cold sore outbreak,cold sore outbreaks

Cold sores are usually confined to the mouth area (particularly on and around the lip).

Less commonly, cold sores can occur on other facial areas such as above the mouth, the nose, nostrils, cheek or chin.

Cold sores can also appear on the fingers, this is referred to as 'Herpes Whitlow'.

Cold sores do not usually occur inside the mouth, however if they do, it is most likely on the gums or hard palette (roof of the mouth).

If the lesion appears inside the mouth, especially on the soft tissue, it is most likely to be a canker sore, not a cold sore. More information about what Canker Sores look like.

When cold sores reoccur they will typically appear in the same location that they did during previous outbreaks.

The different stages of a cold sore outbreak

This graph shows the typical stages of a cold sore outbreak that lasts 12 days. Some outbreaks may be longer or shorter than this

Stage 1 - The tingle stage

This initial stage is characterized by a burning or tingling around the lips or nose.

Stage 2 - The blister stage

Within a day or two, there is the first visible sign of clusters of small blisters.

Stage 3 - The weeping/ulcer stage

This stage is characterized by the blisters rupturing and leaving shallow reddish ulceration. This is the most painful and contagious stage.

Stage 4 - The scab/crusting stage

A dry scab with a brown crust forms. If it cracks, the sufferer will experience itching, burning and bleeding.

Stage 5 - Healing stage

If a scab has formed, it will flake off during the healing stage.

What causes a recurrent cold sore outbreak?

Following the primary infection, the herpes virus becomes latent (it goes to sleep) deep inside nerve cells. Scientists are not yet sure why some people have many cold sore recurrences per year and yet others seem to be protected and may not get lesions as often or at all. Recurrent infections can be triggered by many different stimuli. The most common "cold sore alarm clocks" are fever (ergo "fever blister"), and exposure to the sunlight (UV-B).

Other stimuli include localized trauma to the mouth (such as dental work and cosmetic procedures to the face), other illness, and emotional stress. For some individuals, recurrences are unpredictable and have no recognizable cause. In fact, some literature suggests that the viral DNA may trigger itself. Others are very aware of what kinds of events will likely lead to recurrences and can anticipate the need to begin treatment as early as possible in an acute episode.

How To Prevent Cold Sore Outbreaks

Cold sore is a painful nuisance that you should avoid. It is caused by herpes simplex virus that commonly appears around the mouth, nose, and chin as painful blisters. It may also appear on eyelids, fingers and genitals. Cold sore virus is highly contagious and you have to be cautious to prevent cold sore outbreaks. Once you are infected by this virus, it will reside dormant in your nerves and once activated cold sore occurs. Here are some safety measures to prevent the outbreak of cold sores.

Nutritious diet and vitamins. You are prone to cold sores when your body defenses or immune system weakens and nutritious foods can help improve your immune system to prevent cold sore outbreaks. A diet high in lysine and low in arginine helps prevent cold sore outbreaks. Lysine slows down viral reproduction and arginine aids the growth and reproduction of herpes simplex virus. You can boost your lysine intake by eating milk, potatoes, beans, chicken and fish. Doctors may also recommend supplements if you need higher amount of lysine. Avoid foods high in arginine such as chocolates and nuts. Add more vitamin C to your diet, this will help boost your immune system and prevent cold sore outbreaks.

Avoid triggers. Stress, not enough sleep, staying in the sun for a long period of time, cold and flu are some of the triggers of cold sores that can be avoided. These conditions will make your body susceptible to the herpes simplex virus. Avoid these triggers to prevent cold sore outbreaks.

Hygiene. It is important to practice cleanliness to prevent cold sore outbreaks. Herpes simplex virus is highly contagious; avoid sharing personal items like towels, toothpaste, utensils etc. Always keep your hands clean. Avoid contact with people suspected having cold sores to prevent cold sore outbreaks.

If you failed to prevent cold sore outbreaks and already experiencing recurring cold sore problems, there are still things you can do to stop your cold sore. Did you know that you can totally eliminate your cold sores in 3 days? You will never have to worry about having serious cold sore swelling and recurrence problem again. Face the world in 3 days with the freedom to feel great about yourself and your appearance visit Cold Sore Freedom in 3 Days

If you get cold sores you can use some herbs to strengthen your immune system either just before and when an outbreak begins. The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing by Gary Null Ph.D. states that Echinacea, Goldenseal and Chaparral are good immune system supporters. Cayenne can relieve some of the discomfort and Aloe Vera seems to be effective in combating the herpes virus. Garlic can be quite helpful. Applying Black Walnut to the infected area may be of help. Gotu Kola is widely used to heal tissues and promote tissue growth.

The treatments for cold sores have come a long way in recent years. There are several new medications that not only offer relief of symptoms, but they ... shorten the cold sore's life span. Some are available over the counter (Abreva, Viractin) and some by prescription only (Denivir). The one thing that these medications do have in common is that treatment must be instituted at the very first sign of a cold sore. Often, this is the tingling or tickling sensation that happens before a cold sore is even visible. If you suffer frequent outbreaks, it's a good idea to keep one of these medicines on hand.

Cold sores are contagious. You can get them from skin-to-skin contact, such as kissing, or from sharing eating utensils or towels with someone who has a cold sore. Certain triggers may cause repeated outbreaks, including:

Cold sores normally go away on their own within 7 to 10 days. And although no medications can make the infection go away, there are prescription drugs and creams available that can shorten the length of the outbreak and make the cold sore less painful.

Recurrent cold sores usually develop where facial skin and the lip meet. About 6 to 48 hours before a cold sore is visible, you may feel tingling, burning, itching, numbness, tenderness, or pain in the affected area. This is called the prodromal stage. L-Lysine supplements along with a topical treatment can help lessen and stop outbreaks.

Most cold sores will clear up on their own in 7 to 10 days. However, if you are experiencing frequent outbreaks, your doctor may prescribe an oral antiviral medication. Medications can help cold sores clear up faster, but they won't prevent new outbreaks from occurring.

It is important to take precautions during an active cold sore outbreak to prevent the virus from spreading. Cold Sore Treatments such as Dynamiclear and Zovirax can help to shorten the duration of the outbreak dramatically.

Similarly, the cold sore virus is most active during the first hours of an outbreak. Data shows that when a single 1,500 mg dose of Famvir therapy is initiated within one hour of the first sign of symptoms (tingling, itching or burning) of a cold sore, Famvir significantly reduced the time to healing by a median of almost two days, as well as the time to resolution of pain and tenderness by a median of one day.

Abreva® is the only non-prescription cold sore medication approved by the FDA to shorten healing time and the duration of symptoms. Abreva® contains 10% Docosanol, a unique patented active ingredient that, during a cold sore outbreak, helps to protect healthy cells from the cold sore infection.

Customers report excellent results applying this unique Cold Sore treatment during any stage. Customers report that repeat use on lips diminishes frequency and severity of Cold Sore outbreaks with often times better results than other Cold Sore remedy or Cold Sore treatment methods.

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