Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Get Rid of a Cold Sore in a Hurry

Get rid of a cold sore in a hurry?

Not difficult at all if you use the information below.

Many companies are working on a reliable way to get rid of a cold sore.

Unfortunately there hasn't been any significant breakthrough in the past 10 years or so, that could be consistently counted on to get rid of a cold sore - at least from the drug companies.

There are 6,301,618,000 people now on earth, according to my World Almanac. And, according to health watchdogs, it is estimated that 90% of these folks are infected with the herpes simplex type 1 or type 2 virus. Basically this means pretty much everybody carries the virus (except that one aborigine tribe that hasn't seen another human being ever :-).

More than half of these folks will suffer at least one cold sore outbreak this year. That is a lot of "customers" looking for a solution to get rid of a cold sore. If you were a big drug company, and had the FDA in bed with you, imagine the billions of potential dollars for a simple thing like a drug to get rid of a cold sore.

The drug companies are definitely working on it, but what they have given us so far doesn't even work as well as the home remedies we used 50 years ago on the farm in rural Wisconsin.
Quite likely you have a cold sore right now and are in search of immediate relief. Hopefully this article will give you some helpful answers you need.

There are many ways to get rid of a cold sore - some work better than others of course. Some just don't seem to do anything at all.

To get rid of a cold sore in a hurry, use a cold sore treatment that is applied directly to the cold sore and fever blister area. This is called a topical remedy. That is one advantage to getting rid of a cold sore - you can directly attack the virus that is causing it. In comparison, a head or chest cold, or the flu, can only be treating by slow oral remedies or shots.

You may want to take your favorite pain and fever medicine, to help be more comfortable and sleep better at night. This won't speed healing but at least makes the cold sore less of a burden. Symptoms include fever, pain and swollen lymph nodes under the jaw - if the sore is on the lip.

Many of the over-the-counter remedies contain a numbing agent, like phenol, and maybe an anti-bacterial ingredient to prevent a secondary bacteria infection. They may also contain lysine or zinc - two quite popular ingredients these days for getting rid of a cold sore.

Lysine has proven to be a powerful remedy against a virus infection and is used by many to get rid of a cold sore - or prevent one. Lysine works best as an oral cold sore treatment.

From studies I've seen, and personal observance, people who take lysine supplements or eat lysine rich foods get rid of a cold sore much more quickly, and get cold sore outbreaks less often. Also very effective against cold and flu bouts.

As for putting it directly on the cold sore, I have not seen great results. May be different for you. "Lysine Plus" by Quantum is the best lysine product out there designed to get rid of a cold sore - if you want to give it a try. Most often found in vitamin stores. Lysine does not absorb well through an open cold sore.

ZINC is called the healing mineral, and rightly so. Zinc has proven to be anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and extremely helpful from prostate problems to thinning hair and cold sores. Zinc, used in the proper form and applied directly to cold sores and fever blisters, can get rid of cold sores in half your normal time.

There are two forms of zinc that you should consider using to get rid of a cold sore. Most zinc based remedies, like Novitra, uses a sulfur/zinc molecule combination that offers much better absorption, both internally and through an external sore, than most forms of zinc. Novitra is a good product but isn't cheap at $13.00 for a mere quarter ounce.

Zinc sulfate is not expensive so there is no reason for the high price.

In my opinion, and experience, a better choice for a zinc based remedy is a form of zinc provided by a product called "Zicam". This is zinc gluconate - a zinc/glucose molecule.

An excellent treatment for cold sores and fever blisters is the form of zinc called "zinc gluconate". This is zinc attached to glucose molecules and is excellent at penetrating the mucus membrane - such as an open cold sore, in the nose, mouth, or other areas where skin is not a barrier.

(It is shown to enter the bloodstream in mere seconds of applying inside the nose.)

Zinc gluconate is readily available in a product called "Zicam". With Zicam you get a half ounce for about $7.95 and it is available about anywhere. I generally find it in drug stores or Kmart around the cold and flu remedies.

It is very good at preventing and curing head colds, flu, and to get rid of a cold sore too.

(By the way - I have no financial interest in this company nor do I have any business contact with them at all. I just think the product is excellent and wanted you to know about it!)

We have some serious cold sores here in rural Wisconsin.

Here the usual cold sore duration is 20 to 29 days. Sometimes they barely heal up before they come right back again. Zinc gluconate can cut this duration period by as much as 50% (10-14 days) - especially if you are taking a good vitamin supplement every day.

But Wait - before you spend your money.

Would you be willing to try something new - a remedy that consistently heals cold sores in as little as only 3 days?

It may not be right for you – and maybe you’ve already read or heard about it. I don’t want to waste your time – or money – but you’ve really got nothing to lose.

It’s a home remedy for cold sores and fever blisters discovered by a housewife, by the name of Grace. She was desperate to protect her family. She wanted to get rid of her cold sore problem for good and prevent new cold sores on herself that might infect her children.

She was as shocked as you will be too!

It’s very easy and quick – and really does a number on cold sores. Try it out here !

Get rid of a cold sore today!

Take Care
Denny

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Sunday, February 18, 2007

Herpes Gladiatorum Minnesota ?

Cold Sores and Herpes Gladiatorum

It has been many years since herpes gladiatorum has gotten such attention.

Herpes gladiatorum is not by any means a new phenomena - it quite likely dates back to the Roman days - where cold sores, even then, were epidemic.

Herpes gladiatorum is caused by basically the same virus as cold sores - herpes simplex virus.

Fortunately, we are now at the end of the high school wrestling season for the year here in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and other midwest states.

Cold sores, fever blisters and oral herpes are commonly thought of as occurring in the lip or nostril area, however these cold sores can appear anywhere on the body where the herpes virus is able to get below the skin.

In wrestling, or similar sports like judo, you are in skin-to-skin contact. Scratches and mat burns are common. If one of the wrestlers is having a cold sore outbreak, or an outbreak of herpes gladiatorum sores from a previous infection, the virus can easily be passed on to the new person if the herpes virus can find passage through the outer layer of protective skin.

And, just like facial cold sores, fever blisters and oral herpes, herpes gladiatorum sores can be reoccurring and quite painful in the area where the initial infection took place.

This is not a simple rash that will go away and then everything is fine. The herpes virus will live and hide in the nerve cells in that area for the rest of the person's life.

I should say "hopefully" stays in that area. The herpes virus can easily spread to other parts of the body - usually transferred by contaminated fingers or objects.

The recent herpes gladiatorum outbreaks in Minnesota should be considered a serious matter.

Herpes infection in the eyes can permanently damage your vision - or even cause blindness. They are now, also, finding links between alzheimer's and herpes.

The less herpes outbreaks you have, the less risk of spreading the virus to others - or to another area of your own body. Keep in mind that cold sores, fever blisters, herpes gladiatorum are infection of the nerve cells and quite painful wherever they turn up. Keeping the herpes virus latent (asleep) is very important to your good health - and social life.

You can learn more about reducing cold sore outbreaks and, in fact, actually stopping herpes outbreaks in their tracks permanently by reading what Grace M. has to say about cold sores.

HERPES GLADIATORUM, COLD SORES, FEVER BLISTERS

Take Care
Denny


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Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Cold Sore

Cold Sore
The World Health Organization estimates that nearly 90% of global residents are infected with the Herpes simplex virus type 1 or type 2 - also know as the cold sore virus.
Herpes simplex virus type 1 is the cause of about 80% of cold sore outbreaks. Herpes simplex virus type 2 is the type of herpes that has been responsible for sore outbreaks below the waist, however type 2 is currently thought to be responsible for about 20% of the facial cold sore events.
As time goes on, these two types will tend to even out and be equally responsible for a cold sore.
Of those folks who carry the cold sore virus, about half will get at least one cold sore a year, and the other half will never get a cold sore.
Why do so many people who carry the herpes simplex virus type 1 or type 2, never have a cold sore outbreak? What can we do to never have another cold sore outbreak?
These are questions that research scientists are working to answer.
Hopefully this web blog will continue to answer these cold sore questions for you in our quest to find the ultimate cold sore remedy.
Seeking cold sore remedies.

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Sunday, May 21, 2006

COLD SORE STAGES 7 AND 8

COLD SORE

Cold Sore Stage 7 is the HEALING STAGE.

Your cold sore, once crusted over, begins healing from the inside out.

New skin forms under the crust. Constant cracking of this cold sore crust by eating or smiling etc. will slow this process dramatically. The key to fast healing of your cold sore at this stage is to keep the crust "well oiled" and soft. Do this by applying olive oil or tea tree oil as mentioned previously.

You will experience continued itching and irritation as this new skin under the cold sore scab continues to form. There will be continued pain to the touch as the nerve endings remain "raw". Your lymph glands under your jawbone will start reducing in size as the cold sore heals and the cold sore virus becomes less and less at this cold sore location.

You are still very contagious at this stage. There is still lingering cold sore virus under the crust and if the crust cracks, you will get a fluid drainage that will be loaded with cold sore virus. Be very cautious so as not to spread this cold sore virus to another part of your body. My biggest concern is for your eyes. Your eyes are easily contaminated with cold sore virus and I have not seen many cases of this where there wasn't some loss of vision. Please be careful. And please be socially responsible.

Because of the irritation caused by the cold sore scab and the healing process, you will be inclined to "bite" at it - pealing away layers of the crust with your teeth. This is normal and not necessarily a bad practice, because your saliva is probably quite contaminated with cold sore virus anyway.

COLD SORE STAGE 8

Once the new skin is fully formed over your cold sore, the crust (scab) will fall off. Irritation of the cold sore area will continue for some time. Even though the cold sore crust falls off, and you have new skin, healing is still taking place below the new skin. The cold sore virus created a lot of deep damage and it will take a while longer for this cold sore to heal completely. This period can easily take an additional week or two and is evident by a redness of the healing area of your cold sore.

A good rule of thumb for determining when you are no longer cold sore contagious is when the redness has been gone for two days. Keep in mind that any awareness of discomfort in the cold sore area could mean that you are still contagious - even without the redness.

Many times when I used to get cold sores, the cold sore area would still have a "feeling" to it even though the redness was gone. In quite a few of these cases, a new cold sore would begin to form there within two or three weeks and another cold sore outbreak would start all over again.

To me, this is the most frustrating cold sore stage - the waiting, and uncertainty. Keep applying zinc gluconate to the area and up your nose (as per a previous post). I think you will find this to heal your cold sore redness more quickly and give you a higher level of social confidence.

God Bless

Thursday, May 18, 2006

COLD SORE - STAGE 6 - SCAB OVER

COLD SORE CRUST

Your cold sore, at this cold sore stage, will form a yellowish crust-over or scab. The worst is over once you get past the open cold sore weeping stage.

Your cold sore begins the healing process at this point. This can be the most frustrating stage as the healing can take two weeks or so. There is a lot of damage to be fixed. Swollen lymph glands start to reduce. The cold sores virus is traveling back to the nerve ganglia to hide again. The replication process is over, for the time being.

The pain is still quite noticeable even though the cold sore is covered over. The nerve endings that were damaged by the cold sore heal slowly.

The scab is usually quite large, unsightly and brittle. When you move your lips, as in smiling, the cold sore scab will crack open. Quite painful and annoying. There are some over-the-counter medications containing I recommend keeping the scab soft with olive oil. It does a great job of keeping the cold sore crust softer and more comfortable - and it contains some anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties.

Better yet, if you can get some tea tree oil (I've seen it at kmart type stores) use it now. Tea tree oil doesn't smell too good - smells kind of like kerosene. It will keep the cold sore crust soft, but more importantly, it kills bacteria and cold sore virus like crazy.

You are still very contagious - as the cold sore crust cracks open, it will start to weep again. As you know by now, this cold sore fluid is teaming with virus looking for another host. A host can be another nerve area in your body or another person.

You must be very careful not to spread this cold sore virus to your eyes, or any other part of your body - or anyone else's body.

A cold sore can create genital herpes. Genital herpes is primarily HSV-2 but 20% of the time it's HSV-1.

And that's much worse than facial cold sores. Remember too, you are contagious from the time you feel the cold sore coming on (itching stage) until the last red spot is gone.

On average, from my experience, this is about a 3-4 week period where you are socially "unclean" with a cold sore.

Try what I call the "3-cent cold sore cure" mentioned previously. It will eliminate future cold sore events so you will finally be able to do what you want without fear of being seen as a herpes carrier.

Cold sore.

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

STAGE 5 COLD SORE - OPEN SORES

COLD SORE

This cold sore stage is the most painful, ugly and contagious.

At this point, most people would give anything to never have a cold sore again.

All the little cold sore vesicles break open and merge into one or two big cold sores. The fluid that weeps from the cold sore is teaming with newly created cold sore virus looking for a new home. Don't give them one.

Treating the open cold sore with alcohol helps keep it clean. Use cotton balls, tissues, or something like this to keep your fingers out of the fluid. If you get it on your fingers you can and will easily spread the cold sore virus to another part of your own body, or someone else. Keep in mind too that the cold sore virus can live up to a day or two on faucets, telephones, or other objects that you may be sharing with others.

During this period, especially, do not touch your eyes for any reason. If you transfer the cold sore virus to your eyes, you've got serious problems. This is not uncommon, and it causes eye damage at the very least. It was just in the news at the beginning of May that a lady spread her cold sore to both eyes. She didn't go blind, fortunately, but she did lose some vision by damaging the corneas. And she stated that the pain was immense.


If you aren't interested in the "3-Cent Cold Sore Cure" that I talk about on this site, then I would suggest you get a product at the store that contains a numbing agent and an anti-bacterial. This will help keep the cold sore from getting a secondary bacterial infection - and it will provide some comfort.

Also, at this point in your cold sore event, you may have a fever and swollen glands under your jaw. Take whatever you normally take for pain and fever, or flue, for some additional comfort.

Ice at this point will give you comfort also, but ice also interferes with the healing process because it also chases the blood away from the area. You need blood flow for healing.
Cold Sore

Monday, May 15, 2006

COLD SORE 4th STAGE - PRE-OUTBREAK

Cold Sore

At this stage of your cold sore, you will develop what is called cold sore vesicles. Cold sore vesicles are small red bumps that resemble pimples. Because of the resemblance, acne pimples are sometimes believed to evolve into cold sores. There is, in fact, no connection between cold sores and pimples. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus where pimples are more of a bacterial problem.

These cold sore vesicles are quite painful to the touch. Remember, the cold sore virus creates these by invading nerve cells on the surface, and, at this point in your cold sore event, touching them is like touching a raw nerve. Ouch.

Most cold sores appear to be one large sore. In reality, they are created by the merging of two or more of the cold sore vesicles - which are each a tiny cold sore. Depending on the proximity and size of these cold sore vesicles, you may end up with one big king kong cold sore or two medium size cold sores side by side.

At this stage of your cold sore you can continue to help relieve the heat and pain of your cold sore. Ice will still slow down or prevent the progression of your cold sore event. This will be the last stage that ice might be useful for the cold sore healing process however.

The cold sore treatment, that I whole-heartedly continue to recommend, can be applied at virtually any cold sore stage with awesome healing from that point on. It's simply how quickly the pain and swelling disappear. In case you are new to this site - it's what I like to call the "3-Cent Cold Sore Cure".

Cold Sore, cold sores, cold sore treatment.

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

COLD SORE STAGE 3

COLD SORE
This is the cold sore inflammation stage. Your cold sore virus has now arrived at the surface and begins its reproductive cycle by entering the cells at the end of the nerve.

The cold sore virus is a sub-microscopic parasite. Where bacteria can reproduce on its own, cold sore virus requires a host to replicate its kind. At the surface, the cold sore virus drills into the victim cells and forces the cells to make many copies of itself.

This activity creates swelling and redness where your cold sore will appear. The cells are violated and react accordingly.

The most common cold sore treatment at this time is the continued use of ice. This relieves the discomfort to some degree, and discourages the replication process as the cold sore virus does best in a warm environment.

Quite likely, you did not apply ice at the tingling stage or you have a very aggressive cold sore virus that is determined to replicate.

Check out the one cold sore treatment that has worked for me every time for over 3 years now.
Cold Sore.

Tuesday, May 02, 2006

Stage 2 Cold Sores

Cold sores

The cold sore reproductive cycle begins here. The cold sore virus comes out of hibernation due to some stress to your body such as cold, flu or some other physical or mental stress. This weakens your immune system, even if slightly, and allows the cold sore virus to become active.

At this point the herpes simplex virus (cold sore virus) begins to travel along the nerves to the surface. This movement can be detected by an itching, tingling and/or burning sensation at the cold sore target area. You may also notice a dryness sensation which, if you carry lip balm, you will feel the need to apply it more often to the cold sore area.

This cold sore stage may last just a few hours, or even a few days before the next cold sore stage occurs. Actually, you can stop the herpes cold sore virus in its tracks at this point. One method that really worked for me when I used to get a lot of cold sores was applying ice at this point. Even a cold can of Coke will help.

You see, the cold sore virus needs a warm environment to reproduce. Not only does the ice reduce or eliminate the itching, tingling and burning sensation, but it sends a signal to the herpes cold sore virus that this may not be a good environment for reproducing. I have often seen the herpes cold sore virus retreat back into hibernation at this point preventing the cold sore from actually occurring.

One very important point. This cold sore stage begins the cold sore contagious period so you will want to be cautious socially. Although you may not have an open cold sore as yet, there could be cold sore virus in your saliva.

Should you not catch this cold sore early warning sign, you will quickly move into the 3rd stage of this cold sore event. I will cover this next time.
Thanks for coming.
cold sores

Sunday, April 30, 2006

Cold Sore Stage 1

Cold sore stages.
There are 8 distinct cold sore stages. Some do not believe I should catagorize the latent time of the cold sore virus as a stage. I believe it is not only a cold sore stage, it is the most desireable one. If you can keep the cold sore virus in this stage, you have, in effect, cured your cold sores.

There is nothing currently that will eliminate the cold sore virus from you body. If you can keep it latent or "asleep", however, you can be considered cured of cold sores. Your body has the defense mechanism to do this but, with many people, a little help is needed. We can get into this a little later.

First let's look at the different stages of a cold sore outbreak.

COLD SORE STAGES: #1 - LATENT -

Here the cold sore herpes simplex virus is hiding in the nerve ganglia near the back of the jaw on the same side as your cold sore usually appears. The cold sore virus may "sleep" for weeks, years or forever without incident. In 30% of those infected with the cold sore virus, the cold sore virus will stay in hibrination for a lifetime. They will never have a cold sore outbreak.

Your body's defense "soldiers" keep them in check. When there is stress in another part of your body, your defenses may drop at this location. Then the cold sore virus can escape and travel to the surface to reproduce - beginning the active cold sore stages.

Stress can be many things. Getting a chill out in the rain, having trouble at work, catching a cold or the flu, or having an upcoming wedding. All these are notorious for bringing on cold sores.

We all deal with stress everyday. And we all deal with it in a different way. We may not be able to avoid stress, but we can prevent cold sores from happening with the simple 3-cent cold sore home remedy I recommend.
Cold sores.

Friday, April 28, 2006

COLD SORE STAGES

COLD SORE
Cold sores have 8 stages that are significant. In the next few posts on cold sores, I'll explain each stage so you have a better handle on cold sores.

Although each cold sore stage is separate and measurable, your cold sore events may differ slightly. And each cold sore outbreak can be different from your last outbreak of cold sores. Plus, you are a unique individual, unlike anyone else on the earth. How your body deals with cold sores is unique to you.

It helps to know the different cold sore stages because the treatment you use for these cold sores should vary depending on the stage of your cold sore.
COLD SORES.

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

A COLD SORE HURTS YOUR LIFE

COLD SORE, COLD SORES
Cold Sores
are a pandemic - a global epidemic.

According to the World Health Organization and the Center for Disease Control, 80% to 90% of the global community is infected with the cold sore virus. About 60% of these folks will have one or more cold sores in the next 12 months.

Fortunately, cold sores are normally not life threatening. The cold sore virus prefers to do its damage on the surface of your skin rather than internally.

However, cold sores do hurt you in several ways.

Cold sores are quite painful, and often causes several flu like symptoms. Fever and swollen lymph glands are common with cold sore sufferers.

Most importantly, cold sores cause considerable embarrassment and, thus, low self esteem in many people. The word "herpes" is a dirty word today, because herpes is extremely contagious and much feared. A cold
sore is a form of herpes. Being labeled a herpes carrier in public today affects how others feel about you and how you feel about yourself. And when you go to work or out in public with cold sores, you are broadcasting that you have herpes.

The best solution is to eliminate cold sores in your life, or at least reduce Cold Sore frequency and time to healing of your Cold Sores.

Knowing your enemy, the cold sore virus, is the first step. This site cuts through all the baloney that you read and hear from the drug companies and others who just want to make money on you, the cold sore victim. They have no real desire to eliminate your cold sore misery.

Hopefully you will find this Cold Sore site to be a step up from all the other sites about cold sores.
COLD SORE :: COLD SORES

Saturday, April 22, 2006

Cold Sore Contagious

COLD SORE
A cold sore isn't usually life threatening. But, it can be a real pain for at least a couple weeks. Cold sores often bring on flu-like symptoms such as general malaise, swollen lymph glands under the jawbone, and possibly a fever.
Because a cold sore is formed on the end of a nerve fiber, the pain can often be intense. It's not unlike the dentist hitting a nerve. The cold sore virus has a special affinity to nerve fibers. When you are infected with the cold sore virus, through a mucus membrane, "soft tissue" or break in the skin, the cold sore virus will seek out the nearest nerve and that nerve fiber becomes its home for the duration of your life.
The cold sore virus does not move around within the body, but will stay attached to the nerve that it originally chose. That is why your cold sores will usually appear in the same area every time. For example, if you get a cold sore on your upper right lip area, then any reoccurring cold sores from that cold sore virus infestation will always appear in the same area.

If you get cold sores in different areas of your lip from time to time, it's quite likely that you spread the cold sore virus to the other place when you had the first cold sore.

It's not uncommon for a person to spread their cold sores all over their lips. The virus creating cold sores is extremely contagious. The fluid that drains from an open cold sore is absolutely teaming with newly cloned cold sore viruses looking for a new home.

It's critical with a cold sore that you be extremely cautious to not touch this fluid and then touch another area on your face - or anywhere else on your body. The cold sore virus can enter through a crack in the skin or "soft tissue" like your eyes or genitals and create a whole new cold sore area.
COLD SORE

Friday, April 21, 2006

COLD SORE ON A MOUSE

COLD SORE
It appears that cold sore events aren't just for humans anymore. In reference to my last post, research on the cold sore has involved giving a mouse a cold sore.

Now, I have a very active imagination.

Cold sore on a mouse. Think about it. Hundreds of mice running around with a cold sore. I can't hardly picture mice with a cold sore on that pointy little face. That has got to be a hoot. If they get a cold sore like I used to, the cold sore would take up half their face.

Fact of the matter is, a cold sore, caused by the herpes simplex type 1 or 2 virus, can be on other locations of the body than the face.

The cold sore virus will enter the body anywhere on the body where there is a break in the skin, or no skin. A cold sore can spread to the eyes very easily if you're not careful. These cold sore events can take out your eyesight with permanent damage.

I have seen fingers with a cold sore. These are caused by having an open cut and touching your cold sore. The people that I've seen with these finger cold sores say they are much more painful than a facial cold sore. And a cold sore is much more dangerous because it can be spread so easily to other parts of your body - such as your genitals - or to faucets, telephones, etc.

As I've always said, a cold sore is much more dangerous to our health than most people realize. A cold sore can cost you your eyesight, and your social life.

If you use the cold sore remedy that I recommend on this web site, you will not have to worry about getting a cold sore ever again. Check out this remedy now for your cold sore.

COLD SORE REMEDY - NO MORE COLD SORE EVENTS

Sunday, April 16, 2006

VACCINE FOR THE COLD SORE

COLD SORE.

Vaccine for cold sore, fever blisters, oral herpes.

In answer to Jodi M.: yes scientists are working on a vaccine for the cold sore.

Currently there is no vaccine for the cold sore virus - herpes simplex type 1 and type 2 - available to the public. Many research laboratories, however, are working on this approach to preventing cold sore events.

For example, scientists at the "National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research" and the "National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases" have developed an experimental vaccine for the cold sore.

In tests on lab mice, the vaccine has prevented the cold sore virus from infecting the animals and establishing itself in the nerves, where the cold sore virus like to hide.

The findings are encouraging, but scientists must complete more animal studies on the safety and effectiveness of this cold sore vaccine before they are allowed to test it on humans for the cold sore.

But don't get your hopes up too much. This cold sore vaccine would only be a preventative not a cure for cold sore outbreaks (or genital herpes caused by the same virus). It would be useful only for those not already infected with the cold sore virus - which there are very few in the world.

Remember, it is estimated, on good authority, that about 90% of the world population is already infected with the cold sore virus. For all practical purposes, this means "everybody" is infected with the cold sore virus, whether or not they actually get a cold sore.

Also, the use of the cold sores vaccine, should it become a reality, would require a blood test first, to determine if any herpes anti-bodies already exist in the body. If the cold sore virus, or its anti-bodies, are present, this cold sore vaccine would be of no value.

However, it is an encouraging breakthrough that leads to a better understanding of the herpes virus and will help us make further progress in our battle against all types of virus related diseases.

In my humble opinion, this particular vaccine will only be good for preventing cold sore events if used as part of the child immunization program. Most children by 9 or 10 are already exposed to the cold sore virus.

My next post will have to do with those lab mice and their cold sore.

COLD SORE.


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Saturday, April 15, 2006

COLD SORE - What is the Cause?

COLD SORE

Question:
Doc, what causes a cold sore outbreak?

Answer:
Cold sore events are dependent on your level of health. Also, how you handle stress, and the foods you eat all come into play here. What causes a cold sore for you? Let's take a look.

1. YOUR HEALTH.
Simply put, the stronger your health, the stronger your immune system. The stronger your body's defense system the less likely your herpes virus will wake up and produce another cold sore. If you experience frequent cold sore events, then you really need to upgrade your health level to prevent a cold sore.

Quality nutrient-dense foods such as fresh organic vegetables, low impact exercise, no smoking, limited alcohol consumption, and sleep. Also, today, it's very wise - no matter how good your diet - to take a GOOD vitamin supplement - one that contains a large quantity of B vitamins (considered the anti-stress vitamins) and anti-oxidants to supercharge your immune system.

2. YOUR STRESS.
This includes both physical and mental stress. Keep in mind that mental stress always affects us physically too. Stress is blamed as the No. 1 cause of cold sore outbreaks. Because the herpes virus lives in the nervous system cells, it's very sensitive to stress changes. You can't avoid all stress in your life, but keeping a high level of health will help you cope with the physical aspects of stress.

Some of the main stress events that studies show wake up the cold sore virus are illnesses such as colds (thus the term "cold sore") and fevers (thus the term "fever blisters"). Also physical injuries, dental work, pregnancy, allergies, environmental toxins, medications, or an upcoming event like a wedding or funeral causes cold sores. Weddings are particularly bad for a cold sore - if the ton of mail I get are any indication.

3. YOUR DIET.
Besides a good diet to improve your general health, take a look at these two amino acids (protein fractions) - lysine and arginine in how they prevent or create a cold sore.

Studies have shown that lysine is very much anti-herpes. Lysine not only helps keep the virus latent, but also, if already active, will encourage the virus to go back into hibernation. Foods rich in lysine include eggs, most vegetables, legumes, avocado, chicken, fish, turkey, and ricotta cheese. Additionally, many folks take a lysine supplement to prevent cold sore outbreaks. These normally come in a 500 mg. tablet or capsule. During a cold sore event, taking 4-6 pills a day seems to help a lot of people.

Arginine, on the other hand, seems to wake up the virus and encourage it to reproduce. This isn't surprising. Arginine is a little known but very powerful sexual enhancer. Foods that are high in arginine are chocolate, nuts (almonds, cashews, peanuts, and walnuts), sunflower and sesame seeds, grains (oat and wheat), peas, most cheeses except ricotta, milk and pork. Don't avoid these foods - just balance them better with the lysine foods. Really - who can avoid chocolate for very long?

I don't avoid chocolate. I just don't make a meal of it. Enjoy chocolate after a meal and you'll be just fine.
And, I wouldn't worry about lysine foods and arganine foods. Just eat a balanced and healthy variety of foods and you should not see a cold sore.
COLD SORE.

Thursday, April 13, 2006

COLD SORE: CURE…or NO CURE?

COLD SORE
Is there a cure for a cold sore?

Some very respectable web sites, such as mayo.com, state there is no cure for a cold sore. Yet, many sites shout that there is a cure for the cold sore.

Who do you believe? Who is right?

Actually they are both right. They simply are not talking about the same thing.

When my good friends at Mayo state that there is no cure for a cold sore, they are talking about the root cause of a cold sore - the herpes simplex type 1 virus that has invaded the body. There truly is no known way to remove this cold sore virus once you are infected. Most of the time the cold sore virus is latent.

The herpes cold sore virus hides inside the nerve cells in the nerve ganglia near the brain stem. This very durable, sub-microscopic "parasite" will quite likely be with you for a lifetime. To destroy this cold sore creating virus, you would have to find the cells they are hiding in and probably destroy the cell.

Even if there was a way to eliminate this cold sores virus, you would just get it again. The World Health Organization estimates that 91% of earth's population currently carry this virus. This could be construed as "everybody" carries the cold sore virus.

Yet, in the medical field, a cure for any disease is defined as eliminating the symptoms. For example, take a diabetic. If she eats right, takes the right nutrients and herbs, she could eliminate all symptoms. She would be declared "cured" or symptom free. It doesn't mean that someday she wouldn't get it again. Her body would still be vulnerable to the again manifesting the disease. This just means that as long as she remains symptom free, she does not have diabetes.

All diseases are based on the manifestation of the symptoms of that disease.

The same is true with a cold sore. The symptoms are the actual cold sore. When you no longer have cold sore events, by medical definition, you are cured. You no longer display the symptoms.

Millions of people, although carrying the cold sore creating virus, are able to keep the cold sore virus latent, preventing outbreaks of cold sores.

It's easy to be free of cold sore outbreaks for the rest of your life, but only if you choose to do so.

For more information about an amazing home remedy that has proven to cure a cold sore permanently, I highly recommend you visit http://www.be-cold-sore-free.com. Learn the truth about cold sore and how you can cure your cold sores in as little as three days.

How beautiful would it be - for you too - to never again have to suffer the pain and embarrassment of a cold sore?
COLD SORE

Tuesday, April 11, 2006

COLD SORE & SELF ESTEEM

COLD SORE
A cold sore, also called a fever blister, is most noted for the pain and embarrassment it will cause you each and every time.

Embarrassment from sporting a cold sore goes well beyond having that ugly cold sore on your lip or nose. A cold sore announces, very loudly, that you have herpes. Herpes is a very bad word today. It is most generally related to genital herpes. Even though your cold sore does not indicate genital herpes, it unfortunately put you in that category in other people's eyes.

A cold sore event is quite a dilemma.

Not a cold sore, but genital herpes is the thing most fear. If you have a reputation as one who has cold sore events, you then are also judged as being a sex partner of risk. For this reason, cold sore outbreaks can and do have a devastating effect on your social and work life.

In this regard, as a cold sore victim, your self-esteem is very low. People sense this just as a dog senses fear. This side effect of a cold sore not only affects your social life dramatically, but your job as well.

A cold sore causes many good folks to miss work, appearing in public, or enjoying as good a social life as they should and could. Even friends are not as close as they should be.

Actually, cold sore outbreaks are nearly as common as a head cold. When I used to get several cold sore blossoms a year, I just didn't realize how much it was holding me back at work and in public. I hope this is not true with you but quite likely it is and you don't even know it.
COLD SORE

Monday, April 10, 2006

COLD SORE::EMBARRASSING

COLD SORE

A cold sore is painful and embarrassing. Although most people with a cold sore are embarrassed, cold sore outbreaks are quite common world-wide.
Cold sore blossoms are caused by either herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2). About 80% of all cold sore outbreaks are caused by type 1. 20% of cold sore events are caused by type 2. There really isn't much difference. Either cold sore looks the same. The type 2 cold sore seems to be less frequent, but this cold sore seems to last a little longer.
By the by, the herpes simplex virus now comes in 8 flavors. Only type 1 and 2 have been identified in a cold sore event. The other herpes varieties have not yet been identified as causing a cold sore.
COLD SORE

Sunday, April 09, 2006

COLD SORE - ROME

COLD SORE in Rome

In America alone, over 100 million people will suffer a cold sore this year.

Cold sore virus is epidemic world wide - or, in popular words, a cold sore pandemic. This has been true since about 500 years before the Roman Empire. Cold sore events in Rome were so bad that one cold sore afflicted emperor, Tiberius, made a decree that there would be no kissing in public ceremonies to avoid further spread of the the dreaded cold sore.

The men cheered - the women wept.

From a cold sore spreading concern, it really didn't matter though. Then as today, nearly everyone is already carrying the virus that creates a cold sore.

Cold sore outbreaks, in those days, were treated with herbs - as that was their source of medicine. There weren't any big drug companies then to sell them cold sore remedies that didn't work. Two cold sore treatments that were used were topical cold sore remedies. Aloe Vera and olive leaf extract.

Aloe Vera liquid applied to the cold sore saw rapid healing. This is a great remedy for cold sore today. If you choose to give aloe vera a try on your cold sore, or your family's cold sore, use the liquid from a fresh leaf. Break off about an inch of leaf and the syrup-liquid inside is applied directly to cold sore. Everyone should have an aloe vera plant in their home. Like a cactus, they take little or no attention. I've seen cuts heal in one day when aloe vera is applied. I repeat - use the fresh liquid only for best results on a cold sore.

Olive leaf extract was also used for a cold sore. This extract remedy for cold sore took a little time to make. The active ingredients were extracted using alcohol and usually done by a physician or chemist of those days. For cold sore events and other sores, olive leaf extract is deadly to all forms of virus, bacteria, and fungus. Cold sore outbreaks healed quite quickly when this extract was applied to the a cold sore.
COLD SORE.

Saturday, April 08, 2006

Cold Sore - Denavir

Cold Sore after Cold Sore.

Cold sore treatments are definitely big money for the drug companies.

Now Barrier Therapeutics is getting into the cold sore business. They recently announced that they were excited to acquire the Canadian distribution rights for Denavir - a peniclovir cream cold sore remedy. This is just another "clovir" cold sore spin-off. Up until now, the most commonly known of these has been acyclovir. There are several brand names of this basic anti-viral cream primarily used to treat a cold sore. They all seem to be at the 1% solution strength. According to Barrier Therapeutics news release, Denavir is the only topical antiviral prescription product approved in Canada for the treatment of a cold sore.

For cold sore treatment, this cream is also approved in the US under several different names.
But it doesn't work. Not even for face moles.

You see, there is both an oral cold sore treatment and a topical cold sore treatment. In studies, scientists found that the oral cold sore treatment worked with about 47% success. The topical cream for a cold sore showed no difference between those who used this on their cold sore and those who used a fake stuff on their cold sore.

In fact, the scientists that were involved in the "clovir" cream for cold sore treatment, flat out admitted it didn't work. They publicly stated the active ingredient that is supposed to heal the cold sore wasn't getting into the cold sore as it needed to be. These scientists felt that if they could find a way to get it into the cold sore, it would work. I believe it might. They could use DMSO but they won't - or they will use it and call it something else.

I've said this earlier. It really makes me mad when drug companies have the studies to show something doesn't work but they keep selling it to the public. Greed triumphs.

And the general public thinks they wouldn't keep selling it if it didn't work.

They will and they do.
Cold sore.

Friday, April 07, 2006

COLD SORE - AN ODD TREATMENT

COLD SORE
Q. What about using urine for healing a cold sore?

A. Wow. That's one cold sore remedy I haven't given a lot of research. I have heard that it does work for a cold sore and I would say the claim is probably true from other things I've read about urine therapy.

I know that urine use is talked about as a treatment for a cold sore, along with being claimed effective for just about anything that ails you. Actually there is evidence to, at least partially, support these claims. For a cold sore it may work too. I personally have never had my people use it for their cold sore.

For a cold sore I recommend that you read more on it first.

I was in all kinds of sports in high school and had perpetual athlete's foot and terrible foot odor. Nothing could get rid of it. Ours was a good Catholic family of 7 kids. Well, my younger brother missed the toilet one night and I walked right into this huge puddle of urine. My athlete's foot and foot odor were totally gone for the first time in 3 years. It lasted almost 2 months before it came back. So, I do know that urine is awesome for athlete's foot.

A cold sore is usually on your lip. I would have a hard time putting urine on a cold sore and getting it in my mouth.

COLD SORE

Thursday, April 06, 2006

Cold Sore Treatment

Cold Sore

Millions of people needlessly continue to suffer recurrent bouts of a cold sore. Over-the-counter remedies have been the primary means of treating your cold sore. These standard cold sore treatments generally give you only partial relief of the symptoms. They don't make your cold sore heal any faster or prevent your cold sore from happening in the first place.

These cold sore ointments often contain numbing agents and anti-bacterial ingredients that help sooth the discomfort and prevent bacterial infection of your cold sore. When the cold sore is open, it can be infected with bacteria quite easily. This greatly lengthens your cold sore event.

For centuries one of the most common treatments for a cold sore has been the application of ice. Ice helps in a number of ways with your cold sore. It numbs the cold sore for immediate relief. It also discourage the cold sore virus from continuing its replication activity on your lip or nose. Kind of like taking a cold shower. Cold sore virus hates cold.

Often, if applied to a cold sore at the first sign - the tingling and itching stage - the cold sore will not occur at all.

One downside to using ice on a cold sore - it drives the blood away from the area. Blood is needed to heal the cold sore. If the cold sore is fully blossomed, the ice will give comfort to the cold sore, but will slow the healing process.

One way you can use "ice" to get relief from your cold sore, and help heal the cold sore at the same time is with a frozen tea bag. Mint is a great killer of cold sore virus. Take mint tea bags, soak in water and freeze. Use these instead of ice once the cold sore breaks open. This will not only give you great relief, but the mint will kill cold sore virus and speed healing. Works great but it is quite messy as the bag thaws. At least with an ice cube, you can put in a ziplock bag.

If you have not checked out the "ultimate cold sore treatment" you really should. It's awesome. It not only heals a cold sore faster than anything I've seen, but prevents future cold sore events.

It's natural, topical, non invasive, non systemic, no side effects - and simply the best current remedy for a cold sore. And you probably have what you need in the cupboard right now.
COLD SORE

Thursday, March 23, 2006

COLD SORE - Famciclovir

Cold Sore
A single, one day dose of Famciclovir (Famvir) reduced time to healing of a herpes labialis vesicular lesion (cold sore for the rest of us) by only a mere 2 days compared to a placebo. This was an enthusiastic report made at a recent annual meeting of the Academy of Dermatology as an acceptable treatment for a cold sore.
The single dose was 1500 mg. and was taken within one hour of onset of prodromal symptoms - the itching, burning period just prior to the cold sore outbreak. 309 adults received the 1500 mg. of Famvir and 168 people took the placebo for their cold sore.
This cold sore research was paid for by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation who have a financial interest in the products. Nothing wrong with that but, from a marketing standpoint, I sure wouldn't have published such dismal results. They did do you a favor by letting you know what a poor treatment this is for a cold sore.
This is what I've been stating all along - that Acyclovir, Famciclovir, and all their family of chemicals are of so little value for healing a cold sore they are a total waste of money. A similar cold sore study I have here on my desk for Acyclovir showed similar results, but it also states that only 47% showed a reduction of 2 days on a cold sore event. The other 53% showed no benefit for their cold sore.
There is an acyclovir cold sore topical cream that is even worse. There was no measurable difference between those who used this on their cold sore, and those who didn't. One of the scientists, when faced with these results, stated the problem was the acyclovir was not absorbed. They need to come up with an added ingredient that would carry it into the cells of the cold sore.
Bottom line - they know it doesn't work but - guess what - they still sell it in the stores as a cold sore and genital sore treatment. And people continue to buy it for their cold sore.
If you're as tired of the hype about cold sore treatments that don't work then you may want to check here and read about one cold sore treatment that I heartily recommend. It works fast and it's very cheap for eliminating your cold sore.
Cold sore.

Wednesday, March 22, 2006

Cold Sore

Cold Sore

Cold sore remedies are a multi-million dollar business. They count on you to be a regular customer. And there are millions of customers. Take a look at the statistics.

The World Health Organization estimates that 85% to 90% of the world population is infected with the herpes virus - either herpes simplex virus type 1 or type 2. That pretty much means that practically everyone carries the virus. I would say that could be considered an epidemic of global proportions - or a pandemic, if you will.

In fact, we know by historical records that the mighty and contagious cold sore was epidemic even back when Rome ruled the world.

Of those 85% to 90% of earth residents that carry the cold sore virus, about 67% of them will have one or more cold sore events in the next 12 months. And, as you know, those outbreaks are painful and socially embarrassing.

Knowing this, you can see why cold sore remedies are in such high demand and such a big money maker for the drug companies. Most, if not all, of their cold sore treatments have been dismal failures. Oh, you'll get some relief but nothing seems to wipe them out completely.

We have tested nearly every cold sore remedy we could find. The best, fastest, and cheapest you can read about here.

Tuesday, March 14, 2006

Cold Sore

Cold Sore
There seems to be a lot of hype about the hideous cold sore. There are so many treatments and remedies that just don't work for the average person. Once you catch the cold sore virus (herpes simplex virus) you will probably have it all your life - just like all the other viruses that you catch in a lifetime. They all stay with you but your body builds anti-bodies that keep each virus under control. This is true until stress of some sort weakens your immune system and - bam - another cold sore. The key to not getting a cold sore is the same as not getting the common head cold or the flu. Keeping your health up and your immune system strong enough to deal with daily stress.

Saturday, March 11, 2006

Cold Sore Product Review

Cold Sore Product Review
Novitra Cold Sore Remedy

Zinc is an excellent treatment for a cold sore, no doubt about that. It is well known as the healing mineral and works very well against viruses. Taken