Herpes Doctor

Oral Herpes is also known as cold sores. Although it is not
a side effect of having a cold as the name may suggest, it
does give an idea of how common it is and how difficult it
is to prevent, just like a common cold. This article describes methods and techniques to minimize cold sore outbreaks.

Oral Herpes is caused by the virus Herpes Simplex
1 and sometimes Herpes Simplex 2. Once you've caught the virus
you risk outbreaks for the rest of your life as the virus
does not leave the body. Luckily it is latent for most of the
time and you can take steps to prevent outbreaks.

Preventing and Minimizing Outbreaks

The symptoms of Oral Herpes are a rash around the mouth
that turn into blisters which then turn into a dry scab.
This will be repeated with intervals of months or years,
sometimes with a pattern, sometimes not.

In time you will
learn to recognize the triggers to your outbreaks as well
as any symptoms before the visible outbreak. This may be
a tingling, itch or irritation, and when you do feel this,
you need to take action: Apply antiviral cream, either
Zovirax or Vectavir and be very careful when you do this:

• Start by washing your hands
• Never touch the cream with your hands
• Instead you should use a cotton bud
• Do not touch the tip and do not dip the cotton
  bud in the cream more than once, use a couple if
  necessary.

This may seem exaggerated but you will avoid cross contamination
which can slow down or eliminate the effects of the cream.
The cream will reduce the duration, frequency and severity of
outbreaks although it will never cure Herpes Simplex.

Leading a Healthy Lifestyle will Minimize Outbreaks

As well as the above, you should be aware that viruses thrive on a
low immune defense system which can be caused by:

• Tiredness
• Stress or
• Other illnesses

A healthy lifestyle can go a long way to prevent outbreaks
of Oral Herpes.

Avoid Giving Others Oral Herpes

If you have Herpes Simplex you should take precautions
to avoid spreading the virus. It is not a dangerous disease
but as you know if you have it, it can be very embarrassing
during an outbreak. When you have an outbreak:

• Do not kiss anyone or engage in oral sex
• Do not touch the affected area
• Wash your hands regularly
• Use antiviral cream
• Do not share food, drinks or towels

Unfortunately Herpes Simplex is not only contagious when there
is an outbreak. The period just before the outbreak and when
the virus reproduces itself without symptoms are also contagious
periods. If you have Oral Herpes you should inform your partner,
but most importantly you should SEE A DOCTOR for further
advice.

Related Links

• The Herpes treatment page
• Cold sore symptoms
• How to prevent passing cold sores to others
• Should you see a doctor for cold sores?

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