What is cold sores or herpes simplex
Cold sores or simplex, which some familiarly call “lip fever”, is an infection caused by the HSV-1 virus (or simplexvirus). Simplex virus type 1 causes not only oral-facial infections but also encephalitis (from neonatal infection). It is a latent type virus: once it is contracted it settles in the organism (nerve ganglia) and remains there forever, remaining latent and awakening from time to time. What are the causes of cold sores or simplex
The main causes of the awakening of the virus, with the consequent symptoms are
- Stress, both physical and emotional
- Fever
- Viral infections such as the flu or cold
- Immunosuppression (momentary or chronic)
- Exposure to ultraviolet light (sunlight, tanning lamps)
- Skin lesions
- Cold, wind
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Allergy
- Metabolic or endocrine diseases (obesity, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, etc.)
How cold sores or simplex is transmitted
All types of HSV (therefore also HSV-1) must come into contact with mucous membranes or with skin lesions to infect. An infected person can be the vehicle without realizing it and in the absence of symptoms. What are the symptoms of cold sores or simplex
The herpes simplex virus has an average incubation of 4 days. However, the viral excretion phase (ie the outflow of the product of the infection) occurs after about 20 days.
Herpes simplex typically strikes
- Lip
- Mouth and gums (sometimes throat)
- Nose or other parts of the face such as around the eyes.
The most common symptoms of herpes are
- In the initial phase , i.e. before the blisters appear: local tingling, burning, tingling, pain
- Formation of fluid-filled blisters
- Laceration of the vesicles, leakage of the liquid and subsequent formation of crusts
- After about a week to ten days, the lesions disappear.
Other symptoms, more typical of a first onset of infection, especially in children are
- Fever, even high
- Sore throat
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Exhaustion
- Headache
How a diagnosis of cold sores or simplex is obtained
The diagnosis is made by the doctor, even if only by observing the symptoms. In some cases, in vitro cell cultures can be used to ascertain its presence to isolate the virus. Another test is that of the PCR (polymerase chain reaction), or polymerase chain reaction, in which the DNA positivity of the virus is analyzed. How to cure cold sores or simplex
The remedies for cold sores or simplex can be different, both between traditional treatments and natural remedies. It must be said that any treatment does not eliminate the virus, which once settled in the body remains there for life. The treatments “cure” the acute manifestation. Traditional cures for herpes
Among the pharmacological treatments, the most used are antiviral drugs such as aciclovir (an inhibitor of the DNA synthesis of the virus), penciclovir, valaciclovir and famciclovir. They are usually effective in reducing symptoms and fighting acute infection – especially when it is quite severe. However they are not free from side effects, such as sensitization. Natural remedies for herpes
There are also several natural remedies and cures. Let’s see some of them.
- Melissa. Lemon balm is a bitter enemy of cold sores. It is used in mother tincture to be applied locally on the vesicles. Acting in time, at the first signs of “tingling” it can also block the excretion. Similarly, you can use Thyme tincture (which however is stronger and can burn a little).
- Honey. Honey has hygroscopic properties, so it helps to soothe the discomfort of the vesicles, making them dry out sooner. Plus it soothes skin inflammation.
- Lemon. Lemon also has disinfectant properties that accelerate the formation of crusts. The juice is applied locally.
- Vinegar. Like lemon juice, it has disinfectant properties and favors the formation of crusts.
- Aloe. Aloe gel applied locally also helps fight infection, soothe discomfort and heal lesions earlier.
- You. Among the natural remedies, there is also tea, which with its tannins is believed to be active against cold sores. Local compresses are made several times a day.
- Toothpaste. More than natural, it is considered a folk remedy: applying some toothpaste paste topically is believed to clear the infection first. Not everyone agrees, however what is certain is that it gives a refreshing sensation that can at least soothe the discomfort a little.
- Other remedies. For those who do not have time or desire to apply the aforementioned remedies, in the pharmacy or herbalist’s shop there are preparations with natural remedies already ready for use, in the form of ointments, ointments, patches and so on.
