One of the most important body parts is the mouth and any problem or
health issues involving the mouth can be very hard. It can be very
difficult to eat, drink and even speak when you have oral health
problems. Cold sore or commonly known as fever blister is an oral
herpes caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Type 1 herpes
virus usually causes infections of the mouth like cold sores. The virus
is highly contagious and usually stays dormant in the nerve tissues in
the face waiting for the right triggers to flare up again as cold sores
or painful sores on the lips, around the mouth, chin, cheeks and the
nostrils. Sometimes the roof of the mouth, gums and throat are also
affected by the infection. It can be really hard to deal with oral herpes not only because of the pain but because of its unsightly appearance.
How to deal with oral herpes?
Talk to your doctor. Although symptoms may go away on their own
within one to two weeks, herpes virus is a stubborn virus that has the
tendency to come back over and over again so to stop recurring
infections, it is best to talk to your doctor. Herpes infection may be
dangerous if located near the eye so immediate medical attention is
needed. Your doctor may prescribe anti-viral medicines or creams to
shorten the outbreak period. Pain relievers may be prescribed by your
doctor to relieve severe pain and antibiotics for secondary bacterial
infections. Deal with oral herpes as early as possible to shorten your sufferings.
Keep the infected area clean and dry. Dirt and moisture could
aggravate the swelling of cold sores so it is important to keep the
infected area clean and dry. Healing is faster if the sores are kept dry
and clean. Regularly wash the infected area with germ-fighting soap
and water. Avoid touching or squeezing the infected area and make it a
habit to was your hands and keep them away from your eyes to avoid
spreading the virus.
Avoid exposure to sunlight. Cold sores outbreak can be triggered by
sun exposure so avoid too much exposure under the sun. If it cannot be
avoided that you need to spend time outdoors, protect your lips by
wearing sunscreen lip balm with SPF 15 or higher. Wear a hat or use an
umbrella when outdoors on a sunny day. It is easier to deal with oral herpes if you will avoid its triggers.
Keep your immune system on its best state. It can be hard to deal with oral herpes
if you have weakened immune system because you are not strong enough to
fight the virus. With a weak immune system you are also prone to
infections like colds and flu which is not a good thing because you are
more susceptible to cold sores recurring outbreaks if you have colds and
flu. You are more resistant to viruses and infections if your immune
system is on its best state. Live a healthy lifestyle to boost your
immune system. Eat a balanced healthy diet, live a physically active
life and get enough sleep to boost your immune system.
It can be very frustrating to deal with oral herpes if it
keeps coming back. If you think you have done almost everything and you
keep suffering from recurring cold sores outbreak, natural remedies are
another option to be explored. To know more visit Cold Sore Free Forever
