How to Relieve From Cold Sores

Cold sores also called fever blisters. Cold sores are caused by a viral infection that attacks the skin and nervous system. . They are sometimes confused with impetigo, which usually develops between the nose and upper lip. Fluid that weeps from impetigo is cloudy and honey-colored. Cold sores are caused by The herpes simplex virus, and they're contagious. Canker sores, which aren't contagious, are ulcers that occur in the soft tissues inside your mouth, places where cold sores don't occur.Cold sores are usually caused by herpes virus, which can lay dormant in the body and becomes active later when something triggers it.

During that 7-to-10-day period, the blisters break, ooze, and form a yellow crust. They thus get even uglier. The scabs then fall off, and the skin heals without scarring. During that period, the sores are communicable through direct contact with others (or with yourself) or through an intermediary like a towel or razor. So, if you can actually find someone who will kiss you on the lips during that period, refuse them that dubious privilege.

Protect your lips from the sun. Applying sunscreen to your lips may help prevent sun-induced recurrences of cold sores. Look for a sunscreen designed especially for the lips that has an SPF of 15 or higher. Or, choose a lipstick that contains sunscreen.

Cover cold sores with a protective petroleum-based product. This will speed healing and help protect it from secondary infection with bacteria.

Witch Hazel is an herb that grows naturally in North America, Japan, and China. An extract of witch hazel is used for various medicinal purposes, including stopping the effects of cold sores. You can likely find it at your local health food store.

Avoid close contact with people who have cold sores! This goes beyond kissing people who have cold sores. If someone who has cold sores touches their lip and then handles something that you handle, there is a chance for you will get cold sores if you touch your face.

Replace your toothbrush with a new one once detected you have a cold sore. Toothbrushes incubate cold sore causing viruses and it will keep coming back if you use the same toothbrush. You also need to replace your toothpaste tubes since toothbrush bristles get in contact with the toothpaste tubes each time you use your toothpaste. Buy smaller toothpaste and avoid rubbing your toothbrush bristles against the opening of the toothpaste tube.

Three oral antiviral medications sometimes prescribed are acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir) and valacyclovir (Valtrex). Although none of these medications will eliminate the dormant HSV-1 infection that causes cold sores, they can help the sores heal faster and relieve the associated pain and discomfort. They also can also help to suppress a cold-sore outbreak.

If your cold sores persist for longer than two weeks, even with home treatment, you should consider seeking professional medical treatment, especially if you experience frequent symptoms of the herpes type 1 virus or suffer irritation in the eyes.

Keep it to yourself. Cold sores are extremely contagious. Avoid kissing and sharing cups, towels, or other such items. Wash your hands frequently, especially after touching cold sores. And take care not to touch your eyes or genitals immediately after touching cold sores. Like many people around the world, I suffered with cold sores for many years, trying all sorts of treatments in vain.

Acyclovir and Valtrex : What's The Difference?

There isn't a medication on the market that doesn't display some sort of side effects and the same is true for herpes antiviral medications. Here's what you need to know about Valtrex and Acyclovir. You should know the difference between These two herpes medicines so you can make the best decision for your self and minimize the side effects.

The major drugs that doctors use to treat the herpes simplex virus work by blocking the reproduction of the herpes simplex virus. These drugs are Acyclovir and Valtrex. These medications are taken orally. There are other antiviral similar to these drugs that are available in topical and intravenous formulations, but They are generally used to treat different viruses.

Acyclovir and Valtrex can lessen the severity of an outbreak; reduce the time it takes the herpes outbreak to heal and decreases the number of days of symptoms and the days that the virus is transmissible. These antiviral medications are most effective when taken early in the course of an outbreak which is when you first feel the tingling sensation and pain.

The first pill for genital herpes was acyclovir which is now generic, but its brand name was called Zovirax. It was approved to treat the initial episodes of recurrent episodes of genital herpes. It must be taken 3-5 times a day to be most effective. Because it is generic, it is the cheapest of the herpes medications. Val acyclovir (Valtrex) is a product of acyclovir. That means that the body converts it to acyclovir which is the active drug in the body. That helps more of the active drug get absorbed into the body. So you can take the drug less often than acyclovir. It is approved for treatment of genital herpes and for suppressing recurrent genital herpes.

Using Laser Wrinkle Removers - How You Can Minimize Potential Complications

Laser wrinkle removers remove wrinkles by stimulating the production of collagen. Depending on your skin condition, your doctor may recommend that you go for ablative laser resurfacing. Ablative resurfacing procedures are done on an outpatient basis, and typically take between 30 minutes and two hours, depending on the technique used and the size of the area treated.

Ablative laser resurfacing results in wounding of the skin and complications may arise.

Complications of ablative laser resurfacing can include:

• Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation - skin tone that turns darker or lighter than normal three to four weeks after surgery and can last several months. You are more likely to develop hyperpigmentation if you have a darker skin tone. Avoid direct sun exposure and apply adequate sunscreen for up to two months before and a year after the procedure to avoid permanent irregular coloration in your facial skin. Seek advice about sun protection, allowable sun exposure and other protective measures from your doctor.
• Herpes virus infection - the virus that causes cold sores. This happens when the herpes virus is already present but dormant in the skin. Laser resurfacing may activate the virus. If you have a history of frequent or severe cold sores, shingles in or near the area of treatment, or a recent outbreak of herpes, your doctor can prescribe acyclovir (Zovirax) or valacyclovir (Valtrex) to prevent these infections after laser surgery.
• Bacterial infection - your doctor may prescribe antibiotics such as azithromycin (Zithromax), before and after laser resurfacing to help prevent a bacterial infection.
• Acne flares - keep your skin clean and avoid the use of makeup for the first two weeks to prevent the clogging of pores.
• Scarring - talk to your doctor if you have had problems with scarring, or if you have a history of keloids which are ridged areas caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue. Talk to your doctor if you are on medication such as isotretinoin (Accutane) as this can increase your risk of scarring after laser resurfacing.
• Small white bumps (milia), inflammation of the dermatitis, prolonged redness - your skin may be raw, oozing and blister. The yellowish liquid that oozes from treated areas may form crusts. Avoid picking crusts or pieces of skin to prevent scarring.
• Tingling, burning and itching sensations - your doctor may ask you to take acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) to relieve your symptoms. Your doctor will also apply an ointment, dressing and a bandage.

You are likely to experience pain during your laser resurfacing procedure and your doctor will prescribe the use of local anesthesia. For the first 24 hours after sedation, you may have lapses of memory, slowed reaction time and impaired judgment. Arrange for someone to drive you home if you're having an outpatient procedure that involves sedation.

While recovering, keep your skin moist by using protective creams containing aloe vera and Vitamin E. Remain at home and limit your activity level. Your skin will be sensitive to sunlight and may stay red or pink for up to several months following laser resurfacing. Once new skin has completely covered the treated area after about two weeks, you may use cosmetics to conceal any lingering redness. Use a sunscreen and minimize sun exposure.

By following the above recommended steps, you will be able to enjoy the results of using laser wrinkle removers complication-free.

Cockatiel Illnesses

Cockatiels are one of the most lovable pets in the world. They are a valuable treasure to the owner. Cockatiels, just like humans, need a lot of attention and care. Parrots as pets are delightful but they can become extremely moody and temperamental. This may also depend on its health and diet.

Good cockatiel care involves not only regulation of diet but also of hygiene and cleanliness. Cockatiels, like most of its cousins in the parrot kingdom, are prone to some typical illnesses. Unfortunately, many are fatal and result in death even before the malady is diagnosed. As a result, cockatiels should always be kept under close supervision.

A wise owner of cockatiels is one who is aware of common cockatiel illnesses so that he/she can at least try and help. Many maladies are airborne and they set in even before you realize. It is advisable to seek professional advice whenever you suspect a crisis.

Some of the common illnesses are:

Pacheco’s Virus - It is easy to diagnose your cockatiel if Pacheco’s Virus infects it. The bird needs to be administered a strong oral dose of Zovirax medication. Vaccines are easily available for this disease, but they can bring about tumors and carriers. Evidence shows that parrots are likely to die shortly after inoculation.

Polyomavirus - Polyomavirus largely attacks the young ones. This virus is again air-borne and complicated to control. Look for clinical warning signs like depression, delayed crop emptying, anorexia, diarrhea, regurgitation and weight loss in parrots.

Beak and Feather Syndrome - Spread by feather dust and dried feces, parrots infected with PBFDS show abnormal growth of new feathers. The new-fanged shafts look as if swollen and gnarled. Another type of PBFDS symptom that is quite prevalent is growth abnormality of the beak. There is currently no known cure for this disease.

Wasting Disease - A highly contagious disease Wasting Disease is not as fast in opening out as Pacheco’s. Wasting Diseases are hard to reckon since they lie dormant for years, until hosts are on a move. Studies on parrot show Wasting Diseases have a severe effect on nervous systems extended to all of the major organs, triggering seizures, paralysis, and tremors, and also heart attacks. There is no known medication available for Wasting Disease, but changing the food patterns of the parrots by including easily digestible diet supplements may prolong the life of a victim.

Papilloma - Appearing primarily in the throat or vent areas, papilloma is caused by a virus infection similar to warts. It grows large enough to block the vent, making it difficult or even impossible for the host to defecate. Parrots diagnosed of Papilloma can be cured after successful laser surgery.

Psittacosis - Psittacosis is another most dreaded bacterial infection that commonly occurs in the cockatiels and is transmitted via feather dust and dried feces.

E-coli - This bacterium is not so lethal if it is acknowledged and treated at initial stages. In fact, when cockatiels are diagnosed of having Ecoli their droppings usually have the appearance of diarrhea, giving out strong odor.

Gout - Calcification of the kidneys among the parrots is common especially among the babies who are aged 4-8 weeks. In such cases, victims rarely survive. Initially they show regurgitating and slight dehydration after feedings. In addition, babies who appear slightly smaller than their regular sizes, with protruding neck bone have the largest possibility of incurring Gout.

Runny Nose or Nasal Discharge - The most common of all nasal discharge is laxity of Vitamin-A in cockatiels. This deficiency can be corrected by increasing the food quantities that are rich in vitamins and mineral contents especially.