What Holds People Back From Fixing Their Cold Sore Outbreaks?

It is not asking too much to want a blister-free face. Chronic cold sore sufferers may feel as if they will never be able to be free from the pain of the blemishes or from the worry of another one forming. Many people suffer an outbreak monthly and many others experience them even more frequently. Even just a single, annual sore can feel overwhelming because they always seem to arrive when people are busy and want to look and feel their best.

So, why do they continue to suffer? There are solutions and many people with HSV-1 (the virus that causes cold sores) are blemish-free all of the time. So, why is it that some people are never able to free themselves of the pain and the embarrassment of this chronic condition?

First of all, it is important to note that cold sore sufferers are not to blame for their condition. Many people blame themselves or others blame them, but this is ridiculous. Cold sores do not happen because of poor hygiene, kissing the wrong person or not eating healthy foods. The virus that causes cold sores is incurable and will remain in the body for life. There is a very good chance that kissing someone will expose a person to the virus, but that is true for every one in the country. Some estimates state as much as 90 percent of the adult American population already has the virus. Also, a good diet can help to reduce cold sore outbreaks, but even incredibly healthy people still get them.

• Not everyone with the virus will have outbreaks.
• Not all cold sore sufferers will respond to treatment the same.
• Treatments that work once may not help the next time.

This is why so many people give up when they repeatedly experience outbreaks. They may have tried OTC medications and seen their doctor, but had no luck in reducing the frequency or duration of the cold sores. This is when it is important to not give up. Severe cases require a targeted approach.

Step one: Reduce the possibility of an outbreak by boosting the immune system. Do this by eating a healthy diet, drinking whole milk and reducing stress.

Step two: Avoid common triggers. Quit smoking, avoid alcohol and wear hats and use sunscreen to prevent overexposure to the sun.

Step three: Get the Inhibitor. This medical devices help many people to prevent cold sores. Using the device at the first tingle can stop cold sores it in its tracks.

Step four: Cure it quickly. If a sore does develop use cold compresses to reduce the pain and swelling. Avoid hot beverages and spicy foods that may aggravate the sore. Continue to use the Inhibitor and apply OTC medications to numb the skin. DO NOT pick at the sore or attempt to squeeze the fluid out to dry it up faster. This can lead to infection and scarring.

Staying focused on prevention and treatment will lead to success for most people. There is no cure and no way to guarantee that an outbreak is avoidable, but staying focused and informed is an important step to becoming outbreak-free.