Naturally Heal & Prevent Cold Sores

From cold sores to chicken pox to shingles, the herpes simplex virus, in different forms, can create complicating health conditions, especially in older adults. For many elderly patients, finding natural ways in which to remedy and prevent disease and illness is a daily challenge.

One such condition, cold sores, is quite common among the elderly population, especially those with a pre-existing history of shingles. As a painful blister around the mouth and lips, cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are commonly confused with another condition known as canker sores.

Cold sores, however, are the direct result of one of the eight strains of the herpes virus and affects over 60 percent of the American population. Because the herpes virus that causes cold sores can be acquired at any age, many elderly adults find they have suffered with the condition over many years. It is only during the latter stages of life that cold sores become increasingly more recurrent, primarily due to the suppressed immune system that occurs with age.

To naturally treat and prevent cold sore outbreaks, elderly adults should first focus on resolving any health conditions that may prompt a recurrence to take place. Such health conditions may include an increase in stress, fatigue, excessive exposure to sunlight, changes in diet and even menstruation in elderly women. Avoiding dietary consumption of caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, nuts and sugar are important to controlling the recurrent outbreak.

In addition to these dietary restrictions, the elderly adult who suffers from cold sores is encouraged to increase the intake of an amino acid known as lysine. Lysine tablets can be purchased, over the counter, with recommended dosing of 1,000 milligrams, three times a day, during an outbreak and 500 milligrams, once per day, when no outbreak is occurring.

Because the herpes virus that causes cold sores lies dormant and latent within the nervous system, it is important to keep the nervous system healthy. To do this, the elderly adult should boost intake of vitamin B, vitamin C and vitamin E.

In terms of herbal supplements, lemon balm has been shown to carry some of the same properties are prescription anti-viral medications, such as acyclovir. Also available at a local health food store, lemon balm should be applied to the cold sore three times per day. Likewise, licorice has been shown to have these same anti-viral properties but also includes properties that stimulant the immune system.

As with any illness or disease, the key to optimal health outcomes in our elderly population is found in the early diagnosis, intervention, treatment and prevention. When suffering from cold sores, odds are very likely that the elderly adult has experienced the condition, frequently, during the course of life. However, with age, as the immune system becomes suppressed, these outbreaks are more common. When looking for a natural alternative to healing cold sores, reduce stress, consider the use of lemon balm licorice, boost your vitamin intake and avoid an unhealthy diet.