Cold sores are generally harmless for most children, and whilst your little one getting a cold sore is nothing to joke around about, there are some practical tips you can employ to ensure the discomfort is a little easier for them.
The following tips from experienced naturopath and cold sore expert, Dr John Spurge, will help you to manage your young ones experiencing cold sores and better protect everyone in your family.
So what actually causes cold sores in children?
Despite the name, cold sores are not caused by a cold or flu virus, they are caused by a member of the herpes virus family called Herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of this virus and it is normally the type 1 strand that is responsible for cold sores.
It is very common for young children to catch cold sores, an infection which is passed on from close personal contact. This could include sharing a cup, utensil, toy or face towel with someone who has a cold sore, or receiving a kiss from them.
Studies show that more than half of all young children who experience cold sores catch them in their infancy. This means that your little one is more likely to catch a cold sore from a parent, sibling or close family friend than from other kids at school.
Symptoms of a cold sore ‐ what to look for
The symptoms normally take about 2 to 14 days to show up when first infected. Your child might complain of their lip being itchy, red or tingly for a couple of days before you are able to see anything.
Usually a cold sore will look like one or more little blisters on their lips or face, which eventually break,weep fluid and then crust over and heal.
How to make your child feel better about cold sores
Cold sores can sometimes be really painful, especially for a child. The good news is that there are remedies that will help your child get past them and relieve their discomfort as soon as possible.
Some medications are specially designed to combat cold sore symptoms, such as Dynamiclear Rapid. You may also give your child a general paracetamol to help with pain relief. Ask your pharmacist for their recommendation taking into consideration your child’s weight and age, and be mindful to avoid Ibuprofen if your child is vomiting or has been diagnosed with asthma.
Dynamiclear Rapid is many parents’ product of choice when dealing with cold sore symptoms because of its ease of application and fast mode of action. Other cold sore creams require repeat applications(usually 5 times per day for 5 days), whereas Dynamiclear Rapid is one application only. This medication is much more practical for busy parents and a lot more convenient for children.
Once a child contracts the cold sore virus it will remain in their body for life, just like all viruses do. What this does mean is that they may be prone to having another cold sore breakout later on, possibly if their body becomes run down or their immune system is challenged.
Some children will never have another cold sore. If they do, maintaining a balanced diet, getting sufficient rest and exercising regularly will help keep future cold sores away. Applying a lip balm to protect against sun and wind, and taking an immune tonic to help avoid colds and flu, may also be effective in reducing recurrences. For more information obtain a free copy of the comprehensive Cold Sore Diet & Lifestyle
Guide at www.coldsorefacts.com.au.
5 rules of thumb to protect your family from cold sores
1. If you have any sign of a cold sore always wash your hands thoroughly before having any contact with a child and do not kiss them. Make sure your friends and family are educated too.
2. Cold sores can spread from the first sign of symptoms until the skin has completely healed. They can spread even when there is only itching and tingling, as well as when a sore is active or healing.
3. Discourage sharing of any utensils that may have come into contact with a person’s cold sore, including drinking cups, spoons and toys. If contact with a cold sore is suspected, wash the toys and utensils thoroughly before and after use.
4. Avoid breastfeeding if you have a cold sore or HSV lesion present on your breast.
5. If a child is prone to touching their cold sores it is a good idea to get them to wear gloves while they are sleeping and place a protective, non‐stick bandaid over the cold sore until it has healed.
This is because the cold sore virus can spread to the fingers and eyes through touch, especially if it is the child’s first cold sore. This will also help protect against scarring which may happen if the scab is picked off before it heals.
When should I see a Doctor?
If your child is showing signs of dehydration, such as a loss of energy or appetite, it is important to consult your Doctor as soon as possible. The cold sore virus often causes flu like symptoms, including a fever, but if this does not subside or is unreasonably high it is important to seek medical attention.
Lastly, if you suspect that your child’s infection has spread to another area, or, if they have had a special condition that affects their immune system (such as HIV or an organ transplant), professional guidance is recommended.
Dynamiclear Rapid® is a world first one application formula for symptomatic relief of cold sores. The actives in Dynamiclear work by penetrating the DNA of the cold sore virus, thereby inactivating and eliminating the virus on direct contact. Unlike existing cold sore products, results are seen rapidly from just one application, and there are no inconvenient repeat applications.
For more information visit http://www.dynamiclear‐rapid.com or phone 1800 646 921
Showing posts with label cold sore. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cold sore. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Tips to Stop the Top Self Esteem Destroyer - Cold Sores
Tips to Stop the Top Self Esteem Destroyer – Cold Sores
Even if you’ve never had a cold sore you probably know someone close to you who has. A cold sore is rarely an enjoyable experience and can easily lower a person’s self-esteem.
Here we list some practical actions and tips to put a person’s cold sore fears to rest.
Remember: cold sores are completely normal
If you ever get a cold sore try to remember that you are not being singled out and are far from being alone. It may not feel like it when you experience one, but more people are affected by cold sores than are not! Over 70% of Australian adults are infected with the cold sore virus and of these, more than a third will experience a cold sore that comes back. Talk to your friends and family and ask them if they’ve ever had a cold sore, you might be surprised at how common they actually are.
Don’t be embarrassed about something that’s not your fault
If you had tonsillitis or a cold would you feel embarrassed? Cold sores are an infection too and there is no special type of person who gets them. There is certainly no need to be ashamed by a cold sore, no more than you would be ashamed by having any other infection or virus. Remember though to take precautions to protect the people around you from catching one too. You can do this by doing things like not sharing drinks, food, make-up, cutlery, or any objects that may have touched the active cold sore infection whenever you notice signs or symptoms of a cold sore.
Cold sores are spread by direct contact with the infection while it is on the skin’s surface. This could include skin-to-skin contact such as kissing or occasionally it could include contact with an object that has touched the cold sore - such as a drinking glass or lip-gloss. If an object happens to make contact with a cold sore, be mindful not to let anyone use the item until it has been cleaned.
Help the cold sore go away quickly
Usually the biggest problem with a cold sore is how it looks and feels. If you can remedy the visible blisters and make them go away in a minimum amount of time you will be well on your way to looking and feeling your best again. To make a big problem a much smaller one, try applying the new cold sore product Dynamiclear Rapid® which helps to heal the symptoms rapidly in just one application (saving you from having to constantly reapply a treatment)and is now available in leading pharmacies.
Take advantage of the time-out
If nothing you have gets rid of that cold sore in a flash and you still feel like hiding from the world then sometimes a day indoors can be the best course of action. If you decide to lay low try to use the space wisely and spend it doing things that will make you feel better or rewarded. You could catch up on tasks you’ve been putting off, write an email to a friend or get creative in a craft or project that you’ve wanted to do for ages. Sometimes a good old-fashioned DVD with popcorn is equally as effective. It is not every day that we get time to ourselves away from friends and strangers, so enjoy it if you can!
Chat with other people who understand what you’re going through
It can be refreshing to talk with someone who knows exactly what a cold sore feels like or to get advice from someone who has been there before, and an online chat room is one way to do this. There are all kinds of support groups and chat sites, including ones that specifically cater for people with cold sores.
Take steps to help prevent the cold sore from coming back
The last thing you need is a cold sore that comes back again and again. If this is happening to you have a look at your diet and lifestyle to see if you can make any improvements that will help your body better fight the infection. For a free copy of the comprehensive diet and lifestyle guide Cold Sore Free Diet Guide visit www.coldsorefacts.com.au
Stress, UV sun exposure, hormones and some medications can also affect cold sore recurrences, so it is important to address these issues where you can. Changing how you react to stressful situations, using sun protection such as a hat and sunscreen and following a healthy diet are all practical ways to reduce cold sores.
Spread the word, not the cold sore...
Most people know very little about cold sores and sometimes they have pre-existing beliefs that are not always correct. The truth is, cold sores are extremely common, rarely pose any health problem and are easy not to spread with a little sense and sensibility.
Try to educate your friends and family if you have the opportunity. Let them know that cold sores are completely normal and, as long as you are responsible, there really is no need to be ashamed or fearful of something as minor as the common cold sore.
Dynamiclear Rapid® is a world first one application formula for symptomatic relief of cold sores. The actives in Dynamiclear work by penetrating the DNA of the cold sore virus, thereby inactivating and eliminating the virus on direct contact. Unlike existing cold sore products, results are seen rapidly from just one application, and there are no inconvenient repeat applications. One breakout = One application.
For more information visit http://www.dynamiclear-rapid.com or phone 1800 646 921
Friday, August 27, 2010
Cold Sore Myths Exposed
Cold Sore Myths Exposed
Even though cold sores affect over a third of all Australian adults, there is still much confusion and various myths amongst sufferers and non-sufferers alike about what causes them. Here are five of the most common myths when it comes to cold sores:
Myth # 1 – Cold Sores are caused by poor diet
A poor diet can make a cold sore reoccurrence more likely but cold sores are not actually caused by what you eat or drink. Instead cold sores are caused by a tiny virus called Herpes simplex virus or HSV.
Once you catch the cold sore virus it remains in the body until it is “activated” and causes symptoms, such as a little cluster of blisters on the lip. Things like poor diet, stress, hormones, extreme changes in the temperature and being sick can sometimes contribute to the cold sore virus becoming active.
Tip: If you are already prone to having a cold sore then what you eat can make a difference. In addition to eating as healthily as possible, try avoiding or reducing foods such as chocolate and nuts which are both high in the amino acid Arginine and low in the amino acid Lysine. Arginine is an amino acid which can aggravate the cold sore virus for some people, especially if it is not balanced by a proportional amount of Lysine in the diet.
Myth #.2 – Cold Sores ‘pop up’ in winter after a cold or flu
Also called fever blisters, cold sores have earned their nickname because they can appear after a person has been ill or had a fever. Since we are more likely to catch a cold or flu during winter these colder months are often referred to as the “cold sore season”.
However, cold sores can strike at any time of the year and are common in summer months too. This is because UV sun exposure can irritate the delicate skin on the lips which can sometimes trigger a cold sore.
Tip: Taking an immune boosting product during winter and using a moisturising lip balm with SPF 15+ sun block during summer can help to prevent a cold sore attack.
Myth #.3 – Cold sores take several days to heal
Not necessarily so, it really depends on how your body naturally responds to the cold sore virus, your particular symptoms and what treatment you use - if any. Some people prefer to just ‘ride it out’ or use a home remedy to try and prevent or clear the blisters such as applying cold tea bags, ice, honey or dabbing alcohol.
A typical cold sore will go away in 1 to 2 weeks if no treatment is used. However, there are now clinically trialled cold sore products which can help to speed healing, so it may not always be necessary to hide the days away waiting for a cold sore to clear.
Tip: In October 2009 a world first “once only” cold sore application was released in Australian pharmacies under the name Dynamiclear Rapid®. This offers sufferers a new way to manage cold sore symptoms without the need for daily or repeat applications. Also obtainable are Acyclovir based creams which have been available since the 1980s. These creams are recommended to be applied 5 times per day for 5 days and need to be started at the first sign of symptoms.
Myth #.4 – If someone in your family gets cold sores you will get them too
No, not necessarily true. Cold sores are not a genetic condition, meaning they are not passed on from a parent to a child in the DNA or genes. Cold sores are spread by direct contact with the virus while it is active on the skin’s surface.
For example, if you kiss someone while you have an active cold sore this could spread the infection to the person who you kissed.
Tip: To prevent spreading a cold sore, do not kiss another person whenever you notice symptoms or feel one coming on. This includes from the first moment you feel symptoms until the skin has completely healed.
Myth #.5 – Cold sores can be spread via a person’s saliva
This is a misconception. Cold sores are not spread via body fluids such as saliva or blood. Cold sores can however be spread via an object if it has come into direct contact with the active cold sore virus and then touches healthy skin shortly after, such as through sharing the same drinking glass, lip gloss or cigarette while a person has a cold sore.
Tip: Do not share drinks, make-up, food, utensils, cigarettes or other inanimate objects that come into contact with your mouth whenever you see or feel cold sore symptoms.
Even though cold sores affect over a third of all Australian adults, there is still much confusion and various myths amongst sufferers and non-sufferers alike about what causes them. Here are five of the most common myths when it comes to cold sores:
Myth # 1 – Cold Sores are caused by poor diet
A poor diet can make a cold sore reoccurrence more likely but cold sores are not actually caused by what you eat or drink. Instead cold sores are caused by a tiny virus called Herpes simplex virus or HSV.
Once you catch the cold sore virus it remains in the body until it is “activated” and causes symptoms, such as a little cluster of blisters on the lip. Things like poor diet, stress, hormones, extreme changes in the temperature and being sick can sometimes contribute to the cold sore virus becoming active.
Tip: If you are already prone to having a cold sore then what you eat can make a difference. In addition to eating as healthily as possible, try avoiding or reducing foods such as chocolate and nuts which are both high in the amino acid Arginine and low in the amino acid Lysine. Arginine is an amino acid which can aggravate the cold sore virus for some people, especially if it is not balanced by a proportional amount of Lysine in the diet.
Myth #.2 – Cold Sores ‘pop up’ in winter after a cold or flu
Also called fever blisters, cold sores have earned their nickname because they can appear after a person has been ill or had a fever. Since we are more likely to catch a cold or flu during winter these colder months are often referred to as the “cold sore season”.
However, cold sores can strike at any time of the year and are common in summer months too. This is because UV sun exposure can irritate the delicate skin on the lips which can sometimes trigger a cold sore.
Tip: Taking an immune boosting product during winter and using a moisturising lip balm with SPF 15+ sun block during summer can help to prevent a cold sore attack.
Myth #.3 – Cold sores take several days to heal
Not necessarily so, it really depends on how your body naturally responds to the cold sore virus, your particular symptoms and what treatment you use - if any. Some people prefer to just ‘ride it out’ or use a home remedy to try and prevent or clear the blisters such as applying cold tea bags, ice, honey or dabbing alcohol.
A typical cold sore will go away in 1 to 2 weeks if no treatment is used. However, there are now clinically trialled cold sore products which can help to speed healing, so it may not always be necessary to hide the days away waiting for a cold sore to clear.
Tip: In October 2009 a world first “once only” cold sore application was released in Australian pharmacies under the name Dynamiclear Rapid®. This offers sufferers a new way to manage cold sore symptoms without the need for daily or repeat applications. Also obtainable are Acyclovir based creams which have been available since the 1980s. These creams are recommended to be applied 5 times per day for 5 days and need to be started at the first sign of symptoms.
Myth #.4 – If someone in your family gets cold sores you will get them too
No, not necessarily true. Cold sores are not a genetic condition, meaning they are not passed on from a parent to a child in the DNA or genes. Cold sores are spread by direct contact with the virus while it is active on the skin’s surface.
For example, if you kiss someone while you have an active cold sore this could spread the infection to the person who you kissed.
Tip: To prevent spreading a cold sore, do not kiss another person whenever you notice symptoms or feel one coming on. This includes from the first moment you feel symptoms until the skin has completely healed.
Myth #.5 – Cold sores can be spread via a person’s saliva
This is a misconception. Cold sores are not spread via body fluids such as saliva or blood. Cold sores can however be spread via an object if it has come into direct contact with the active cold sore virus and then touches healthy skin shortly after, such as through sharing the same drinking glass, lip gloss or cigarette while a person has a cold sore.
Tip: Do not share drinks, make-up, food, utensils, cigarettes or other inanimate objects that come into contact with your mouth whenever you see or feel cold sore symptoms.
Dynamiclear Rapid® is a world first one application formula for symptomatic relief of cold sores. The actives in Dynamiclear work by penetrating the DNA of the cold sore virus, thereby inactivating and eliminating the virus on direct contact. Unlike existing cold sore products, results are seen rapidly from just one application, and there are no inconvenient repeat applications. One breakout = One application.
For more information visit http://www.dynamiclear-rapid.com or phone 1800 646 921
For more information visit http://www.dynamiclear-rapid.com or phone 1800 646 921
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Top tips for avoiding cold sores during the frosty season
It‘s the time of year when the weather is cooling and the sniffles are sneaking up on us that the cold sore virus likes to play havoc, raising its not so attractive head for all the world to see.
Before that cold sore gets a chance, learn about the various tools available for you to utilise to help minimise the ugly and sometimes painful effects of cold sores.
Lifestyle Tips to Reduce Cold Sores:
• Avoid supplements or protein shakes that contain added Arginine (an amino acid)
• Reduce Arginine rich foods such as chocolate, oats, nuts and beer
• Eat a diet rich in natural foods; cut down on white and refined sugars, white flour, dairy, processed meat products, alcohol, caffeine, saturated animal fats and foods with additives
• Increase the amounts and variety of raw fruits and vegetables in the diet
• Avoid artificial sweeteners
• Drink lots of quality water every day (at least 6 to 8 glasses). Choose filtered, alkaline water where possible
• Avoid steroid based medications if possible, such as cortisone
• Address hormonal imbalances or underlying health issues
• Reduce alcohol and recreational drug consumption
• Meditation – try to clear the mind and let go of negative emotions and attachments
• Try to avoid getting sunburnt or chaffed lips; use an SPF 15+ sunscreen or lip balm, wear a hat while in the sun and limit excessive UV exposure
• Moisturise your lips regularly to help prevent cracking and dryness
• Topically attack each breakout to help reduce viral population
• Take beneficial supplements to help prevent a cold sore recurrence when needed
Natural Remedies to help ward off a Cold Sore:
Andrographis – this wonder herb can inhibit cold sore virus activity in vitro and improve the level of killer T-helper cells (cells in your immune system that are essential to control cold sores). Combine with the herbs Echinacea and Olive Leaf for best results.
Lysine – this is an amino acid that is shown in studies to reduce the frequency of cold sore breakouts and accelerate healing. It does this by naturally restricting another amino acid called Arginine, which the cold sore virus needs to become active.
Broccoli, Cabbage and Brussel Sprouts – these vegetables are naturally high in a compound called indole-3-carbinol (I3C) which clinical studies show may have the potential to interfere with the way the cold sore virus reproduces, so eat plenty of these veges to help keep breakouts away.
Dynamiclear Rapid® – an all natural plant and mineral formulation that is applied externally onto the skin, demonstrated in clinical trials to give fast relief from cold sore symptoms in just one application. Dynamiclear works by penetrating and destroying the DNA of the cold sore virus, thus ‘inactivating’ the virus on contact. Anecdotal evidence suggests that Dynamiclear may also help to reduce the frequency and intensity of recurring symptoms.
Engystol® – this is a homeopathic remedy made by a reputable German brand named Heel. Engystol can be beneficial in strengthening an immune response against the cold sore virus, and may be particularly helpful in persistent cases.
Panax ginseng – if needed can help to counteract the effects of stress, past or present illness, alcohol and other strains on the immune system. This in turn can help to prevent a cold sore.
By educating people about Cold Sores, and the tools and knowledge that can be used to keep them away, it not only helps to ease the pain and embarrassment but can also help to reduce the incidence of cold sore infections.
Here’s to a happy, clear and peaceful winter.
Miriam Spurge
Holistic Viral Consultant, Global Herbal Supplies
For further product information please visit :
Website: http://www.dynamiclear-rapid.com
Phone: 1800 646 921
Before that cold sore gets a chance, learn about the various tools available for you to utilise to help minimise the ugly and sometimes painful effects of cold sores.
Lifestyle Tips to Reduce Cold Sores:
• Avoid supplements or protein shakes that contain added Arginine (an amino acid)
• Reduce Arginine rich foods such as chocolate, oats, nuts and beer
• Eat a diet rich in natural foods; cut down on white and refined sugars, white flour, dairy, processed meat products, alcohol, caffeine, saturated animal fats and foods with additives
• Increase the amounts and variety of raw fruits and vegetables in the diet
• Avoid artificial sweeteners
• Drink lots of quality water every day (at least 6 to 8 glasses). Choose filtered, alkaline water where possible
• Avoid steroid based medications if possible, such as cortisone
• Address hormonal imbalances or underlying health issues
• Reduce alcohol and recreational drug consumption
• Meditation – try to clear the mind and let go of negative emotions and attachments
• Try to avoid getting sunburnt or chaffed lips; use an SPF 15+ sunscreen or lip balm, wear a hat while in the sun and limit excessive UV exposure
• Moisturise your lips regularly to help prevent cracking and dryness
• Topically attack each breakout to help reduce viral population
• Take beneficial supplements to help prevent a cold sore recurrence when needed
Natural Remedies to help ward off a Cold Sore:
Andrographis – this wonder herb can inhibit cold sore virus activity in vitro and improve the level of killer T-helper cells (cells in your immune system that are essential to control cold sores). Combine with the herbs Echinacea and Olive Leaf for best results.
Lysine – this is an amino acid that is shown in studies to reduce the frequency of cold sore breakouts and accelerate healing. It does this by naturally restricting another amino acid called Arginine, which the cold sore virus needs to become active.
Broccoli, Cabbage and Brussel Sprouts – these vegetables are naturally high in a compound called indole-3-carbinol (I3C) which clinical studies show may have the potential to interfere with the way the cold sore virus reproduces, so eat plenty of these veges to help keep breakouts away.
Dynamiclear Rapid® – an all natural plant and mineral formulation that is applied externally onto the skin, demonstrated in clinical trials to give fast relief from cold sore symptoms in just one application. Dynamiclear works by penetrating and destroying the DNA of the cold sore virus, thus ‘inactivating’ the virus on contact. Anecdotal evidence suggests that Dynamiclear may also help to reduce the frequency and intensity of recurring symptoms.
Engystol® – this is a homeopathic remedy made by a reputable German brand named Heel. Engystol can be beneficial in strengthening an immune response against the cold sore virus, and may be particularly helpful in persistent cases.
Panax ginseng – if needed can help to counteract the effects of stress, past or present illness, alcohol and other strains on the immune system. This in turn can help to prevent a cold sore.
By educating people about Cold Sores, and the tools and knowledge that can be used to keep them away, it not only helps to ease the pain and embarrassment but can also help to reduce the incidence of cold sore infections.
Here’s to a happy, clear and peaceful winter.
Miriam Spurge
Holistic Viral Consultant, Global Herbal Supplies
For further product information please visit :
Website: http://www.dynamiclear-rapid.com
Phone: 1800 646 921
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