The Best Treatment for Cold Sores and Herpes Simplex
If you have ever had a cold sore, you can only hope you never
get anther one. We are hoping to provide you with some useful
information about what they are, how you get them and some
preventative measures you can take to avoid them. Core sores are
infections that can occur around or in the mouth. Also referred
to herpes simplex, there are 2 strains known as type 1 and type
2. Cold sores are most often caused by type 1 or HSV-1. Type 2
or HSV-2 is most often related to genital herpes where blisters
form in the genital area.
Cold sores can easily be transmitted between people through
saliva or some other direct contact. Blisters often form on the
lips and or inside the mouth. These can frequently turn into
painful ulcers that make gums turn red and swell. Some people
can suffer from fever, muscle aches, swollen neck glands and
irritability when they get a cold sore. They can last anywhere
from 3 days to 2 weeks depending on treatment. Herpes simplex
type 2 or genital herpes is transmitted sexually. The genital
area becomes sore, itchy, tender and just plain painful. Visual
signs are blisters on the penis or on the vagina area. These
blisters soon turn into painful sores that can last up to 3
weeks.
Cold sores can often appear if one is under stress, is getting a
cold or other virus, is exposed to long periods of sunlight, is
pregnant or after a tooth has been pulled. If you find you are
prone to getting a cold sore, the best prevention is to keep
your stress level down as much as possible, get lots of rest if
you start feeling under the weather and make sure to use a
strong SPF sunscreen lip balm when outdoors. Also, avoid kissing
anyone who has one! The best prevention for herpes simplex type
2 is for you to wear a latex condom if you are the male or
insist your partner wears one if you are the female.