Cold Sore Treatment And Fighting The Infection Cycle

By Author: Iain Cheetham
Total Articles: 2
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Cold sore outbreaks are not only painful, embarrassing and look very unsightly, but are also very infectious - long term sufferers dread them and become dismayed at another attack. The cycle of the cold sore is one which can last several days or even weeks with or without treatment. Contrary to popular belief, cold sores, which are caused by the herpes simplex virus, are not caught from cups and other personal objects, but only through intimate contact with an infected person, usually via kissing. The virus infection starts on the surface of the skin but moves along the nerve and remains dormant until the immune system is low, for example times of another infection such as a cold, flu or if stressed. The virus travels back up the nerve and appears as the all too familiar blisters, turning the affected skin red and weeping.

Cold Sore Treatment are available as ‘over the counter’ medicines (OTC) by chemists and popular online pharmacies such as www.chemist.net , who now sell a wide range of products for cold sore relief and sore lips including creams, gels and patches. As the cold sore leaves many feeling embarrassed ...
... and very self-conscious about their appearance, OTC cold sore treatments are popular and purchased at the first signs of an attack called ‘the tingle’, which refers to the sensation of sensitivity of the affected nerve. Most OTC cold sore treatments contain aciclovir, an antiviral ingredient, in a cream or gel format and are applied several times a day, usually for five days. Popular cold sore treatments of creams and gels include Zovirax, Lypsyl and Soothelip. A new complimentary cold sore treatment by Compeed is used in addition to an antiviral cream or gel, and is applied directly over the cold sore as a clear patch to give relief, and reducing possible contamination by touching of the fingers. Patches also prevent the unsightly scabbing thereby encouraging a faster healing process.

‘Prevention is always better than a cure’, so prevention for a cold sore sufferer is important and lots of practical things can be done. Many cold sore outbreaks happen in the summer as well as in the winter, because the sun is a contributing factor due to its UV rays penetrating the skin. To prevent drawing the virus from the nerve, the skin needs sun protection, so wearing sunscreen and lip balms which include UV protection are a must, but be sure to check all labels carefully. Diet is important too with emphasis on keeping the immune system healthy, so a varied diet high in Vitamins A, C & E are suggested alongside iron and zinc, which if lacking could be taken in supplement form to help support the immune system. Lifestyle is also an important factor and managing stress can prevent outbreaks along with limiting the intake of alcohol and cigarettes. Hormones can also cause outbreaks and for women around the time of a period the risk can be higher, and for women going through the perimenopause this can also occur due to the hormonal imbalance.

Contact Information:
Email: sales@chemist.net
Tel: 0808 156 1686

Chemist.net is a leading UK online pharmacy and is Royal Pharmaceutical Society registered. Always offering wide range of products for cold sore relief and sore lips including creams, gels and patches.