Cold sores: distinguishing fact from fiction!
Cold sores are a common but very unpleasant condition. To help you better understand this disease, we take a look at the myths and truths surrounding it…
Cold sores, what are we talking about?
Cold sores, also called "herpes" or "fever blisters," are a viral disease caused by the herpes simplex virus, type 1 or 2. Herpes on the face is caused by type 1. This virus enters the body through a lesion or mucous membrane and can then remain silent for months or even years.
When the virus wakes up, symptoms appear. You usually feel a sensation of heat and itching. In the hours or days that follow, transparent vesicles form, become opaque, and then empty the fluid they contain. A scab appears and eventually falls off. This cycle of cold sores lasts 10 to 15 days.
These lesions are usually located around the mouth. They can also develop around the nose, inside the mouth, on the forehead or on the cheeks.
The TRUE / FALSE of herpes
Cold sores are always contagious
TRUE – Cold sores are contagious from the moment the tingling begins until the symptoms have completely disappeared. It is possible to infect another person, but also to infect yourself!
Therefore, avoid any close contact with those around you and do not touch your lesions.
Symptoms always appear after contracting the virus
FAKE – According to the WHO , 3.7 billion people carry the herpes virus type 1. However, a large proportion of them will never know that they carry this virus.
In fact, it can remain dormant for a lifetime, without ever causing symptoms.
Alcohol cures cold sores
FAKE – A grandmother's remedy is to apply a compress soaked in alcohol to the lesions.
While this method may dry out the blisters, it does not help the body get rid of the symptoms and may even leave scars.
Herpes never really goes away
TRUE – Once the herpes virus is present in the body, it is impossible to get rid of it. It lodges in the lymph nodes and then enters a “sleep” phase.
It can then cause symptoms punctually. It is often seen to manifest itself during phases of fatigue, stress, or in parallel with another illness weakening the immune defenses.
There are remedies to soothe herpes
TRUE – While it is impossible to get rid of the virus, it is still possible to soothe the symptoms of cold sores. Homeopathy can indeed help you fight the infection.
THE Traumacare Cold Sore Balm , Essencia Solution Essential Oil Blend and the Homeocan Herpes Cream are 3 must-haves. Formulated from perfectly combined homeopathic ingredients, they offer you immediate comfort.
Sun and cold promote healing
FAKE – Like alcohol mentioned above, sun and cold can dry out the blisters, but do not help with healing. Unprotected exposure to UV rays or winter temperatures can even be a factor in worsening symptoms.
Antibiotics are needed to treat cold sores
FAKE – Antibiotics are ineffective against the herpes virus. Your doctor may prescribe an antiviral or painkiller. You can supplement this prescription with a homeopathic treatment.
You are now an expert on cold sores! To soothe the symptoms naturally, adopt the homeopathy reflex as soon as the virus rears its ugly head.