Anyone who’s never had the misfortune of suffering a cold sore is lucky to say the least. Especially when compared to those who suffer from them on a regular basis. Though small in size and for the most part of no direct threat to health, cold sores pack a four-way wallop. Not only are they extremely painful, but they’re also unsightly, have a tendency to take a long time to heal and are highly contagious at the same time. So once again, if you’ve never found yourself affected by cold sores, consider yourself one of the lucky ones!
The Warning Signs
As it’s usually possible to note when and where a cold sore is coming in, it’s also possible to begin treating it early on. It’s usually a case of feeling a tell-tale tingling, burning or itch sensation around the mouth, which at the time doesn’t seem to have an obvious cause. It may even feel like you’re headed for a huge zit, but it soon becomes clear that this isn’t the case at all.
Unfortunately, by this stage it’s pretty much a given that you’re getting a cold sore. You can go crazy with the best water flosser of 2016 and up your hygiene regimen all you like, but stopping it from making its presence known is largely out of the question.
But given the fact that stopping a cold sore in its tracks is tricky to say the least, what triggers them in the first place? Assuming you actually have the virus that can result in cold sores, what can prompt them to appear?
- Stress. Well, first of all there’s there the way in which anything that puts pressure on your immune system can increase the likelihood of developing cold sores. And as stress has a direct impact on your immune system, stress can result in cold sores. If you have a lot of stress in your life, this could explain why you suffer more than others.
- UV Rays. The damaging effects of the sun’s rays can also weaken the skin to such an extent that the likelihood of developing cold sores increases. This can be prevented by using the very best sunscreen for lips you can come across, or just keeping your lips in the shade where possible.
- Cold Weather. The winter is the worst season of all for those who suffer from cold sores. As the wind wreaks havoc with the health of your lips and mouth, your natural defences are reduced and cold sores are given every opportunity to pop up. Stay warm, keep covered up and do your best to stay out of biting winds.
- Lack of Sleep. Given the fact that your immune system may also be compromised by a lack of sleep, this is another known trigger of cold sores. If you know you’re not getting enough sleep, this might be a good place to start.
- Other Illnesses. In addition, there are countless illnesses, diseases and chronic conditions that can significantly increase the risk of developing cold sores. As such, it’s always worth speaking to your doctor for advice and guidance.
Dealing with Cold Sores
While it might not be possible to get rid of them before they appear, it’s certainly possible to help speed up the healing process and get rid of them faster. So if you’d prefer not to have that cold sore outstaying its welcome, here’s a quick rundown of a few tips from the experts on getting the job done right:
- First of all, the key to preventing a cold sore becoming any worse than it needs to be lies in acting early. Just as soon as you note that first tingle or burning sensation, this is the time to hit it with a quality product – Zovirax, for example. The longer you leave it, the harder it will be to treat and eliminate.
- Make sure your oral hygiene regimen is up to scratch and that you are keeping things as clean as possible. Use the best electric toothbrush dentists recommend, quality mouthwash and floss regularly.
- Given the fact that your overall health and strength will play a key role in determining how fast the cold sore heals, you might want to think about looking after yourself a little better. This means eating a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, in order to provide your body with the nutrients it needs. In addition, hydrate well at all times to prevent your skin from getting too dry and stay active.
- As already touched upon, the importance of using sun block when out and about cannot be overstated. Both prior to developing a cold sore and while you’re painfully aware of its presence, you need to do your best to protect it from harmful UV rays.
- Sleep can be your best friend when it comes to this kind of health complaint that’s related to your immune system. So if nothing else, you have the perfect excuse to indulge in a little more sleep than you normally might!
- Keeping the area around the cold sore as clean as possible is a must, as any additional bacteria or germs that make their way in there are not going to help things. In addition, you need to be mindful when it comes to touching the sore with your hands, only ever doing so when you have thoroughly washed and sanitised your hands in full.
- Unfortunately, kissing is well and truly out of the question until your cold sore disappears, as the last thing you want is to pass the virus on to someone else. As such, sharing cups, bottles and so on should also be avoided for the time being.
- Last but not least, if you’re really suffering, or in any way worried or would simply like to destroy the thing as soon as possible, make an appointment with your doctor. Alternatively, go speak to a pharmacist and ask for their own advice as to the very best products available to you.
