WHAT ARE COLD SORES?

Cold sores are also called fever blisters. Fever blisters are a common viral infection. Cold sores are red, fluid-filled blisters that form near the mouth or on other areas of the face. These blisters are often grouped together in patches. Cold sores usually heal in two to four weeks without leaving a scar. 

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR COLD SORES?

• Infection, fever, or a cold
• Stress
• Sun exposure and severe burns
• Cancer chemotherapy
• Menstruation and eczema
• HIV/AIDS or a weakened immune system
• Dental work
• Anti-rejection drugs for organ transplants

WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF COLD SORES?

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
• Red, irritated eyes with or without discharge.
• High or persistent fever.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF COLD SORES?

• Tingling and itching:- Around the lips many people feel an itching, burning, or tingling sensation for a day or so before a small, hard, painful spot appears and a blister erupts.
• Oozing and crusting:- The small blisters may merge and then burst, leaving shallow open sores that will ooze fluid and then crust over.
• Blister:- Small fluid-filled blisters typically break out along the border where the outside edge of the lips meets the skin of the face. Cold sores also occur around the nose or on the cheeks.
• During the first time, some people also experience fever, painful eroded gums, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF COLD SORES?

• Viral infection or fever 
• Stress and fatigue 
• Changes in the immune system
• Hormonal changes, such as those related to menstruation, exposure to sunlight and wind

DIAGNOSIS OF COLD SORES

Fluid from the sore can be examined to find out if you have a herpes virus called herpes simplex virus (HSV).  This virus causes cold sores thus diagnosis of cold sores can be made.

TREATMENT OF COLD SORES

Treatment for cold sores are antiviral drugs, lip- balms and creams, pain-relieving creams, stress reduction medicines, synthetic beeswax, etc. but these treatments are not permanent and safe. Thus homeopathic treatment is the best treatment for Cold sores to eliminate the virus without side effects.

MANAGEMENT OF COLD SORES

• Avoid skin-to-skin contact with others while blisters are present.
• Keep your hands clean.
• Don’t share items.
• Avoid touching other parts of the body, especially susceptible areas, such as the genitals and eyes 

HOMEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT OF COLD SORES

There are medicines like Natrum mur, Rhus tox, Apis mellifica, Arsenicum album, Borax, Graphites, hepar sulph, etc. But medicine depends on the presentation of the case and should never be taken without consulting a registered homeopath. Homeopathy has a permanent cure for Cold Sores.

DO's AND DON'Ts

Do's

• Avoid skin-to-skin contact with others while blisters are present.
• Keep your hands clean.
• Eat a healthy diet to boost immunity.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Add probiotics to the diet.
• Maintain hygiene.

Don’ts

• Don’t share items.
• Don't rub the sores.