Cold sores are the bane of many people's lives – 20 to 30 per cent of the UK population's lives to be more precise.
The individuals who suffer recurring outbreaks are likely to have caught the cold sore virus when they were children. Usually, by the time an infant has made their way through primary school, they have been exposed to herpes HSV-1, since it is highly contagious.
Typically, they will have been infected when receiving a kiss from someone who is carrying the virus, or by sharing items such as utensils or toothpaste.
Why do cold sores keep coming back?
After initial exposure, the person might experience the symptoms of the infection, and then the virus will retreat to the sensory ganglia of the trigeminal nerve (fifth cranial nerve) which is located behind the ear. Here it will lie dormant until, for some individuals, it is reactivated and travels back along the nerve to the skin where it causes an outbreak.
Approximately 80 to 90 per cent of the population has been exposed to HSV-1, but only 20 to 30 per cent will suffer from cold sores throughout their lives. In the remainder of the exposed population, the virus will lie dormant permanently and cause no further problems.
Is there a cure?
There is no known cure for HSV-1. The location in which the virus spends its latency period makes it impossible to eradicate completely. However there are treatments available to ease the symptoms.
Herstat's cold sore treatment is one of them, and has been clinically proven to effectively heal the coldsores within an average of six days.
The main ingredient of Herstat, petrolatum, creates a moist environment favourable to wound healing by forming a protective barrier that helps the cold sore retain its own moisture - a critical factor for speeding up the healing process and reducing symptoms such as pain, redness and dry skin.
Herstat contains Propolis ACF, a refined version of Canadian propolis which is a natural antimicrobial substance and is known to possess many beneficial healing properties. For centuries people have used propolis for its antiviral, antibacterial, anaesthetic and regenerative qualities.
Where can I buy Herstat?
Herstat is available to purchase on this website. Please click here to read more about the treatment or to buy a tube of ointment.
Herstat LipCare Stick is also available - designed to be used in between outbreaks to protect and prevent. It is useful on dry / chapped lips and also to protect against lip damage from UV-A and UV-B rays.
You can read more about its benefits and purchase it by clicking here.
Photo © Becca C via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
