Cold Sores….Myths, Facts and Treatments!

Is it just me or do others freak out that they may have a cold sore every time they get a pimple near their lips? I’m fairly certain everyone dreads the thought of a cold sore simply by how many questions I get about them on a daily basis. So today I’m going to share with you all the information I know about cold sore treatment, facts, myths and prevention.

Cold sores also known as Herpes Simplex Virus I are painful fluid filled blisters that may crop up on the lips, nose or mouth. It is also possible to find HSV I below the waist but those Herpes sores are usually caused by Herpes Simplex Virus II (HSV II) or genital Herpes approximately 90% of the time.

Approximately 80% of the population carry the HSV I virus that is responsible for the embarrassing sores. With so many people affected perhaps the embarrassment isn’t quite as warranted as we may feel, considering it happens to so many. However, the majority of people who struggle with cold sores do indeed dread the pain and embarrassment caused by them.

HSV I is highly contagious and is usually contracted by fairly direct human contact, such as, sharing a cup, kissing, or borrowing someone’s lip gloss. It is virtually never contracted by wash cloths, towels or other contaminated surfaces which have been a long reported myth. The virus is most contagious during the blister stage but can be spread anytime even when no sores are visible. It is also possible to re-infect another area of your body so it is imperative that you keep your hands off of it and wash your hands often. For example, if you were to spread it to the eyes it can be very serious and even lead to blindness. Although aside from that and a few other complications, cold sores are generally not a serious medical condition and resolve within a few weeks. The problem is they lie dormant in the ganglions of the nerves and wake up and recur when the body is under certain stressors or is exposed to certain triggers such as sunlight, menstruation, weakened immune system and stress. The best solution is prevention by trying to identify your triggers and do not expose yourself to them.

Aside from a few prescription medications (both oral and topical types) there is only one over the counter product that truly seems to be effective (according to my research and interviews). There are topical OTC products that can help with pain, itching and cracking but the one that seems to be touted as an effective comprehensive treatment (meaning shortens healing time and the duration of symptoms such as burning and itching), Abreva seems to win hands down. Although it works best when it is started at the first sign of a cold sore (when you feel the tingle begin). Be sure to use as directed. Abreva can be found at www.drugstore.com and I’ve noticed they have the best prices on it. However, you need to have it on hand as it is most effective when used at the first sign, so be sure to order it ahead of time if you know you suffer from HSV I.