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Cold Sores Inside the Mouth

Kalpana Kumari
The main cause of cold sores is the herpes simplex virus that resides in the nerve cells in an inactive state. The story below highlights the causes and treatment of cold sores inside the mouth.
Cold sores are described as small, red, painful, fluid-filled blisters that are somewhat raised from the level of the surrounding skin. The inside of the mouth is a common place of their occurrence. They usually occur on the gums and roof of your mouth.
Cold sores inside mouth often starts with a tingling or burning sensation that lasts for about 1-2 days. The herpes simplex virus generally comes into action when you have a weakened immunity. Maintaining a strong immune system is the most effective prevention against this problem.
Causes
  • The basic cause of cold sores is the action of the herpes simplex virus.
  • It is of two types - HSV type 1 and HSV type 2. In a majority of the cases, cold sores inside mouth are caused by HSV type 2.
  • You might or might not have contracted herpes simplex recently. This virus, once contracted, usually stays in the nerve cells in its dormant state.
  • It waits there for a condition that favors its growth and replication.
  • Such a condition can develop inside your body when you have a weakened immune system, slightly acidic body, arginine level higher than that of lysine, excessive exposure to the sun, and when you are constantly under stress.
  • Cold sores are also known as fever blisters, and usually get cured on their own within a period of 2-10 days.
  • The symptoms can be treated to a great extent, but it is difficult to destroy the causative virus present in the nerve cells.
  • You remain a carrier of herpes simplex for the rest of your life. Whenever your bodily conditions favor its replication, you develop cold sores.
Treatment
  • The best way to prevent cold sores is to maintain a strong immune system and lead a stress-free life.
  • You can try taking non-prescription antiviral medicines. They help a lot in alleviating the symptoms of cold sores.
  • You can start using a toothpaste that contains zinc. You may apply it directly on the cold sores in mouth.
  • Ice helps alleviate cold sores. Rub ice cubes on the affected area.
  • If this done at an early stage when you have noticed tingling sensation, it can prevent further growth of cold sores.

  • You can also try applying a layer of garlic paste. Garlic speeds up the process of healing of cold sores. You may even derive its benefit by increasing its intake in your daily diet.
  • Have a glass of aloe vera juice once a day. You should eat foods that are rich in lysine and poor in arginine. This will restore the normal balance of lysine and arginine, and thus, will treat the cold sores.
  • More than actual remedies, a stress-free lifestyle will help. Practice yoga or meditation to improve your mental health.
  • You can strengthen the immune system of your body by following a healthy diet and a moderate exercise regime.
  • Make sure that your diet has high contents of citrus fruits and green leafy vegetables, as they are great immunity boosters.
After you try out the home remedies, you have to monitor the condition of cold sores inside your mouth. Do it for about 7-9 days. If you notice satisfactory improvement, continue doing the same till you get complete cure for cold sores.
However, if you do not notice any significant betterment, pay a visit to a doctor as soon as possible. Timely medical intervention will effectively help you treat the cold sores.
Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.