Anyone who gets cold sores knows what a pain (literally) they can be. Caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), these uncomfortable lesions on the lips and face can be triggered by stress, such as the onset of a cold or other illness, menstruation, sunburn, fatigue, even emotional trauma. The good news is that cold sores usually go away on their own within 10 days; the bad news is the virus remains dormant in nerve cells, and can reappear to initiate another outbreak. Help lessen the risk of recurrent cold sores with the following:
Avoid foods rich in the amino acid arginine, which can activate the virus. These include chocolate, cola, beer, grain cereals, chicken soup, gelatin, seeds, nuts and peas.
Get a new toothbrush after an outbreak subsides. The virus can live in your toothbrush and re-infect you. Also, help prevent the virus from getting into the toothpaste (and re-infecting you and others in the family) by not touching the brush to the tube.
Always use SPF 15 sunscreen before going out in the sun (summer and winter) and use a lip moisturizer with sunscreen.
Since the HSV is highly contagious, don't kiss or shake hands with anyone who has a cold sore. And avoid these contacts when you have one.
Keep your hands clean by washing them frequently.
Avoid sharing towels and utensils with anyone who has a cold sore.
Managing stress can be a powerful prevention tool as well.
No comments:
Post a Comment