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Our Guide to Cold Sores – Your Cold Sore Questions Answered

Our Guide to Cold Sores – Your Cold Sore Questions Answered

Cold sores can be a nuisance and leave people with a lot of questions about their causes, symptoms, and treatment. From the initial tingling sensation to the scabbing stage, each cold sore stage can be a source of frustration and embarrassment. It's no wonder that many people turn to the internet for answers.

With so much conflicting information out there, it can be hard to know what to believe. That's where we come in. Our comprehensive blog post will cover all the most common questions about cold sores, so you can finally get the answers you need to treat cold sores effectively and stop cold sores from recurring.

Whether you're looking for tips on prevention, advice about stopping them spreading, or the best way to treat a cold sore, we've got you covered. So, sit back, relax, and let us help you conquer those pesky cold sores once and for all!

When Does a Cold Sore Stop Being Contagious?

The contagiousness of a cold sore depends on which of the different cold sore stages the cold sore is in. The duration of the contagious period can vary from person to person and can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the individual's immune system and the severity of the infection.

But with oldsore's cold sore natural treatment, the duration significantly lowers, and not only does the cold sore stop being contagious in under 24 hours, but it's also completely healed. Alongside curing cold sores that are already present, our helfi product stops cold sores from ever forming, working from the inside out to remove the conditions that cause cold sores to form. What's more, just like all oldsore products, helfi is 100% natural.

What Should You Do on Day 1 of Getting a Cold Sore 

To minimise the severity and duration of a cold sore, it’s important to take action immediately. You should take oldsore’s cold sore oil which will reduce the viral load and prevent the cold sore from progressing to the next cold sore stage. As well, by using oldsore’s cold sore oil for 45 minutes for one day, it will completely cure the cold sore.

How to Avoid Spreading a Cold Sore?

During the contagious period, it's important to take precautions to avoid spreading the infection to others. This includes avoiding close contact with others, especially kissing, or sharing utensils or personal items, and washing your hands frequently to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to other parts of your body or other people.

Can You Go Swimming with a Cold Sore?

It is generally not recommended to go swimming with a cold sore, as it can increase the risk of spreading the infection to others, as well as increase the possibility of scarring and prolonging the healing process. Cold sores are highly contagious, especially during the active stages of the infection when the blister is open and oozing fluid. Swimming in a public pool, lake, or other body of water can expose others to the virus and increase the risk of transmission.

In addition to the risk of spreading the infection, swimming with a cold sore can also cause irritation and further damage to the affected area due to chlorine and other chemicals irritating the skin. This can delay the healing process and increase the risk of scarring or other complications. The chlorine and other chemicals used to treat swimming pools can also irritate the skin and exacerbate the symptoms of a cold sore.

If you do decide to go swimming with a cold sore, it's important to take precautions to reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others. This includes avoiding close contact with others, such as sharing towels or swimming equipment and covering the cold sore with a waterproof adhesive bandage to prevent it from coming into contact with the water.

It's also important to avoid touching the cold sore or picking at the scab to stop cold sores from recurring as this can cause the infection to spread and may result in scarring or other complications.

Don't fear though, if you use oldsore's natural cold sore oil, the natural ingredients will cure your cold sore in under 24 hours, so you won't have to miss swimming for very long! Additionally, if you use oldsore's helfi sachets daily this will prevent cold sores from ever appearing. This means you will never need to use oldsore cold sore oil in the first place.

Can You Go to the Dentist with a Cold Sore?

If you have a cold sore, it's generally best to avoid going to the dentist for routine dental work, especially if the sore is active or open. Cold sores are highly contagious and can be spread through close contact, so there is a risk of transmitting the infection to the dentist or other staff members. 

However, if you have a dental emergency, such as a severe toothache or a broken tooth, it's important to seek treatment as soon as possible. In this case, it's important to inform the dentist or dental staff about your cold sore before the appointment, so that they can take appropriate precautions to minimise the risk of spreading the infection.

The dentist may advise delaying the appointment until the cold sore has healed or may recommend alternative treatment options that can be performed with minimal contact to the affected area. Taking oldsore's natural cold sore treatment will completely heal your cold sore in under 24 hours, minimising the time you must wait to see your dentist. What's more, using helfi cold sore sachets daily will ensure you never get a cold sore again if you use it daily.

What's the Difference Between a Cold Sore and Impetigo?

Cold sores and impetigo are two different skin conditions that can sometimes be mistaken for one another. Here are some of the differences between the two:

Cold sores:

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). They usually appear on or around the lips, although they can also occur in other areas of the face or inside the mouth. Cold sores usually begin with a tingling or burning sensation, followed by the development of small, fluid-filled blisters. The blisters can break open and form a scab, which usually heals within 7-10 days if you don't use a cold sore treatment, the most effective of which is oldsore which cures a cold sore in under 24 hours. Also, using oldsore's helfi sachets will ensure you never get a cold sore again if it's used daily. Cold sores are highly contagious, especially during the active stages of the infection when the blister is open and oozing fluid. Cold sores can be treated with oldsore's natural cold sore oil, which will cure cold sores in under 24 hours.

Impetigo:

Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection that is caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. It usually appears on the face, especially around the nose and mouth, but can also occur on other parts of the body. Impetigo usually begins as a red, itchy rash that develops into small, fluid-filled blisters. The blisters can burst and form a crusty, honey-coloured scab, which usually heals within 1-2 weeks. Impetigo is highly contagious and can be spread through close contact with infected individuals or contaminated objects. Impetigo is typically treated with antibiotics, either in the form of a topical cream or an oral medication, to help clear the infection.

In summary, cold sores are caused by a virus, usually appear around the lips, and are treated with oldsore to cure the cold sore in under 24 hours. Impetigo is caused by bacteria, usually appears on the face, and is treated with antibiotics.

What Foods Can Cause Cold Sores?

Certain foods can trigger cold sores by either weakening the immune system or containing amino acids that stimulate the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). Foods that are high in arginine, such as nuts and wheat products, can increase the risk of cold sore outbreaks. Additionally, acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomatoes can irritate the skin and trigger cold sores. Alcohol can also weaken the immune system and make it harder for the body to fight off outbreaks and lowers your chances of stopping cold sores from recurring, it's important to pay attention to your own body and what foods or activities may trigger an outbreak. If you do get an outbreak oldsore's cold sore oil will cure the cold sore in under 24 hours. However, to prevent outbreaks from ever occurring, use helfi. helfi is our 100% natural cold sore prevention sachet that works from the inside out to remove the conditions that cause cold sores to form.

Can Cold Sores Cause Swollen Lymph Nodes?

Cold sores can cause swollen lymph nodes. When the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) that causes cold sores enters the body, the immune system responds by sending white blood cells to fight the infection. This can cause the lymph nodes near the affected area to become swollen and tender. Swollen lymph nodes are a common symptom of many viral infections, including cold sores. 

The lymph nodes that are most affected by cold sores are those in the neck, but other lymph nodes can become swollen too. In most cases, the swelling will go away on its own as the body fights off the infection. However, if the swelling is severe or doesn't go away after a few weeks, it's important to see a doctor to rule out any other underlying health issues.

Are Cold Sores Contagious After They Scab?

Cold sores are still contagious after they have scabbed over. Even though the scab may make it less likely for the virus to spread, it's still possible to transmit the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) that causes cold sores through close contact with the affected area. The virus can be present in the fluid within the blisters or in the scab itself.

It's important to avoid picking at the scab to prevent the virus from spreading. Additionally, you should avoid sharing personal items like towels, utensils, or lip balm with others, as this can also spread the virus.

To reduce the risk of transmitting the virus, it's recommended to avoid close contact with others until the cold sore has completely healed and the scab has fallen off on its own. It's also important to practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently, to prevent the spread of the virus and to stop cold sores from recurring. If you do get a cold sore, use our natural cold sore treatment to completely remove the cold sore in under 24 hours.

Can You Pop a Cold Sore?

It's not recommended to pop a cold sore. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), and when the blisters burst or are punctured, the fluid inside can spread the virus to other areas of the skin, causing additional cold sores. Additionally, popping a cold sore can also cause the sore to become more painful, and infected, and take longer to heal. 

If you have a cold sore, it's best to let it run its course and heal on its own. Antiviral cold sore treatments such as cold sore natural treatment can help speed up the healing process and reduce the duration and severity of the outbreak. You should also avoid touching the cold sore and practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently and avoiding sharing personal items like towels or lip balm with others, to prevent the virus from spreading.

If you have a large or painful cold sore, you should use oldsore's cold sore oil to cure the cold sore in under 24 hours. What's more, to stop the recurrence of cold sores, you should use our cold sore prevention sachet - helfi. If applied daily, it can prevent you from ever getting cold sores again.

Is Petroleum Jelly for a Cold Sore?

Vaseline may help soothe the cold sore area, but it is not an antiviral cold sore medication and will not cure the cold sore. It is best to use antiviral cold sore medication such as our natural cold sore oil, to cure your cold sore within 24 hours and our helfi cold sore sachet to prevent cold sores from ever occurring again!

Does Drinking Water Help Cold Sores?

Drinking water doesn't directly treat cold sores, but it supports overall health and can indirectly help by maintaining a strong immune system, preventing dry lips, and reducing stress, which may contribute to outbreaks. 

However, if you add a sachet of helfi to your glass of water every day then you will prevent cold sores from ever occurring permanently. Therefore, although drinking water may not help to cure a cold sore on its own, if you add a cold sore prevention sachet of helfi to your glass of water daily then you will never get a cold sore again.

Conclusion

In summary, this blog has been instrumental in illuminating some of the most frequently asked questions regarding cold sores. What's more, to reduce the half-life of a cold sore our cold sore oil has been specifically formulated to effectively treat cold sores within a short timeframe of less than 24 hours. When applied correctly, one tube of oldsore contains oil enough to treat 20 coldsores. Additionally, by using helfi (our cold sore prevention product), you can prevent cold sores from ever occurring, providing you with a long-term solution to this recurring issue.