By educating and empowering Young Girls and Women with the Truth behind Cold Sores, I believe that we can eliminate the stigma attached to getting the virus.
And if you have or has had a cold sore, you are actually among the majority of people in the U.S. and worldwide, not the minority!
What is a cold sore or a fever blister?
A cold sore oral is a common infection of the mouth area that is caused by virus called herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1).
Who get cold sores?
According to the National Institutes of Health, 50 to 80% of U.S. adults have oral herpes, and about 90% of adults have been exposed to the virus by age 50.
Most people get cold sores during infancy and childhood, and once an individual is infected, he/she will have herpes simplex virus for the rest of his or her life. Most of the time, the virus lies inactive in a group of nerve cells. Some people never develop any symptoms from the HSV-1 virus, but others have periodic outbreaks with symptoms.
What are the symptoms?
The initial infection also called the primary infection is usually the worst. It may cause severe, flu-like symptoms and headache, with cold sores occurring on and around the lips and throughout the mouth. However, some people have no symptoms at all.
The recurring infections are usually milder, and the cold sores usually erupt on the edges of the lips. Some people never have any additional outbreaks beyond the initial infection.
Most common signs and symptoms of a recurring cold sore are:
Itching, tingling in the area where the cold sore will erupt
Initial redness, swelling, heat/pain.
Fluid-filled blisters may appear on the lips or under the nose a couple of days following the initial signs described above. Subsequently, the fluid will leak and the blisters become sores.
!!!The fluid and blisters are highly contagious.!!!
After about 4 to 6 days, the sores will start to crust over and heal.
What can trigger the recurrence of cold sores?
Several factors may cause oral herpes to recur. These include:
- Emotional stress
- Fatigue
- Menstruation
- Excessive sunlight or cold weather
- Dental Trauma
- Low Immune System
Recurrent outbreaks tend to be more common in the first year after the initial episode, and then lessen as the body builds antibodies against the HSV-1 virus
How to prevent cold sores?
The best method of prevention is to avoid physical contact with a person who is showing signs of an outbreak, since oral herpes spreads through direct and physical contact such as kissing, skin on skin interaction, sharing drinks, sharing lip balms.
How to treat cold sores?
Currently, there is no cure for cold sores but you can treat the symptoms by following these simples steps:
-Keeping the infected area clean and dry.
-Moisturizing helps to heal the cold sore faster .
-Using an over-the-counter topical anesthetics and/or anti-inflammatory agents helps alleviate cold sore pain and itching.
Aubio is an effective over-the-counter gel that provides fast healing relief from pain and discomfort associated with cold sores/fever blisters.
Aubio's unique formulation combines a protectant (Allantoin) and a local anesthetic (Lidocaine HCl).
Aubio can be easily found at Rite Aid, Bed Bath and Beyond, Supervalu and other independent pharmacies and fine retailers.
When it comes to relieving cold sores symptoms, it's all about timing and it is very important to act during the very first sign of a cold sore. So my advice is to keep Aubio with you at all times (e.g. in your purse, sport bag, car, work office...) and apply it as soon as you feel a tingling or burning sensation on your lips.
Your health care provider may also recommend prescription medications based on your age and overall health, frequency of the recurrent outbreaks, tolerance for specific medicines (e.g. allergy to lidocaine). These include:
- Applying antiviral topical ointments.
- Taking antiviral oral medications.
We've partnered with @Aubio to bring you this post! #AubioFirstSign #wintercare #ColdSoreRemedy #lipcare #Coldsores #ColdSoreAwareness
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