Cold Sores

Cold sores are caused by a viral infection that attacks the skin and nervous system. Cold sores are small, painful, fluid-filled blisters on the mouth or nose.

Causes of cold sores: Cold sores are caused by the virus known as herpes simplex type I (HSV-1). After the first episode of the disease, the virus lies dormant in the nerves or skin around the original area until something sets the virus off into another eruption. Colds, flu, and even stress can cause you to have an outbreak of cold sores .

Sometimes when we are overtired and run down we can have a tendency to get cold sores. In some people extreme weather temperatures.. either very hot or very cold can cause the blisters to break out. Why you have an outbreak at one time of life and not another is not clearly understood. HSV-1 is different from herpes simplex type II (HSV-2), which is the virus that causes the sexually transmitted disease known as genital herpes. HSV-1 is a very common virus. It is thought that 90% of adults have been exposed to the virus during their lifetime.

Symptoms of cold sores: The first symptom that may appear during an outbreak of cold sores may include tingling, burning, or itching in the area around the mouth or nose. This first portion of the outbreak is known as the prodromal stage or period. Within a few hours to days, the area may become reddened and develop small fluid-filled blisters. Several of these small blisters may even come together and form one large blister.

Self Care for Cold Sores: The blisters of HSV-1 contain the virus that causes cold sores . Without proper hygiene, this virus can be very contagious. This is why it is important if you have cold sores to wash your hands often, especially after you may have touched your face. Do not share cups or utensils with another person.

Aromatherapy Treatments

Essential oils can be effective for treating the blisters especially if they are applied immediately at the first signs of an eruption. Mix a few drops of either Bergamot essential oil , Lavender essential oil or Tea Tree essential oil in isopropyl alcohol base in a ratio of 6 drops of essential oil to 5mls of alcohol. For best results use two or more from the essential oils listed. Alternatively use Lavender or Tea Tree essential oil neat onto the area. Frequent dabbing with the alcohol solution alternated with Lavender essential oil can often help to heal the blisters.

Lavender Essential Oil - Lavandula Officinalis (10ml)

Lavender has been used continuously for thousands of years and its popularity has only ever increased. If you could have no other essential oil in your house, then Lavender would be the prime choice: It has a wide range of uses and is a natural antibiotic, anti-depressant, sedative and de-toxifier.

£2.40

Tea Tree Essential Oil - Melaleuca Alternifolia (10ml)

Tea Tree - the ultimate antiseptic which is a truly wonderful oil to keep in. Use it for veruccaes, thrush and warts, acne, rashes and dandruff. Try it for resipratory problems such as coughs and catarrh and use it to help with viral infections and increase the boxes immune system.

£2.75