The cold sore cure - which cures cancer
At the end of November 2015 a sensational headline in the Express claimed "Cold sores are KEY to destroying cancer tumours".
This awe-inspiring lead title was followed up by a sub-line saying that a "British cancer jab", using the cold sore virus, would be available on the NHS within months.
It's definitely a cold sore cure, but not for cold sores, and here at Herstat we think it's brilliant news.
Developed by researchers at Imperial College, London, the drug, Imlygic, has been tested on one of the deadliest cancers, melanoma, and the results have been extremely positive.
The drug works by targeting cancer cells and bypassing the healthy ones using a genetically modified form of the cold sore virus which is injected directly into a tumour.
Scientists have developed a method of removing genes ICP34.5 and ICP47 from the HSV-1 virus and inserting the human gene GM-CSF to help the body's immune system "jump start". The modified herpes virus causes tumours to "burst apart".
Kevin Harrington, Professor of Biological Cancer Therapies at The Institute of Cancer Research and consultant oncologist at The Royal Marsden Hospital said, "Patients with very extensive tumours around the body have gone into remission."
He added that results of the treatment trials had been reviewed favourably by the European Medicines Agency and that it would be unusual for the drug not to be formally approved following the opinions it had received.
And the results do sound very encouraging. Professor Harrington detailed cancer patients with "few treatment options left to them" whose lives were extended after taking part in the trial. Some patients lived 18 months, and longer, following the treatment.
He added, "We know that when we treat the cancer at an earlier stage then the results are even better."
Hip Hip Hooray for the HSV-1 virus
No, here at Herstat you won't hear us saying that phrase very often, but it seems that HSV-1 might be good for something after all.
Now all we need is a cure for cold sores and we'll be ecstatic. Meanwhile, Herstat can help you alleviate the (relative) pain and discomfort of an outbreak by applying our ointment every two hours, up to five times a day.
Cold sores in winter
The cold, grey, windswept days of darkening, dampening and descending winter are here. Yes, it is again that time of year when many of us, sniffling, shivering and seeking elusive sunlight, begin to daydream of emigration to somewhere – anywhere – warm and dry where the sunlight softens our thoughts and warms the napes of our necks.
And as if the generalised misery of the British winter is not enough to beset both body and mind, there is also – for as many as two-thirds of population, according to recent studies – the added personal peril of the cold sore.
We all know that cold weather and stress are two of the triggers for the herpes simplex virus and, sadly, the last few drifting leaves from the autumn trees, romantic as they are, are a harbinger of these things.
It is, however, worth remembering that although there is no cure for cold sores, there are a number of things that can be done to at least reduce the risk of their occurrence.
Avoid stress
Stress is always hard to avoid, particularly in winter. But there are some things that can be done which will help manage stress if not eradicate it altogether.
It is amazing how much of a difference even the littlest things can make. Have a massage; soak awhile in a hot bath (but not too hot); wrap up warm and take a countryside stroll though the clear brittle air; snuggle down with a loved one and watch a favourite film: such breaks from the daily grind of run-of-the-mill winter life can help keep you serene and therefore contribute to lessening the need to reach for your cold sore treatment.
With a hey and ho and hey nonny no, keep the cold and wind at bay
Extreme cold, particularly in windy conditions, can reactivate the HSV-1 virus so take steps to ensure that you keep protected from the cold and the wind. Having a good scarf or high collared coat can do this, ensuring that lips do not become dangerously dehydrated.
Also beware when moving between environments that are distinguished by markedly different temperatures – for example, moving from the blistering cold to the welcome warmth of a well-heated house.
Eat yourself well
British people have a tendency to eat comfort food in winter – think pies, pasties, chips and fry-ups. However, our general health is often reliant on what we put into our bodies. By eating well we can help prevent ourselves becoming rundown. Vitamin D plays a particularly important role in preventing the outbreak of cold sores and good sources of this vitamin include oily fish, yoghurt, cheese and egg yolks.
Herstat
Herstat cold sore treatment is clinically proven to help eradicate a cold sore more quickly and to reduce healing time. Applying it before exposing yourself to biting winter winds may also help reduce the possibility of developing a cold sore in the first place.
Learn more about the product and order a tube today.
Photo © Tony Hall via Flickr under creative commons licence.
Don't stop me now!
It's the day of your big interview and you've woken up with a cold sore. "Typical" you think. It's true that cold sores seem to know just when to appear to cause maximum impact. And never in a good way.
If you've ever wondered why you experience cold sores during, or in the run up to, big events the answer could be stress. Feeling anxious puts a strain on your body and if sustained can cause you to become physically run down. This is when cold sores seize the opportunity to strike. When your immune system is weakened the virus which causes cold sores sees this as a green light to rear its ugly head.
A job interview, a date, or even your wedding day are all, typically, eagerly anticipated and at times stressful occasions. In all these events we want everything to run smoothly and for us to perform at our best, so naturally nerves kick in.
To boost your immune system at times of increased stress there are some simple things you could do:
- Drink hot water with lemon, a fruit which is rich in Vitamin C
- Make sure you're eating lots of fruit and vegetables
- Keep your protein up by including meat, dairy and eggs in your diet
- Antioxidants help repair damaged cells in the body. Foods high in antioxidants include broccoli, beetroot and spinach
- Indulge in herbal tea. Echinacea, ginseng and green tea will give your immune system a boost
Of course, none of these suggestions are going to rid you of a cold sore if you have one but then there's Herstat for that.
Our cold sore remedy uses propolis, along with other ingredients, to help treat your cold sore fast – really fast! Don't believe us? Take a look at our clinical studies Next time you feel a tingle, reach for Herstat. You'll never use another again.
Photo © Petras Gagilas via Flickr under creative commons licence.
Self-esteem non-existent when you have a cold sore? Try our five tips for boosting your confidence.
Sometimes a cold sore outbreak can wreak havoc with your self-esteem. As soon as you feel that dreaded tingling, you reach the best cold sore remedy you know and prepare for up to ten days of avoiding social occasions and hiding the lower part of your face with a scarf, a roll-neck collar or a fan (well, maybe not a fan).
Considering the sheer amount of people who experience the type 1 herpes simplex virus – it is estimated that it's carried by around eight out of ten people* - we think the huge effect it can have on a person's confidence is unwarranted, after all no-one stares at the red nose produced by the common cold.
To help you feel less self-conscious during an outbreak, we've put together five tips to consider for boosting your confidence while you're suffering from a cold sore.
Realise you're not alone - The reason you only notice your own cold sores is because we're quick to spot faults in ourselves, but not in others. As mentioned above, around 80% of people carry the virus and while not all of them will experience regular cold sores, a significant proportion do.
Plus, if celebrities like Alexa Chung and Justin Timberlake get them, you shouldn't be embarrassed - you're in celebrated company.
Wear something that makes you feel good - When a cold sore is making you feel rubbish about yourself, it's always good to bring yourself back up with something you know increases your confidence. Whether it's putting on your best suit for work, a new lipstick, or your favourite fragrance; make a special effort to add that spring in your step and focus attention elsewhere.
Indulge in a relaxing routine - Having a hot bath, listening to some of your favourite music and getting to bed an hour earlier can do wonders for your tension levels; helping you worry less about your cold sore. Introducing a regular relaxation routine could also help prevent outbreaks in the future, as they're frequently triggered by stress and fatigue.
Cover it up - You shouldn't feel it necessary to hide your cold sore with make-up, particularly if it's sore (plus if you're not careful you can transfer the virus to your makeup applicators and perpetuate the cycle of infection). But for those who feel they simply must cover it, concealer can give that extra confidence boost. Our handy guide can help you apply makeup safely - click here to find out more.
Try Herstat! - Our tips can help you feel good during an outbreak, but we know what would make you happiest is a treatment that could abolish a cold sore quickly and be used at any point during the infection. Herstat can do both these things, so – while you might feel like you've tried the best cold sore remedy – our ointment is clinically proven to reduce the healing time.
To feel your most confident, try the Herstat Cold Sore Care ointment and LipCare stick today.
To learn more about the product and to order a tube today, click here.
*http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/conditions/mouth-sores-and-infections/article/cold-sores-and-fever-blisters
Photo © Alessandro Valli via Flickr under Creative Commons
Stock up on Herstat in time for Christmas
We know it's shameful to mention the 'C' word (Christmas) in September, but it's the time of year that cold sore sufferers should start preparing themselves for the onslaught of the potential party-ruining affliction know as Herpes Simplex Virus 1 - the dreaded cold sore virus.
Its rage across your face can go hand in hand with the stress of ensuring Auntie Sue likes her decorative tea towel and oven mitt Christmas pressie set, and wondering whether the party outfit you bought in the sales last January will still a) fit, b) be on-trend and c) be appropriate for the work's do now you've been promoted.
Yes, the run up to the festive season is a worrying time. And, alongside the ever-present threat of winter coughs, colds, and the dreaded "flu", the months from September onwards are the time of year when sufferers need to be really prepared for that dastardly tingle.
Carry your favourite cold sore remedy with you
If your cold sore treatment of choice is sticking an ice cube on your face, it's not always easy to treat the tingle when you're a work, driving, or working out at the gym. In fact most home remedies that require dabbing your lips with something delivered on a cotton wool ball are best carried out right there - at home.
So, what if you feel the onset of an outbreak while you're out and about - well, that's where a treatment like Herstat is invaluable. You can keep a tube of the ointment anywhere you might want; at work, in your gym bag, at your best friend's house - one in every handbag/pair of trousers you own - so that, as soon as you feel the tingle, you can set the specially selected ingredients used in Herstat (including propolis - nature's wonder healer) to work.
And our Herstat LipCare Stick (which also contains propolis) is a handy lip balm designed for everyday use when you're not suffering from a cold sore. During winter it helps sooth dry, cracked and chapped lips and because of the natural antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of propolis it's completely suitable for cold sore sufferers. Plus, it helps reduce damage due to UV-A and UV-B radiation, and, even though it's winter, those harmful rays still get to the skin on your face if you're not careful.
Countdown to cold sore season
So, before you worry about going on a diet before Christmas, or saving up to fill those festive stockings with gifts, why not act now and stock up on Herstat Cold Sore Care Ointment and LipCare Stick.
We believe it's the top over-the-counter cold sore treatment on the market today and we think you'll agree. If you don't, our full money back guarantee protects you.
Don't wait for the dreaded December cold sore outbreak before buying; act now, to get Herstat in your life...and in your pocket, in your medicine cabinet, in your desk...
Image © Wilson Hui via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
