Cold sores are an unsightly condition that affects many people, often causing minor discomfort, and often some mental distress. They are however not unduly dangerous but are always inconvenient and irritating. They are caused by the Herpes Simplex virus and are categorized as HSV-1 or Oral Herpes. In this article we aim to tell you a little bit more about this condition, and will give you some tips on how to get rid of a cold sore fast.
Cold sores are characterized by small fluid filled blisters that form around the lips and sometimes inside the mouth. The first time that you contract an HSV virus, it remains in your bloodstream for the rest of your life, for the most part in a dormant condition, but it may flare up from time to time. If it is the HSV-1 strain, these flare-ups will produce cold sores.
The majority of people do not suffer any symptoms when they first catch the virus (primary infection). However, a small minority (mostly children under the age of 5) may display symptoms which can include: cold sores, sore and swollen gums, sore throat, swollen glands, bad breath, dehydration, excess saliva, or general symptoms rather like the flu.
Once you have contracted virus, there are several possible causes that can lead to outbreaks of cold sores. These can include: fatigue, stress, exposing the lips to strong sunlight, any mouth injury or dental treatment, a bout of fever, or with ladies, their menstruation cycle. A slightly weakened immune system can also allow cold sores to develop, and this weakening can accompany a cold for example, which is why the sores have been nicknamed “cold sores”, They are a frequent nuisance and that is why so many sufferers would like to know how to get rid of a cold sore fast, once it has appeared.
The HSV-1 virus is contagious but can only be transmitted by close personal contact, such as kissing, or by the infected area coming into contact with another part of the body, or of course via one’s hands. The virus invades the upper layer of the skin and burrows into the body system. It is however very rare for pregnant women to pass the infection on to their unborn babies. If in doubt or concerned you should talk to your doctor for advice.
Most of us contract the virus between the ages of 2 to 5, but symptoms do not normally show themselves until after puberty.
The early warning sign of a recurrent outbreak of cold sores is a tingling sensation in the infected area. But a quick diagnosis and early treatment is a possible way of preventing the sores from developing, but if they still do develop, taking this immediate treatment is how to get rid of a cold sore fast.
Many people swear by the use of DMSO applied immediately to the tingling area with a cotton wool pad or bud. There are however several OTC (over the counter) treatments available from pharmacies and chemists that are effective. Once the sores have developed, it is important to maintain good personal hygiene to prevent the sores from spreading to the other parts of the body. It is therefore essential to ensure that you wash your hands after touching or coming into contact with the infected area, and you should use your own private face cloth and towel; however try not to let these come into contact with the infected area; rather, use disposable wipes and cotton wool which should be disposed of immediately after use.
It is said that prevention is better than cure, so here is some basic advice to help prevent catching the virus initially, so with any luck you won’t have to worry about how to get rid of a cold sore fast.
Use a sun blocker to protect your lips from fierce sunshine.
Don’t share anything (including medication) that may be infected with the virus.
Do not kiss anyone who has an outbreak of cold sores.
Do not engage in oral sex.
Outbreaks of HSV-1 sores can last as long as 7/10 days, but as mentioned earlier, immediate treatment with DMSO or an OTC medication is the way to sometimes prevent them from fully developing; but will always be how to get rid of a cold sore fast if one does indeed develop.