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Three Laws to Know When Working With Cold Sores

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Cold sores are not fun for anyone and they do concern a lot of people despite the rarity of them developing into a serious health issue. Most of the time they are nothing more than an annoyance and a potentially embarrassing blemish. However, when it comes to going to work with a visible cold sore there are things people should remember.

Respect its Contagious Nature

HSV-1 is one of the most contagious diseases spread among the human population. There are wide ranging estimates that state as much as 40-80 percent of the adults in the world already have the virus in their system. However, that means there are people that have avoided the virus and want to stay away from it. Anyone with a cold sore has a responsibility to be cautious in all work settings to do what they can to not spread the condition. This means keeping their hands off their face, frequent hand washing and not sharing anything that has touched their mouth.

Avoid Those at Risk

Daycare workers, health care providers and teachers are all examples of people that come into close contact with many young people. Babies and toddlers are extremely vulnerable to the virus and it can be deadly to them. Another group that is susceptible to serious complications from HSV-1 are the elderly and people with compromised immune systems. Home caregivers and health care workers, as well as anyone working with the elderly or the ill in any capacity, should always wear a face mask when possible. Avoid work while the sores are contagious if wearing a face mask is not possible.

Get it Under Control

Reduce the potential for spreading the virus by getting cold sore outbreaks under control. Sunlight and stress are common triggers that produce more frequent outbreaks. Learning personal triggers and managing them may cut down the number of cold sores that develop. Preventative options like taking zinc and Vitamin C may help as well. The Inhibitor is a device that has been proven to shorten outbreaks and even stop the development of the sores if used when the tingling or burning sensation first begins.

No one wants to miss out on anything in their lives because of a cold sore. Work is even more concerning than social events since it is how people earn a living. This is why understanding causes and treatment options are so important. Every case is a little different, but by paying attention to when outbreaks occur and learning more about preventative measures it is possible to have a life that is not ruled by cold sores.

If you suffer from chronic cold sore outbreaks then look into buying The Inhibitor. It’s a non-invasive and prescription-free device that helps prevent cold sores from ever breaking out.

Five Real-life Lessons About Cold Sore Outbreaks

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Everyone has heard the dire warnings of strange illnesses caused by seemingly minor incidents. Cold sore sufferers are no different. Most have read about or been told directly of the need to be cautious during outbreaks for the fear of contracting an infection or spreading the virus. The most severe threats are rare but genuine. Here are some real-life examples of why it is important to take cold sores seriously.

Risk of Scarring

Scars are not a life or death issue but they do cause distress. No one wants a constant reminder of past outbreaks. Luckily, there are ways to avoid them and treatments that eliminate or reduce their appearance. Avoid scarring by not picking at the sore or getting medical assistance quickly if an infection is suspected. Laser cosmetic treatments and other non-invasive methods are available for scar removal.

Embarrassment of Whitlow

Herpetic Whitlow is an odd and uncomfortable condition that includes swelling, blisters and pain in the finger or toes. The skin condition is commonly known as “Whitlow finger” because this is where it is most often seen. It is caused by HSV-1 and is a good example of why it is important to not poke and prod cold sore blisters. Approximately 2 percent of the population worldwide experiences this problem each year.

Frustration of Symptoms

In a documented medical case a 65-year-old woman repeatedly visited her doctor complaining of an unbearable burning sensation in her mouth that would go away for a while and return for no discernable reason. Test after test revealed nothing. The stumped medical professionals included her primary care physician, a dentist and an oral surgeon. Finally, it was discovered that the woman had HSV-1. Her doctor tested her saliva and despite having no lesions throughout this ordeal it was revealed that extremely high levels of the virus were in her mouth. She was given an antiviral medication to reduce the problem and eliminate the pain.

Fear of Infection

Infected cold sores are not only a concern because of the potential for scarring. In some rare cases, it has led to death or near-death experiences. An encephalitis diagnosis on a 59-year-old man involved in a vehicle accident revealed why the man blacked out and flipped his truck. The infection was determined to have come from the cold sore virus. The man has since recovered suffering now from only some memory-related issues. However, it was months of experiencing extreme fatigue and flu-like symptoms before he felt healthy again.

Anguish of Loss

The most concerning reality are the dangers of exposing the virus to infants. In one incident a premature baby received a kiss from his loving father and died weeks later of multiple organ failures. The cause of the death was the HSV-1 virus. His delicate body was unable to withstand the infection. In another case, a very healthy twelve-day-old British girl also died in a similar manner. Her case began with a little fussiness and cold-like symptoms a day before.

The most severe incidents are unusual but they happen. The fact that the risk is there means that cold sore sufferers must be careful to avoid harming themselves or others. Knowing how to reduce the risk by staying healthy and eating right are both vital steps, as is owning and using a device like “The Inhibitor” to prevent cold sore outbreaks and the worries that come with them.

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.

Seven Unexpected Facts About Cold Sores

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Long term cold sore sufferers know everything there is to know about the embarrassment, discomfort and frustration of dealing with an outbreak. That does not mean that they actually know everything about the virus, what it is capable of and its lengthy history. It is not necessary to know all of these things to manage chronic cold sores, but it never hurts to have all the facts.

#1. It is an ancient problem.

The Greek physician Hippocrates passed away nearly 2,400 years ago. He was the first person known to document the misery of cold sores. Little was understood about the lesions at that time. Herpes is a Greek word meaning “to creep or crawl” and it was chosen by Greek scholars to describe the contagious sores.

#2. Cold sores can spread to any part of the body.

Anyone with an active cold sore should be aware that they can cause their partners to develop a lesion on any spot of skin they allow to come in contact with the sore.

#3. Cosmetic procedures may lead to massive outbreaks.

Many people have heard the warning about cold sores and chemical peels. They may not realize that this warning should also include cosmetic injections, microdermabrasion and laser resurfacing. Any treatment that disturbs the skin could lead to an outbreak. This is why cold sore sufferers should always use a plastic surgeon or dermatologist for cosmetic treatments and should discuss their previous outbreaks with their doctor prior to any procedure.

#4. Flu-like symptoms often accompany a pending outbreak.

The familiar tingling pain on the lip that cold sore sufferers recognize as a sore developing is not the only potential warning signal. Flu-like symptoms like a sore throat, swollen glands or fever may also be present. These symptoms will often disappear after the sore develops.

#5. An emergency doctor visit may be necessary.

Resolving most outbreaks may require nothing more than the use of “The Inhibitor” or an anesthetic cream. Unfortunately, some lesions become infected and require an antibiotic to treat. The fluid in cold sores is normally thin and watery. If it thickens it means bacteria is present. A fever with pain or redness in the eye during an outbreak should also be taken seriously.

#6. There are pregnancy risks.

Cold sores often appear more frequently in women suffering from hormonal fluctuations. This is why women that occasionally suffer a cold sore may suddenly see them consistently popping up during their pregnancy. This is not an issue to ignore. HSV-1 has been identified as a cause of an increased risk of premature labor and miscarriages and may affect prenatal growth. The risk is small but worrisome enough that it must be discussed with an obstetrician.

#7. They go by many names.

Cold sores are frequently referred to as fever blisters. They are known to doctors as Herpes Labialis, Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 or the abbreviated version, HSV-1. Many sufferers also have a few profane names of their own that they use for the annoying blemishes. One name that is not used, or should not be, is canker sore. Many people mistakenly confuse canker sores and cold sores. These two lesions are entirely different with unique causes and treatments.

If you get cold sore outbreaks consider getting The Inhibitor, an effective device that helps prevent cold sores from breaking out.

Five Real-Life Lessons About Cold Sore Outbreaks

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Cold sores are painful, embarrassing and frustrating but they are usually nothing more than a temporary complication. Understanding more about why they happen and what may stop them is the only way to manage a chronic condition. Nearly everyone has the virus that causes the blemishes but only a minority of that group actually experiences regular outbreaks. Here are some valuable lessons for those unfortunate souls as well as the occasional sufferers.

Cold sores are not actually out to get certain people.

It will seem that way. First date? Cold sore. Important business meeting? Cold sore. Getting married? Cold sore. Every important moment can seem marred by the appearance of the stinging blisters. So, while it may seem as if this is a plague sent by an angry God – it is not. Think about what all of these types of events have in common. It is stress. One of the most common cold sore triggers is stress. Learning to identify triggers like this can help to avoid future outbreaks.

There is nothing wrong with people that get cold sores or with their hygiene.

Perfectly normal, healthy and clean people still get cold sores. This is more important for the people that never get the lesions to remember more than the actual sufferers. Cold sores are something that anyone is at risk of getting and it is really just a lottery pick about who actually does. Unfortunately, the prize in this lottery is a weeping sore and not a lifetime of soup.

They did not kiss the wrong person.

People love to use this as a way to shame people for their “naughty” behavior when a cold sore appears. No, they did not lock lips with the wrong person. Okay, they probably did at some point in their lives, but that is totally unrelated to the cold sore. The majority of people actually catch the virus in early childhood. So, maybe they did get it through a kiss from their mom and it is always right to let your mom give you a kiss.

Doctors help but there may be a better solution.

Prescription medications numb the pain and shave a couple days off the life of the cold sore. Some preventative treatments that are available without a prescription may stop the lesion from forming at all. The Inhibitor is a device that uses a small electrical charge to interrupt blemish growth and it has been an effective tool for many long term sufferers. In addition, balancing the diet, reducing stress and cutting sun exposure may also reduce the frequency of outbreaks.

Cold sores are contagious and people need to be cautious around infants during an outbreak.

Cold sores are contagious to everyone but babies are the most likely to become seriously ill from the virus. Holding the child (with clean hands only) is acceptable. Giving them a peck on the cheek is not. This same guideline is also true with people that do not have a healthy immune system.

Seven Celebrities That Have Cold Sores Too

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Cold sores are a problem that affects men and women of every age. HSV-1, the virus that causes cold sores, is an equal opportunity nuisance. When an outbreak occurs it is difficult for anyone to feel attractive let alone actually glamorous. Maybe that is why it is hard to imagine any Hollywood celebrities suffering from this common disease. No matter how elite or perfect they may seem in glossy magazine and on the screen, celebrities really are only human. To prove that point here is a list of seven well-known faces that are subject to the same frustrating skin condition as many everyday Americans.

Alexa Chung

British Fashion Model and TV Personality
Modeling is not a profession that allows much imperfection and Alexa Chung is very careful to always present her best image when in public. It was for this reason she wrote an article about her cold sores and how they affect her life. She admits her embarrassment of her outbreaks has prevented her from leaving her home at times. However, she has also proven that it is possible to live an exceptonal life even with cold sores. She still models, is honest with people when an outbreak is underway to prevent spreading the virus and has managed to snag herself a very handsome high-profile boyfriend, Alexander Skarsgard.

Victoria Beckham

Fashion Designer and Former Spice Girl
Beckham is not the sort to ever look anything but fashionable and gorgeous. After all, she was not given the name “Posh Spice” for nothing. However, photos taken of her attempting to shield her cold sore from the paparazzi proved that even the posh are at risk of cold sores. That outbreak began after a long week of partying and other occasions when cold sores were obvious it was when she was known to be suffering with cold or flu viruses. This is clear proof that allowing the immune system to get run down often leads to an outbreak.

Lindsay Lohan

Actress
Before the filming of Scary Movie 5 Lindsay Lohan made headlines when she refused to kiss Charlie Sheen in the film. She feared contracting cold sores from him because of his reputation. Unfortunately, whether it was Sheen or someone else, Lohan was still exposed. Photos have shown her in mid-outbreak and gossip tabloids have stated that they tend to happen in sync with her menstrual cycle. That is more information than anyone needs to know, but it is true that many cold sore outbreaks are caused by hormonal changes.

Rihanna

Singer and Songwriter
In addition to suffering from cold sores, Rihanna is also in the middle of a strange lawsuit regarding HSV-1. The singer has never denied her cold sore problem and has been photographed with the sores showing prominently. A lawsuit was not filed against Rihanna, but listed MAC Cosmetics as the defendant. A woman alleges she was approached by a representative of the cosmetic company during a Rihanna concert with a tube of lipstick the singer had endorsed. The representative had the woman apply the lipstick to test the shade. She agreed and within a few days was diagnosed with HSV-1. Apparently the representative had only one tube of the lipstick and encouraged multiple people in the audience to use it. Yet another reason why people should never share makeup, utensils or drinking containers with anyone else.

Brad Pitt

Actor and Producer
A-list superstar and husband to equally A-list Angelina Jolie has been known to have HSV-1 for over 20 years. It is pretty easy to see that the condition has not cost him any acting roles or fans. There is no word on exactly where he may have contracted the virus, but reports all agree that it happened long before his relationship with Jennifer Aniston.

David Beckham

Former Soccer Star
It should come as no surprise that Beckham would suffer from HSV-1 considering his wife has been spotted with the condition too. Cold sores are incredibly contagious and not contracting the virus when someone in the home has it is nearly impossible over time. Most reports claim he did contract the virus from his wife Victoria.

Bill Clinton

Former President
President Clinton’s past is often deemed as the reason for his outbreak, but despite his apparent indiscretions this was not how he came to have the virus. Clinton, according to lifelong friends, suffered from cold sores since childhood and has experienced the occasional outbreak throughout his life.

The Internet hack of Sony pictures revealed a lot of juicy information the company was not thrilled to have made public. One of these tidbits was the form that actors were required to complete. The Cold Sore Questionnaire was deemed offensive to some, so much so that one actor refused to complete it. It was also discovered through the leak that one actress, who remained unnamed, did have the virus. The company policy required that anyone testing positive must be under prescription treatment and provide proof their condition was under control before filming.

Treating Cold Sores: The Worst Advice We Have Ever Heard

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A quick Google search will reveal a solution for any problem. Bad breath? Solved. Headaches? No problem. Cancer? Easily fixed. It is possible to find answers to many problems online, but everyone has to be careful before they try any solutions. There are many that will do more harm than good. Obviously, a life-threatening health crisis requires professional medical treatment, but even less serious health concerns are made worse with some of the “remedies” suggested. Here are some of the worst we have found for dealing with cold sores.

Popping the Blister
This is the most common “treatment” used and it is one of the most dangerous. First, the human body behaves a certain way for a reason. The fluid inside a blister and the layer of skin holding the fluid in are both protecting the sensitive new skin underneath. Popping the blister exposes the skin before it is ready and increases the risk of a secondary infection. Secondly, the fluid contains the virus that causes cold sores. Popping a blister increases the chance of additional sores and makes it easy to spread the virus to others.

Using Polish Remover
Many swear by applying nail polish remover to a cold sore to dry it out faster. This tip includes two bad ideas. One is popping the blister (see above) and the other is applying the polish remover to the raw lesion. Not only will this hurt tremendously, it is also risky for the skin. Nail polish remover is acetone and this chemical absorbs oils from the skin, leaving it red, itchy and chapped. The already uncomfortable and damaged skin around the cold sore will only hurt more and it may require longer to heal.

Lighting a Match
This advice directs people to light a match, blow it out and press it onto the cold sore. There is no science or sense in this suggestion. In addition, cold sores often cause a painful burning sensation. Why would anyone want to make it worse?

Using Bodily Fluids
These next two pieces of advice win for being the most disgusting suggestions. Treating cold sores naturally is appealing to many people, but using ear wax or urine is just a little too natural. American research studies have shown that ear wax (cerumen) has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties, but cold sores are caused by a virus and not a bacteria or fungus. The wax does shield the sore and that shielding may help the healing process. However, petroleum jelly or lip balm will do the same. Many websites claim that cerumen has been proven by Russian scientists to be a cure for herpes sores, but no evidence of these studies has been found. As for urine, it does contain urea and that is an ingredient used in cold sore medications. However, it is not the only ingredient medications contain and urea is not all that is in urine. Cold sores already cause enough embarrassment. Do people really want to also walk around with urine and ear wax smeared on their face?

There are no cures for cold sores, but there are legitimate treatments that prevent them from forming and heal faster those that do form. These remedies are not disgusting or painful. There is no reason for anyone to take risks with their health when safe, clinically-proven solutions are available.

Join the tens of thousands who have tried the Cold Sore and Viral Inhibitor to help prevent their cold sores from breaking out. These Inhibitors do not require prescriptions, drugs, creams or ointments and are an non-invasive solution to cold sore outbreaks.

What Holds People Back From Fixing Their Cold Sore Outbreaks?

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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.