7 things you need to know to prevent fever blisters

Fever blisters or cold sores appear on the skin of people who are infected with herpes virus HSV-1. People get infected with this virus during their childhood, through a contact with other infectious children. Either way, the infection results in an outbreak of blisters. Once these heal, however, the infection does not end. Rather, the virus remains dormant and waits for the host to suffer from fever, sunburn, injuries or some other health problems in order to get re-activated.

Other Facts about Fever Blisters

The severity of the outbreaks decreases with the length of the infection. Yet, every time you face an outbreak of fever blisters, you risk transferring the virus to other people. Therefore, preventing the infection is the best way of staying free from fever blisters. Fortunately, there are steps you can take in order to keep yourself protected. Prescription medications, herbal medications and many other approaches can all help you get rid of fever blisters effectively.

How to Prevent Fever Blisters?

First of all, before fever blisters actually appear, the affected area is bound to itch, tingle or become numb. At this time, you may be prone to a mild headache or fever. Note that fever blisters are not directly triggered by the viral infection, but, rather, by your own immune system, trying to capture the virus and isolate it. Your body needs about two days in order to react through fever blisters. Before this happens, you may take prescription medication or apply lemon balm on the area, preventing any breakouts.

Secondly, since sun’s ultraviolet rays can easily trigger fever blisters too, use sunscreen and try to avoid getting exposed to extreme sunlight. Tanning beds are not recommended either.

Thirdly, when the herpes virus is dormant, it resides in the nerve cells underneath your cheeks. Dental procedures like tooth extractions can trigger the virus, leading to outbreaks. Also, Novocaine, given by the dentist is known to make matters worse. So, use herbal creams or medications in order to get rid of the pain in these situations.

Next, provide more lysine in your diet. This amino acid prevents outbreaks of herpes too. Dark meat chicken, eggs, dairy products, ground beef and parmesan cheese, all are great sources of this amino acid. Also, you might want to cut down on arginine found in nuts, whey protein, sesame seeds, edamame, wheat germ and sunflower and pumpkin seeds.

Be careful not to compromise your immune system in any way, since this will make you vulnerable to fever blister outbreaks. Finally, keep others protected from your infection by refraining from sharing glasses, kissing, skin to skin contact and other possible ways of viral transmission.