Introduction
Cold Sores are a manifestation of recurrent herpes simplex virus infection around the mouth. They commonly occur on the lips but can appear on other parts of the face such as around the nostrils. They may also appear on the chin, cheek, forehead or eyelids but always on the same or adjacent sites. Cold Sores may also be known as canker sores and fever blisters.
About
Cold Sores affect many people at least once a year. The virus which causes the ailment is called HSV-1 and enters the body through mucous membranes including the mouth and also through injuries to the skin such as cuts and grazes. The virus mimics the normal working of tissue cells and produces copies of itself. These copies are released into the tissue and spread to other cells.
The patient first becomes infected (called the primary infection), usually as a child, from an infected person through contact such as kissing. The virus will then invade neurons in the body and lie dormant until reactivated by trigger factors. These may include ultraviolet rays from the sun, menstruation, stress or illness. Once reactivated the virus travels down the nerve fibre to the skin surface and develops into a Cold Sore. Another reason for Cold Sores may be due to the body having a lowered body defence mechanism because of some other infection e.g. influenza. Cold Sores sometimes can be triggered by excessive ultraviolet rays of the sun. It is suggested to use a strong sun protecting sunscreen on the lips and the nose as they are the main target areas.
The ailment will often appear on the same site and go through the same cycle of a tingling sensation, blister formation, weeping and then crusting of the Cold Sore. The initial stage of tingling may last for some 12 to 24 hours followed by the blister stage which may last between one or two days. The third stage of weeping usually lasts from one to two days and at this stage the skin is starting to repair itself. The final stage of crusting lasts up to one week before the signs of the infection disappear. It is important to leave the Cold Sore alone as scarring may take place if it is disturbed.
Studies suggest that the stage when the infection is most easily transferred to another person is at the weeping stage when the blister bursts and releases the fluid and leaves an open sore. Saliva in an infected person may contain the virus which may be transferred to another person. It is important to be aware of the contagious nature of the Cold Sore virus. Do not rub the eyes after touching a Cold Sore as the virus can cause a serious eye infection. To help avoid transferring the infection to another person do not share eating utensils, do not touch the Cold Sore with towels or face cloths and do not share towels, face cloths, cutlery or crockery.
Health care
As with all conditions your Doctor should be consulted to diagnose and treat this condition. Ask your Doctor about the latest advice on this ailment. There are cold sore creams available which can be used at the first sign of symptoms or if the cold sore has already developed. Ask your Doctor or Pharmacist for advice.
Diet tips
- Increase foods containing lysine e.g., fish (especially halibut, mullet and mackerel), prawns, lamb, milk, poultry, lima beans, yeast and mung beans.
- Decrease foods that contains arginine e.g., peanuts, peanut butter, cashews, pecans, almonds, seeds, peas, lentils, chocolate, cereals (oats, corn , buckwheat and barley) and coconut.
- Avoid refined carbohydrates, sugary foods and saturated fats as these deplete the immune system.
- Include fresh fruits and vegetables, cold-pressed flax seed oil and foods rich in zinc (pumpkin seeds, oysters and sunflower seeds).
Vits/mins/herbs
- Lysine, an amino acid, may be used as a supplement. Studies suggests it helps to reduce the pain of the acute lesion and shortens the life of Cold Sores.
- Vitamin C with bioflavonoids has been shown to be affective against the herpes virus. The tablet or powder may be added to a little water, made into a paste and applied topically to the affected area. This may aid in effective healing of the cold sore.
- Echinacea has been shown to be effective against the herpes virus. Echinacea is also known to enhance the immune system and to protect against infection.
- Vitamin A is an effective inhibitor of herpes virus replication and may also be used for its antioxidant properties.
- Vitamin B12 and folate are required for nervous tissue integrity and may be useful for cold sore infections.
- Hypericum (St John's wort) is recognised for its action against viral infections.
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