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Seven Reasons Not to Invest In Cold Sore Outbreaks

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That familiar tingling, burning sensation has begun. When chronic cold sore sufferers notice this feeling many will instantly head to the drug store to purchase the products to cover up the impending sore and eliminate some of the discomfort. They will schedule an appointment with their doctor or make a trip to the natural foods store for some essential oils. In the end, they will have spent money and time on healing a sore that still took a week or longer to finally fade away. It is time to stop this behavior.

  • Doctors cannot offer a cure.
  • Doctors cannot prescribe something that will stop any future outbreaks.
  • Prescription medications only heal the sore a day or two sooner.
  • OTC medications are a weaker version of prescription solutions.
  • Products designed to hide the sore rarely work.
  • Some essential oils or homeopathic cures may aggravate the skin.
  • Lysine supplements are unnecessary because lysine is already in whole milk.

Continuing to waste time and money only adds to the frustration people experience in the middle of another outbreak. It is time to forget folk remedies and to stop redoing everything that did not work last time. Here, in four simple steps, is how to work on eliminating the problem effectively.

1. Get healthy. Find ways to reduce stress, eat a healthy diet and drink more milk.

2. Use sunblock. There are proven links between excessive sun exposure and cold sore development.

3. Boost your immune system. Get plenty of sleep, take a multivitamin and avoid cigarettes and alcohol.

4. Buy The Inhibitor. It is an affordable device that works painlessly to stop cold sore development and heal cold sores quickly. (Bonus buy – it also treats other skin blemishes too.)

The majority of people will discover that these four steps will do more than what the seven previous investments could not. Cold sores are not curable and the virus that causes them will never leave the body. However, that does not mean that people have to resign themselves to suffering from the sores repeatedly. A dedicated effort and the right solution may make it possible to be someone that is free from the annoyance of another a cold sore.

5 Unbelievable Facts About Cold Sores

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There is so much to know about cold sores. It makes sense that an almost endless amount of information regarding the virus exists since the infection is experienced by nearly 4 billion people worldwide. Most chronic sufferers understand the misery of an outbreak and the basic details of the virus that causes them. However, they may not know some of these surprising facts about cold sores.

There is a potential connection between cold sores and another unusual syndrome.

Burning mouth syndrome is an uncomfortable condition where the inside of the mouth is sensitive and sore and feels like the skin has suffered a sunburn. Medical professionals often struggle to treat the condition or to provide patients with any relief. One recent medical case discovered that after numerous unsuccessful treatments one patient complaining of this issue was discovered to have numerous HSV-1 particles in her saliva despite not having a single sore. Once she received cold sore treatments the burning sensation faded away.

Research shows a link between HSV-1 and memory loss.

A small medical study revealed that people with higher levels of infection in their system were less successful than others on cognition tests. HSV-1 was one of the three infections included in the study. While the study is not enough to conclusively state that cold sores will lead to memory loss, the experts performing the study feel the results were impressive enough to encourage further testing. Many feel that learning the relationship between infections and memory could help to create more effective treatments for issues like dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.

The lips are not the only place cold sores target.

Some people never get the sores on their lips. Instead they appear around their nose, on their eyes and on the cheeks. Having something as simple as a facial during an outbreak can easily spread the sores across the face.

Cold sores are sometimes deadly for infants.

Cold sores are usually uncomfortable and annoying, but not dangerous. This is not always the case for infants. Any infant that shows any signs of a cold sore infection including fever, lack of appetite and any rash or blisters should be seen by a doctor immediately. Anyone with an active cold sore infection should stay away infants until they are not longer contagious.

Your lip balm could be to blame.

Repeated outbreaks may not be from a weakened immune system, but from reinfection. A common source of infection is lip balm and lipstick. Throw away these tubes along with toothbrushes or any makeup brushes that come into contact with cold sores.This is also why no one should ever share makeup or lip balm with anyone.

The 5 Signs People Need Help With Their Cold Sores

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Type 1 Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1) may sound frightening but this contagious viral disease is better known as the virus that causes cold sores. This type of the virus is not considered an STD and it is incredibly common. The majority of people that carry the virus do not even realize they have it because they never develop cold sores. Others experience only a mild cold sore outbreak every few years. A percentage of people, for unknown reasons, have severe and frequent outbreaks. The appearance of a cold sore is not necessarily a sign that a doctor appointment is needed, but there are some signs that indicate additional help is necessary.

#1 – During the first outbreak.

Other skin problems can mimic the look of a cold sore. If someone has never had one before it is not uncommon for them to be unaware of what to expect. A diagnosis will determine if it is a cold sore. If so, the sufferer needs to be cautious to prevent spreading the disease to others. This is especially important for anyone that is frequently in close contact with infants because it can be life-threatening for anyone a few months old, or younger.

#2 – If outbreaks are frequent.

Take action when there are consistent outbreaks and outbreaks that include multiple sores at the same time. Investing in a tool like The Inhibitor is sensible because studies show that it helps to treat existing sores faster than any other method and it often prevents sores from developing when they are caught early.

#3 – If the immune system is compromised.

A weakened immune system puts the body more at risk for severe outbreaks and infection. Talk to a doctor about nutrition and skin care techniques to reduce the chance of additional outbreaks and watch the sores closely for any signs of infection.

#4 – If they spread to other areas of the face or body.

The fluid inside the cold sore blister contains the contagion that spreads the disease to others. It may also cause sores to appear on other parts of the body. The most serious is around the eye. This could lead to vision damage if not treated properly. Avoid touching cold sores and, if they are touched, wash the hands thoroughly before touching any other part of the skin. Herpetic Whitlow occurs when there is a cut on the finger and it becomes infected from touching the sore.

#5 – When a cold sore becomes infected.

Cold sores are caused by a virus and cannot be treated with antibiotics. This does not mean they will not also develop a bacterial infection. It could be infected if the skin around the sore is red, warm and swollen or if the sore seems unusually painful. Cold sore treatments, even prescription medication, will not cure an infection.

Cold sores are so common it is easy to underestimate how uncomfortable they can be. In rare cases, if the condition is left untreated it could lead to a potentially deadly brain infection known as encephalitis. Even sores that are only mild to moderate in severity are problematic because they are embarrassing and unattractive. Anyone with this condition should take the concern seriously and learn more about identifying potential problems and halting the outbreak.

Seven Signs You Should Treat Your Cold Sores

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The occasional cold sore outbreak during cold or flu season is something many people can shrug off and manage on their own. These are rare occurrences that fade away quickly and cause only a small amount of discomfort. However, this is not the experience that everyone has when a cold sore develops. For some people it is a problem that affects both their personal and professional lives. Here are some examples of when cold sores have gone beyond the nuisance stage and need a more proactive approach.

#1 – Missing out on social events.
Cancelling dates, avoiding lunch with friends or staying home rather than attending concerts or other activities means that cold sores are taking over your life. It is time to do something more when the embarrassment or the pain overtakes the desire to have fun.

#2 – Missing work because of a cold sore.
A single small outbreak is frustrating, but most people will power through their day. A little makeup or small bandage can shield the sore and be enough to disguise the small blemish. They become a costly liability when the sores are large, swollen or appear so often that people avoid their co-workers and make excuses for their absences.

#3 – Spending too much time and money on “cures”.
The Internet is a source of endless remedies. Most do not work and some are dangerous. When someone is constantly shopping for ingredients for their miracle salve or are using their free time each night to soak their face in lukewarm tea bags- it is time to realize that “secret” ancient remedies are not the answer.

#4 – Repeatedly experiencing breakouts.
The best reason to seek a genuinely effective answer is when cold sore outbreaks are happening more frequently. It is possible to withstand one or two experiences each year during cold or flu season. When the outbreaks happen monthly it is no longer something to ignore.

#5 – Previous cure attempts have resulted in scarring.
It is easy to forget how miserable a cold sore makes life until people start to see scars. When the pain of a sore and the disgust with how it looks encourages someone to pick at the blemish to eradicate it, even at the expense of their skin, a better solution is necessary.

#6 – You notice people without cold sores – and are jealous.
When the first thing someone notices about others is that they are cold sore-free, it is obvious that too much of their time and energy is devoted to managing this health concern. Cold sores do not deserve that much attention. Solutions are available that can make them a minimal concern.

#7 – The receptionist no longer asks why you are making an appointment with the doctor.
Repeated visits to the doctor for cold sores is not something to ignore. This is especially true if the outbreaks are becoming more severe and not just more frequent. Multiple sores appearing during an outbreak, repeated infections or large areas of redness and swelling are signs that the body is struggling to fight the virus on its own. As long as the doctor has made certain your immune system is healthy, the problem is likely that your body is just struggling to manage the constant strain from the repeated outbreaks. Finding a natural, more effective solution will give your immune system a rest.

What Not to do if a Cold Sore Breaks Out

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A cold sore outbreak requires a calm and measured approach to healing the sore effectively. Stress is a known cause of outbreaks, so panicking will only make things worse. There are ways to shorten the length and severity of an outbreak and to prevent any scarring of the skin. Here are several examples of what not to do if properly managing the blemish from the start is the goal.

Share With Others
This is one time when sharing is a bad idea. Never share cosmetics, hand towels or facecloths with someone else during an outbreak. It is, of course, never a good idea to share a toothbrush or allow someone to drink from the same bottle or use the same silverware. During an outbreak, this is even less advisable. Mothers with small children need to remember this and use a separate spoon or fork when temperature testing their child’s food.

Neglect Good Hygiene
Keep the skin around the sore clean without scrubbing the sore directly. Wash hands frequently during the day. This does not only apply to when using the restroom or before meals. Cold sore sufferers need to become chronic hand-washers during a breakout to prevent any spread of the lesions to others or on their own skin. Absentmindedly touching the sore and then shaking hands or grasping a doorknob could be enough to pass on the virus.

Eat Spicy Food
Spicy foods can both cause an outbreak and make an existing sore worse. Spicy food can irritate sores and causes discomfort and increased redness and swelling. It is advisable to avoid all of these foods during the entire outbreak (from the initial tingle as it develops) and to restrict consumption of them the remainder of the time.

Get a Tan
The sunshine will not “dry out” the sore faster or help to camouflage it. Exposure to the sun is another common cold sore trigger. Too many UV rays are believed to slow down the immune system and allow the body to be susceptible to problems like cold sores. Spending 10-15 minutes a day in the sun helps to boost moods and provide Vitamin D. More than that could lead to skin damage.

Attack the Sore
Popping the blisters, pouring alcohol or other drying agents over the blemish and picking at the scabs could cause infection and scarring. In almost every case it will result in a swollen, red and angry looking sore that will take longer to become unnoticeable. Instead, use cold compresses, eat healthily and use The Inhibitor to shrink the blemish faster. OTC medications to numb the pain can also help to keep hands away from the sore.

Knowing what not to do is often more important than any other tip. It is the best way to avoid lengthening an outbreak, causing new sores to appear or sharing the misery with someone else. Avoiding sunlight, stress and spicy foods at the first tingle may help to prevent the development of the sore, and The Inhibitor is also useful in these early stages as well.

9 Things Your Lover Wishes You Knew About Cold Sore Outbreaks

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When casually dating it is easy to cancel when an cold sore appears, but it is not something to ignore once a relationship becomes exclusive. Explaining how you are a chronic cold sore sufferer is definitely something people dislike sharing with anyone. Even if the subject is mentioned the discussion many lack some information because of the embarrassment of the sufferer. For those dating someone with chronic cold sores who is hesitant to discuss the issue – here is the information they want you to know.

1.You probably already have the virus, but not necessarily from them.

HSV-1 is so common it is believed that anywhere from 60 to 90 percent of the adult population is infected. Most people catch the virus during childhood when kissed by a relative with the virus or while playing with a friend that has a cold sore.

2. It is contagious and a form of herpes, but it is not an STD.

Cold sores are passed to others through saliva and not through sexual contact. It is possible to spread the virus to other areas of the body, and oral to genital transmission is possible. However, it is still not an STD regardless of where the sores appear.

3. Catching the virus does not mean you will ever have a cold sore.

The reason why the statistics vary so greatly on HSV-1 infection is because of the number of people that have the virus in their body, but never experience any cold sores. Doctors will not necessarily test for the illness automatically other than during pregnancy.

4. Someone that has more outbreaks is not “sicker” than those that do not.

The virus is not stronger, more contagious or more dangerous in people who have frequent outbreaks. Medical experts still struggle to know why some people never experience outbreaks and others have constant problems. However, all of the research shows that the problem is different from one person to the next. People that catch the virus from someone that has never had a cold sore will not necessarily be as lucky.

5. During an outbreak physical affection may need to be limited.

HVS-1 can pass to others at any time, but the highest risk is during an outbreak. Avoiding contact with a cold sore may mean that kissing, and other forms of affection, have to be put on hold until the blemish goes away.

6. Sharing is great, sometimes.

It is a good idea to not share lip balm, drink containers and utensils during an outbreak. Avoid even pillows and scarves, mobile phones and anything else that come into close contact with the face during this period of time.

7. Good health matters a lot.

Preventing outbreaks means avoiding excessive stress, keeping the immune system strong and avoiding excessive amounts of the sun. While everyone will benefit from using sunblock, getting exercise and eating well, it is important to encourage cold sore sufferers to stay committed to these steps even more.

8. HSV-1 sounds scary, but it is rarely dangerous.

Very few people have serious problems with the virus that causes cold sores, but it can happen. Weakened immune systems due to illness or disease can lead to severe outbreaks. Rubbing the eyes after touching a blister could transmit the sore and lead to vision concerns. People with an active outbreak should stay away from babies and toddlers and anyone who knows they have the virus should be careful about kissing young children at any time.

9. Cold sore outbreaks are miserable, so be kind.

Cold sores burn, sting and ache. They may make it hard to eat or drink. People sometimes lose sleep. The embarrassment makes people hesitant to go to work or to social events. Please be patient and kind.

Understand Cold Sores Better Before There are Regrets

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Maybe it started in childhood following a severe cold or later in life during a period of stress. The first cold sore often comes as a surprise, is miserable for a few days and gradually heals. These events are uncomplicated and manageable. It becomes a problem when suddenly they appear more often. They interrupt date night, become an embarrassment before a big meeting or just never seem to entirely disappear. This is when it is important to become educated about the reality of cold sores and how those that suffer from them can learn to protect themselves and prepare for the next outbreak.

Realize cold sores are contagious and can spread.

One of the most important facts people need to remember is how easy it is to spread cold sores. This includes spreading them to others and causing new outbreaks from one lesion. Avoid sharing towels, utensils or personal care items with anyone during an outbreak. Hand washing is more important than ever and do not touch any other part of the skin after touching a cold sore.

Cold sores are very dangerous to the young.

Anyone with an active cold sore should refrain from kissing infants. Always wash hands thoroughly before holding an infant. Babies are very susceptible to cold sore infections and the virus can spread through their systems rapidly. The infection can spread to the brain, the eyes and other organs and potentially cause permanent damage. There have been cases of infants dying from the infection.

Cold sore “cures” can lead to scarring.

Be cautious of the advice offered for curing a cold sore. Popping the blisters and applying a caustic material in an attempt to dry up the liquid faster could cause infection and scarring. Do not pick at the blisters or the scabs after they begin to heal. Ice packs, milk compresses and a thin layer of aloe vera can safely soothe and relieve the discomfort of a cold sore. These remedies and prescription and OTC medications may also help the sore to heal faster.

Infection is possible with cold sores.

Get medical help if the skin is red and warm beyond the lesion or if there is more pain than expected. Infection is possible and if it is not addressed quickly it could lead to serious health concerns, like any untreated infection. An antibiotic will help to heal the infection but it will not treat the cold sore.

It is possible to stop some cold sores from forming.

Chronic cold sore sufferers should not expect to never experience a cold sore again. A complete and total cure has not yet been discovered. That does not mean that people cannot find ways to stop the majority of their outbreaks and shorten the lifespan of cold sores that do emerge. Drink more whole milk, add Vitamin C to the diet and avoid acidic and spicy foods. Practice stress management techniques and wear sunblock. Purchase a device known as “The Inhibitor“. It is useful for a variety of skin blemishes and is safe to use on existing cold sores and areas where a sore seems to be forming.

10 Undeniable Reasons People Hate Cold Sores

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The dreaded cold sore is not just another blemish. It is a week-long (or longer) bit of misery. There are many reasons people want to spend their days hiding in bed when they are suffering from this common annoyance. Here are just a few of the ways cold sores make life a little less pleasant.

1. Cold sores are painful.

From the very first “tingle” to the tight, burning sensation as they crust over and heal up, a cold sore is a constant misery. During the lifespan of a cold sore every bite of salty or spicy food will find the lesion and the sufferer will unintentionally swipe over it too aggressively every time they wash their face. Even people that are excruciatingly careful to not touch their cold sore will manage to actually touch it a dozen times a day and make it start to burn and throb yet again.

2. The fear of infection.

Infection is rare, but it is a concern. If a cold sore becomes infected it will become larger, more painful and even less attractive. It will also mean a trip to the doctor and a dose of antibiotics.

3. Fear of the sores spreading.

Cold sores can multiply because the fluid in them is contagious. One sore is terrible, but a weakened immune system or a period of stress can cause one sore to become multiple sores and make the sufferer feel like a leper.

4. There is potential for scarring.

When left alone to heal naturally most cold sores will fade away and leave nothing behind. However, picking at the lesion or dealing with a bad outbreak that becomes infected will increase the risk of a scar.

5. Cold sores look terrible.

Cold sores are offensive even if they are small, not infected and tucked into the corner of the mouth. No one feels confidant and attractive during an outbreak. There is no effective way to cover the sore, and many attempts only draw even more attention.

6. People mistake it for an STD.

Yes, cold sores are a form of herpes, but they are caused by a completely different strain of the virus that causes the sexually transmitted disease. However, not everyone understands (or believes) this fact.

7. People avoid contact during outbreaks.

Cold sores are not dangerous. Yes, there are exceptions but those cases are rare and are limited to people who have immune systems that are severely compromised with other illnesses. Unfortunately, cold sores are very contagious and no one wants to take the chance of experiencing their own outbreak. The fact that an estimated 90 percent of the adult population is already carrying the virus in their system will do little to encourage people to feel comfortable when they are in close contact with someone with a cold sore.

8. Medications are often ineffective.

People spend a lot of money on prescriptions, OTC creams and homeopathic remedies that do very little to prevent their cold sores or make them go away. It is a shame because there are solutions, but many people continue to try the same old ineffective remedies over and over.

9. Chronic sufferers know another outbreak is always possible.

Some people are lucky enough to experience a cold sore only once in their life or one every few years. Many sufferers experience them regularly and often go through times when they have outbreaks that last weeks or longer without any relief.

10. Everyone stares.

Cold sores are impossible for anyone to ignore and the attention is often nerve wracking. Some will attempt to ignore the lesion through uncomfortable levels of direct eye contact. Others will not even try to ignore it. Insensitive individuals, friends trying to be funny or children will often point out the blemish. Some do this in an attempt to lighten the moment and make it seem less important. This attempt will always fail.

There is a solution:

If you suffer from cold sore outbreaks, consider trying the Cold Sore Inhibitor. The Inhibitor is an effective device that helps prevents cold sores from ever appearing when used properly. Read more info about the Cold Sore Inhibitor.