Cold Sore Prevention - How to Prevent Fever Blisters

Wish to learn about cold sore prevention?

Cold sores, also called fever blisters, result from a herpes simplex virus infection. Approximately 40 million people develop at least one cold sore every year.

At this point in time, no known cure exists, but various natural treatments can drastically curtail the incidence of cold sores, as well as speed recovery if you happen to develop one. Generally, the virus enters the body through a break in the skin, and can be spread through touching a fluid-infected utensil and other item.

Many factors can cause a cold sore to break out; however, all boil down to the same conclusion - a compromised immune system. One can take several measures to protect against infection and thus reduce the chances of getting a cold sore or passing the infection on to another person.

The first step in core sore prevention is to try to avoid kissing and having other direct skin contact with an infected person. The virus can spread easily and rapidly through moist secretions, and if the person has a weakened immune system, transmission of the infection can occur even if the skin appears to be healed.

Secondly for cold sore prevention, for a similar reason, do not share items like toiletries, utensils, and other items with an infected person. Practice excellent hygiene by keeping your hands clean so as to avoid picking up or spreading the virus. If you have an infection, avoid touching parts of your body without first washing your hands, as this will spread infection.

Make every effort to boost your immune system so that it can thwart a possible infection. If you have certain situations that you know will stress your body and thus possibly affect your immune system, practice some relaxation techniques. Strong immunity is your best bet toward cold sore prevention.

Further boost your immunity with dietary supplements, such as Siberian ginseng or flax seed oil. Vitamin C, L-Lysine supplements, topical creams, and acupuncture have all helped either to avoid reoccurring cold sores, or assisted in their treatment.

• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid / sodium ascorbate) - Many people know that vitamin C can be taken to prevent or treat a cold, as it has generalized immuno-boosting properties. It can also aid the body in healing wounds and help it fight off infections. The human body does not produce its own vitamin C, and thus the vitamin must be obtained from nutritional sources or taken as a supplement. The standard amount (60 mg) can be easily obtained from fruits like citrus, but an additional supplement can be taken to build immunity, in amounts ranging from 500mg to 1,000mg. The importance of a strong immune system in cold sore prevention cannot be overemphasized.
  
  
• L-Lysine supplements - Some alternative health practitioners prescribe lysine, which appears to deter herpes virus replication in the body. At the same time, patients will be advised to cut back on arginine-containing foods, such as nuts, certain seeds, red meat and oatmeal cereals. The amino acid arginine must be present in order for the herpes simplex virus to multiply.
  
  
• Topical creams (such as lip balms, aloe vera gel, and so forth) - These should include lemon balm if at all possible. Many studies in Europe, particularly in Germany, have shown that lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) has certain properties that prevent oncoming infections and halt the formation of cold sores. A lemon balm ointment has been on the European market for sometime and has been used to great effect.

There are other aspects of a healthy diet and lifestyle which aid cold sore prevention. For example, avoid refined or over-processed products which give you empty calories and do nothing to assist in increasing your immunity.

Fatigue can stress your immunity as well, so be sure to get the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep every night. In addition, dietary supplements such as buttermilk have been suggested as being effective. Do also take note that cold sores can affect individuals who sunbathe more often than other individuals.

Used in combination, these simple cold sore prevention tips should indeed help you to prevent as well as treat fever blisters that may afflict you.

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