Cold Sores
Cold sores are a viral infection of the lip or mouth caused by a herpes virus. Once a cold sore occurs, the person will be susceptible to them for the rest of their lives. The herpes virus is transmitted by contact with infected saliva and lives on the skin and awaits the opportunity to cause trouble. The opportunity arises when the lip is damaged in any way – by wind, sun or physical injury – a crack appears and in jumps the virus causing the appearance of a cold sore.
Vitamin deficiency may increase the incidence of cold sores. Taking a vitamin B complex supplement or the amino acid Lysine, may be useful if recurrent cold sores are a problem. Using a good sunblock on your lips can also help prevent them.
Cold sores occur in singles or pairs and may spread in severe cases to the surrounding skin on the face. The start is characteristic, a tiny itch, sometimes described as a tingle, which only a sufferer can recognise. This is the best time to use a cream to stop the sore coming up at all. If you have ever suffered from a cold sore before you should always have an anti-viral cream at the ready in case of an outbreak. The sooner treatment is started the greater the chance of preventing or at least reducing the effect of the virus.
Treatment:
If the cold sore has come up, a healing cream such as CYMEX or a Coldsore patch is usually most suitable.
A supplement can also help accelerate healing such as lysinel.
As herpes is a virus the use of an anti-viral cream is also recommended. We recommend an anti-viral cream containing acyclovir which is the only anti-viral ingredient available over the counter. It acts by preventing the virus attaching to the skin of the lip and so is best used when the first “itch” of infection is felt. The cream should be applied five times daily. It is important to wash your hands thoroughly after applying this cream.
If you suffer from cold sores regularly you may be lacking vitamin B and so B-Complex supplements should be considered. The amino acid Lysine should also be taken for several weeks to help build up the skin of the lip and mouth region.
Practical Points:
- At the itch stage, cold sores can be transmitted on contact. Kissing and oral sex at this time are hence not recommended.
- Stress may also precipitate cold sores. If you feel that this may apply to you, ask the pharmacist about herbal remedies that are useful for easing stress and promoting relaxation (e.g. LANES KALMS)
- You should always protect your lips from injury, wind or sun. ROC sunscreen stick is a factor 10 -15 screen that is water-resistant and will protect the lips from the weather. Exposure to sunlight can often precipitate cold sores.
