Medical News today published an informative article explaining different things you can do to prevent cold sores, as well as protect yourself and others form getting them.  You can blame cold sores on the herpes simplex one virus, and is usually contracted at a young age.  It then spreads in the host’s saliva or mucus.  It’s bad enough you have deal with the embarrassment and pain, but there are some simple rules to live by which may prevent the spread of cold sores to others and keep your breakouts to a minimum!

How to Protect Others:

• Change your toothbrush and towels regularly.  Do not share.
• Do not share eating or drinking utensils (cups, glasses, forks etc.)
• Avoid kissing anyone, especially babies or young children.
• Wash your hands frequently
• Do not rub your eyes.

Come to think of it, besides the no kissing part, these are things that everyone should be doing, but if you do have cold sore problems, make sure you stand by these rules religiously!
There are also some things you can do to help prevent and treat existing cold sores.  If you know one is coming, you can treat it before it appears!  Abbrevia works really well, it stops the process dead in its nasty tracks!  Also, try not to think about it.  Stress has a lot to do with cold sore outbreaks, if you do get a cold sore, worrying about it will only make it worse!

To Treat a Cold Sore:
• Immediately use some sort of natural formula made from essential oils, these have proven to be very beneficial.
• A non-prescription pain killer will help the pain and the swelling
• Do NOT lick or touch the affected area!  Keep it dry and clean.  Even an alcohol solution may help, but it will probably sting terrifically!
• Use a moist tea bag, the tannic acid provides anti-viral properties.
• You can also ice it every 10 or 15 minutes.
• You should also avoid eating acetic foods (grape fruit, lemons)
• Always protect the area from harsh environmental factors like the wind and sun.

As with anything else, your best bet in prevention is a healthy lifestyle and diet.  Strengthen your immune system and stay out of the sun!  Medical News Today says, “essential oils [have] also been found to be very helpful when applied on a daily basis.  This assists in controlling recurring outbreaks by strengthening the immune system and helping cleanse the system of viral disease.”

Suggested Natural Product: Amoils

[ Via MedicalNewsToday.com ]

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