Herpes Testing Blog

Cold sore is troublesome and has the potential to irritate a person beyond limits. Although, there are many medications available in market for curing cold sore, it usually takes a long time to get cured completely.

There are many home remedies available to cure the cold sore and can be used at the preliminary stage of the infection which hinders the spread and growth of the infection.

Cold sores growth and development is required to be hindered down by introducing some minor changes in the diet. Vitamins and other supplements can also be added in the diet to enhance the healing process.

The few effective remedies which are known to cure at a faster pace are described here for your knowledge.

Application of ice on the cold sore is by far known to be the most effective home remedy. Take one ice cube and wrap in a netted cloth and then press on the infected area. Ice, if used at the preliminary stage of the infection, hinders the further growth of the infection by decreasing the rate of metabolism of the affected cells. It also provides the soothing effect and reduces the itching and the irritation. Put ice on the sore for two minutes at the interval of five minutes.

Another very effective home remedy is to apply lemon or aloe vera balm extract or tea bags on the cold sore. It also restricts the growth of the viral infected cells and provides the soothing and cooling sensation on the infected area.  Coffee consumption should also be reduced as it is known to intensify cold sore growth.

For the full article, please refer to http://www.natural-homeremedies.org/blog/home-remedy-to-treat-cold-sore/

The death of Farrah Fawcett after her long and courageous battle with anal cancer has saddened all of those who loved her.

Anal cancer is closely related to the human papilloma virus (HPV). HPV is the virus that causes genital warts and cervical cancer. This does not mean that Farrah had a history of sexual promiscuity; it just means that like many Americans, she was exposed to the virus at some point in her past.

Approximately between 45 and 90 percent of all caners of the anus are caused by the HPV virus. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the U.S. Approximately twenty five percent of females in the United States are infected with the HPV virus, however only a small fraction of these women will develop anal cancer.

For the complete article, see http://www.examiner.com/x-12106-Charleston-Family-Health-Examiner~y2009m6d28-More-on-Farrah-Fawcett-Anal-Cancer-and-HPV

Scientists have discovered a new way for our immune system to combat the elusive virus responsible for cold sores: Type 1 herpes simplex (HSV-1). A group of virus hunters from the Université de Montréal have identified a cellular process that seeks out and fights herpes.

“Once human cells are infected with Type 1 herpes simplex, the virus comes back because it hides and blocks protection from our immune system,” says Luc English, the study’s lead author. “For the first time, our research team has identified a combative cellular mechanism in this game of hide-and-seek.”

The team made its discovery while conducting various tests in HSV-1 infected mice cells.

The research team plans to study how activation of the herpes-combating cellular process could be applied to other illnesses. “Our goal is to further study the molecules implicated in this mechanism to eventually develop therapies against diseases such as HIV or even cancer,” says English. Treatment options might be imaginable in a decade.

“Now that we’ve identified the novel mechanism in cells that activate immune response to Type 1 herpes simplex, scientists are one step closer to creating new treatments that can activate the defense against this and other viruses,” says Dr. Desjardins. “While it may not be possible to completely eradicate Type 1 herpes simplex in people who are already infected, at the very least, future therapies may be able to keep the virus in its dormant state.”

For the complete article, see http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090323112058.htm

Many Americans know that cold sores are caused by a herpes virus. But few understand the relation between oral herpes and genital herpes. Also confusing is whether herpes on the lip or mouth can be transmitted to the genital area.

There are several strains of herpes virus. Herpes simplex virus Type 2 is the strain associated with genital herpes. Many cold sores, on the other hand, are caused by herpes simplex virus Type 1. But Type 2 can also cause sores on the mouth, and Type 1 can spread to the genitals.

The types are closely related, and they usually lie dormant in nerves near an infection site until emerging on the skin during an outbreak, often preceded by tingling, itching and pain. Soap and water kills the virus fairly easily, so washing is a good way to help keep it from spreading.

Herpes is transmitted primarily by skin-to-skin contact when the infection is active, but carriers can also transmit the virus when they have no noticeable symptoms — and many do not.

THE BOTTOM LINE
Cold sores can cause a genital infection and vice versa.

For the complete article, please refer to http://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/19/health/19real.html?pagewanted=print&position=.