How To Help Prevent Cold Sores?

Cold sores are small fluid-filled blisters which mainly appear around the mouth: they tend to start out as a red patch which then develop into a blister. They are caused by a virus called herpes simplex, and once this virus is in your body it will stay on your skin for your entire life causing cold sores to develop frequently.  

Cold sores do tend to become milder over time, however symptoms including itching and tingling are common and the blisters can cause discomfort. When the blisters form a scab, it is important to keep the mouth area moist to prevent the blister from cackling, as this will stop its natural healing process.  

Did you know cold weather can trigger an outbreak of cold sores? 

Changes in the temperature can play havoc on your body’s ability to keep the virus from producing the blisters. The dry air and cold temperatures of winter can cause your lips to dry out and make them more vulnerable to an outbreak. 

Aloe Dent Lip Balm (link)  is formulated with aloe vera to help soothe and moisturise the lips. It also contains L-Lysine, an essential amino acid, to promote healthy lips. Enriched with Vitamin E & pro-vitamin B5.

If you have the herpes simplex virus there are several recommendations you should follow to prevent cold sores: drink fluids to avoid dehydration, eat healthy to boost your immune system, avoid stress where possible by making enough time for yourself or meditating, and ensuring you get enough sleep.  

When following a healthy diet, it is important to avoid foods which are rich in arginine, an amino acid, which triggers cold sores in many people. 

Foods to avoid / reduce

• nuts
• pumpkin seeds
• dark chocolate
• squash
• oats, 
• wheat. 

Lysine, is another amino acid which counteracts arginine so if you are having difficulty cutting out these arginine rich foods from your diet, then taking lysine supplements such as Viridian’s Lysine will help balance your arginine intake.

 Food To Include

 - Cauliflower 

- Mango

- Avocado

- Apricots 

- Fish

 These foods have a high ratio of lysine compared to arginine. For more information on which foods to consume, visit this link.  

How much should you take?

• 500 - 1000mg of Lysine to help prevent cold sores
• 2000mg of Lysine per day during an outbreak

Tea tree oil

According to a review published in the International Journal of Dermatology, tea tree oil has shown the ability to stop or kill the herpes simplex virus.

The oil is strong, so it is best to use it with caution. Apply to cold sore with a cotton bud a few times per day.

Sources:

Cold Sores – Everything you need to know - viridian-nutritio (viridian-nutrition.com) 

7 arginine-rich foods to avoid if you get cold sores (avogel.co.uk)