold sores and help to extend the time between outbreaks.
There are a number of resources that provide information on natural home remedies, prescriptions and over the counter treatments. In addition, it is possible to combine treatment options in order to find one that works the best for you and your lifestyle.
The best way to prevent cold sores is to avoid the triggers; hormonal changes can also cause cold sores to form so it is especially important to maintain good health during these times. To learn how to get rid of cold sores select one of the links below.
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