Beware of the damaging cold sores herpes virus. It can be either the herpes simplex virus type 1 or type 2. Both types create similar cold sores. Currently type 1 is responsible for 70%, and type 2 30%, of cold sore events.

One of the tiniest pathogens known to man, the cold sores herpes virus is a master at hiding. This virus particle can hide inside a nerve cell totally undetectable because it has the ability to shut down almost completely during hibernation.

One big reason that the cold sores herpes virus has been able to survive for over 23 centuries is its ability to hide invisibly not only from medical attempts to kill it, but even from our own body defenses.

When the virus senses the conditions are right, it will travel through the nerve fibers to the surface. It is this travel along the nerve that you feel as a tingling, itching and burning sensation. When you first feel this, you will have a cold sore in two days or less.

The sole purpose for this virus to become active is to create new virus copies of itself. The only way it can do this is by taking over your nerve cells and turning them into cold sores herpes virus factories.

Once the cell is full of new virus, the original virus destroys the cell, releasing all the new copies. It is this destruction of millions of cells in close proximity that creates the visible ulcer. Your healing system then creates a fluid to cleanse the now open wound and wash away the new viruses.

This is the most contagious time for cold sores as this fluid is just teaming with new virus looking for a home. Continuously cleanse the sore with alcohol or similar and keep from touching with your bare fingers. New cold sores can be created elsewhere on your body very easily with this fluid.

Yes - the cold sores herpes virus is quite destructive. It is very fortunate that the damage it creates is always on the surface. If it were internal, and could be spread internally, it could be life threatening.

Stress is the main contributing factor to cold sore outbreaks - but who can eliminate stress?

Stress causes changes in our immune system, hormones, bodily functions and pH balance. If you are in excellent physical health, you can take a lot more stress changes before cold sores occur. If you get frequent cold sores, or colds, you really should improve your nutritional intake.

A good daily vitamin supplement can greatly reduce the negative effects of stress and help eliminate cold sore occurrence. Also, organic fruits and vegetables can have a huge impact on your health and cold sore resistance. Increasing lysine intake by food or supplement can, by itself, dramatically reduce your cold sore events.

There are so many different ways to treat cold sores that there is just not time to cover them right now. But, I would like to give you a tip that I am sure will help you quickly.

One of the most common methods of treating cold sores is the application of ice or some other cold object. If applied early, at the first sign of itching or tingling, this can stall out or prevent a cold sore. After the cold sore actually breaks out, then use a warm object such as a tea bag to help heal quickly.

The best course is to avoid getting this virus. If you are already infected and suffer from outbreaks, you will be happy to learn that you do not have to any longer. With a little research you will find there are many proven ways to easily defeat the cold sores herpes virus.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 31st, 2007 at 3:38 am and is filed under Skin Care. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.