Stress also causes cold sores to bloom.
In itself, the evil is harmless, therapy with antivirals can reduce itching and pain by 20 to 30 percent. However, this means that only the symptoms are treated. Once you get it, the plague keeps coming back unless you do something to boost your immune system and change your habits.
Why does cold sore develop?
It is obvious that alcohol, cigarettes and radical diets weaken the immune system. A healthy lifestyle with plenty of exercise in the fresh air provides power for the immune system. Cycling, walking or brisk walks at least three times a week activate the immune cells. Regular exercise is also a tried and tested remedy for stress, which promotes cold sores. Those affected know: The more rushed they feel, the more frequently the ugly blisters appear. A good work-life balance often acts like a medicine.
Can you prevent cold sores?
Fresh air is important because of the cold-warm temperature stimuli. The body also learns to adapt to temperature changes through alternating footbaths or saunas, this hardening prevents infections.
The white blood cells (leukocytes), a kind of disease eater, play a key role in the immune system. Their number can be increased with a healthy diet. A lot of fresh food with fiber and few carbohydrates, little sugar and fish instead of red meat should be on the plate. Fast food is bad, and so is being overweight.
This helps against cold sores
Many know them, the unpleasant blisters on the lips. With these home remedies, they declare war on herpes.
Many know them, the unpleasant blisters on the lips. With these home remedies, they declare war on herpes.
This is what you need to know about herpes
Herpes is an infectious disease caused by viruses. The most common type of infection is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and a distinction is made between type 1 and type (HSV1 and HSV2). HSV1, for example, causes cold sores and HSV2 is responsible for genital herpes.
How do you get herpes?
People who become infected with the herpes virus will keep the virus in their body for life and it can reactivate at any opportunity. One is most often infected with herpes through mucosal contact, eg during intimate contact, drinking or speaking, it can also be transmitted from mother to newborn child. Herpes viruses can survive outside the body for up to 48 hours in a humid environment.
However, herpes is only contagious during primary infection or reactivation. The period between infection and illness can last from 3 to 7 days.
Cold sore symptoms
The typical signs of an infection are painful cold sores on the lips or in the nose. In the case of the primary infection, those affected can also get general symptoms such as nausea, fever or headaches, especially if they are sick for the first time. With further outbreaks of herpes you usually get blisters and swellings that hurt and itch.
When does herpes break out?
Herpes viruses can be activated by the following factors:
• Cold, flu, fever
• Physical or psychological stress
• Taking certain medications, such as cortisone or antibiotics
• Excessive exposure to UV light from the sun or solarium
• Hormonal changes or menstruation
• Injuries and wounds
• Dental treatments
• Immunodeficiency diseases, HIV
• For various food allergies
treatment of herpes
There is no complete cure for the infection, the disease can always be reactivated once you have the virus in your body. The virus is particularly aggressive in young people and children.
You can relieve pain and inflammation with different means, for example, thanks to antiviral ointments, the course of the disease is shortened. For longer infections, tablets with antiviral agents such as aciclovir or valaciclovir are also prescribed.
prophylaxis and prevention
A weak immune system is often one of the reasons for an infection. A healthy lifestyle, a diet rich in vitamins, little alcohol, sufficient sleep and avoiding stress are the basis for strong immunity. It is important to avoid direct infection, eg always practice safe sex with condoms during sexual intercourse (including oral sex). If the partner has an acute infection, it is better to abstain from intercourse altogether.
Kissing with herpes
When kissing makes you sick: According to scientists, the emergence of the kiss as a new custom could have promoted the spread of the oral herpes virus. This is transmitted through the mouth.
One of the most famous kissing pictures in the world – including the future wife on it.
Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images
When kissing makes you sick: According to scientists, the emergence of the kiss as a new custom could have promoted the spread of the oral herpes virus. This is transmitted through the mouth.