What is a Cold Sore?
A cold sore is a blister filled with fluid that occurs on the outside of the mouth and lips. It affects all genders and all age groups, and once the virus is present, it persists for life with repeated outbreaks.
Symptoms
They can last up to three weeks appearing three to ten days after exposure, and the first sign that you might be getting a cold sore is tenderness to the area, followed by a small bump that develops into a small, painful, fluid-filled blister surrounded by a reddish area. On breaking, the blisters ooze liquid before crusting over, and then they heal. Other symptoms include the swelling of the lymph nodes with associated soreness.
Causes
Cold sores are caused by the Herpes simplex virus and an outbreak can be triggered by many things. Exposure to sun and wind, a depression in the immune system, and catching a cold can often trigger them, as too can other viral infections, menstruation, periods of stress, and generally being run down. The sores are very contagious.
Diet
Eat lots of a fruit, raw vegetables, and yogurt.
Nutritional Supplements
The following information does not constitute a prescription or recommended dose – studies have been conducted using the dosages stated and are included for your information only. The nutrients mentioned here are often recommended by healthcare practitioners.
Lysine is an amino acid that fights the herpes complex. Take 500 mg daily (1) as this inhibits the recurrence of infection in some people (2,3) and fights the virus that causes cold sores. However, the following studies show that lysine may not be effective in the treatment of this condition for various reasons, be it due to dosage or length of trial (4,5,6).
Apply lysine cream to sores as directed on label.
Vitamin E oil applied to the sore will bring about relief if it is painful (7,8). Break open a vitamin E capsule, apply the oil, and leave for 15 minutes.
Zinc cream 9 applied to cold sores as soon as symptoms arise should ensure good results if applied daily to the site where the flare-ups occur (19,11). To use preventatively apply to the area twice a month.
Vitamin B complex is essential for healing and optimum immune function. Take 100-150 mg twice daily.
Herbs
Lemon balm has antiviral properties making it perfect to use on cold sores (12). Look for creams and ointments that contain lemon balm.
Tinctures
Traditional herbal medicine promotes the use of tinctures in the treatment of herpes outbreaks. The alcohol in tinctures helps to dry up the cold sore as well as the healing properties of the herbs that are suspended in it. Check label for direction of use.
The following tinctures are used to treat cold sores: Echinacea, myrrh, chaparral, and goldenseal.
Goldenseal should not be taken on a daily basis for more than one week at a time and should never be used during pregnancy.
Further Information
Check yourself in with an allergy therapist as an immune system that is under pressure can make you more susceptible to cold sores. Low thyroid function can often result in outbreaks so get that checked to if you are very prone to them.
References
- Kagan C. Lysine therapy for Herpes simplex. Lancet 1974;i:137 [letter].
- Flodin NW. The metabolic roles, pharmacology, and toxicology of lysine. J Am Coll Nutr 1997;16:7-21 [review].
- Griffith RS, Norins AL, Kagan C. A multicentered study of lysine therapy in Herpes simplex infection. Dermatologica 1978;156:257-67.
- Milman N, Scheibel J, Jessen O. Lysine prophylaxis in recurrent Herpes simplex labialis: A double blind, controlled crossover study. Acta Derm Venereol 1980;60:85-87.
- DiGiovanna JJ, Blank H. Failure of lysine in frequently recurrent herpes simplex infection. Treatment and prophylaxis. Arch Dermatol 1984;120:48-51.
- Milman N, Scheibel J, Jessen O. Failure of lysine treatment in recurrent Herpes simplex labialis. Lancet 1978;ii:942 [letter].
- Nead DE. Effective vitamin E treatment for ulcerative herpetic lesions. Dental Survey 1976;52:50-51.
- Fink M, Fink J. Treatment of Herpes simplex by alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E). Br Dent J 1980;148:246 [letter].
- Eby GA, Halcomb WW. Use of topical zinc to prevent recurrent herpes simplex infection: Review of literature and suggested protocols. Med Hypoth 1985;17:157-65.
- Brody I. Topical treatment of recurrent Herpes simplex and post-herpetic erythema multiforme with low concentrations of zinc sulphate solution. Br J Derm 1981;104:191-94.
- Apisariyakulm A, Buddhasukh D, Apisariyakul S, et al. Zinc monoglycerolate is effective against oral herpetic sores. Med J Aust 1990;152:54.
- Wöhlbling RH, Leonhardt K. Local therapy of Herpes simplex with dried extract of Melissa officinalis. Phytomedicine 1994;1(1):25-31.