You may be pleased to know that there are many methods that can be used when seeking answers to how to avoid getting cold sores. Cold sores are extremely troubling for the individual that suffers from them due to the fact that they often result in varying degrees of pain, and the person that suffers from them is usually quite embarrassed at the visible appearance of the sores. Many will refer to cold sores as “fever blisters. In this how to guide, you will learn the steps that are necessary in how to avoid getting cold sores.
Step One:
If you want to avoid getting cold sores, it is important to understand what they are. Many often ask, “How do cold sores begin?”. This particular health condition occurs as a result of the “Herpes Simplex Virus”. Many often refer to this as “HSV” for short. One may suffer from one of two types. These virus types are referred to as “HSV-1” and, of course, “HSV- 2”. Regardless of which type of virus one suffers from, it is important to know and understand that sores that occur on or above the lip, those that occur in the mouth, as well as those that can develop in the genital area can occur.
Step Two:
Now that you understand what viruses may lead to the onset of cold sores, it is important to gain an understanding of how these viruses can enter the body. The HSV is a condition that can infect even the smallest openings. If there is any type of cut or opening on the skin around the mouth, or in the mouth, the virus can seep right through and result in infection. In addition to this, coming in contact with the infection through kissing, sharing items such as drinks, or touching anything that has been exposed to the Herpes Simplex Virus can result in the development of cold sores.
Step Three:
Those who are curious about how to avoid getting cold sores are often individuals who have experienced the symptoms associated with these small blisters that may crack, leak, and cause immense levels of discomfort. Many who hear of the symptoms of these uncomfortable sores are often motivated to learn how to prevent them. Those that have already experienced the symptoms strive to avoid them. It is important that you become familiar with the symptoms of fever blisters. The symptoms include:
• Fever
• Pain in the mouth and/or lip area
• Swollen glands in the neck area
• A throat that is tender and/or sore
While most symptoms of cold sores occur in the mouth, or around the lips, it is important to know that these sores can turn up in any location on the body.
Step Four:
Now that you have what causes cold sores, as well as the symptoms that are associated with them, it is now time to learn how to avoid getting cold sores. The first step is to be alert to those around you, particularly romantic partners. If you see that they have a cold sore, you should avoid kissing them and coming in direct contact with them, or any bodily fluids associated with them until healing has been experienced.
Step Five:
You should take special care in sharing items such as utensils that are used to eat food, straws that are used to drink from a cup, makeup, and cups that individuals before you have used. It is important to make every effort to avoid these items if you want to avoid getting a cold sore. You should remember that the Herpes Simplex Virus lingers around in the body a bit prior to showing the outward appearance of a cold sore. While one may not have the visible appearance of fever blisters, you should know that it does not mean that they are not a carrier of the virus that causes them.
Step Six:
There are certain things that have been proven to trigger cold sores in susceptible individuals. High levels of stress, certain foods, and developing some sort of flu may cause these painful blisters to appear. It is important to make every effort possible to ensure that you can avoid these potential triggers when possible.
Step Seven:
If you spend a lot of time in the sun, it is important to consider spending less. If there is no way around this, then ensure that you use sunscreen with a high SPF rating. Sun exposure has also been listed as a means in which one develops cold sores. However, you can avoid the development if you follow this tip.
Step Eight:
When working to avoid getting cold sores, it is important that you wash your hands with hot water and antibacterial soap several times throughout the day. If you have touched something that has been exposed to the Herpes Simplex Virus that results in cold sores, taking this step can help you prevent them.
