Are Cold Sores and Shingles Related?

When you think of cold sores and shingles, you wouldn’t think that they would be related at first. Cold sores are found on your mouth and lips and shingles can appear anywhere on your body. However, did you know that these two ailments are related? To understand better, let’s dive into the two.

Cold Sores
Most people are familiar with cold sores and the fact that they appear as a fluid-filled blister or sore on your mouth or lips. These blisters can form together in small patches and eventually will scab over after bursting. Typically, cold sores can last around two to three weeks before fully healing.

Cold sores are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), and less commonly herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). These viruses are contagious and affect both your mouth and genitals. You don’t even have to see the sores for it to be contagious and spread.

How To Treat
Unfortunately, there isn’t a cure for cold sores, but treatments are available that can help an outbreak heal more quickly. Prescription antivirals and creams can treat infections, but if you’re looking for a more natural approach, be sure to check out our H-Balm treatment solution specifically for cold sores.

Shingles
Shingles is another viral infection that is caused by a virus known as varicella-zoster (the same virus that causes the chickenpox.) It can occur anywhere on your body, but tends to appear as a single stripe of blisters around the sides of your torso.

It’s important to know that shingles isn’t life threatening, but it does lie dormant in your nerve tissue near your spinal cord and brain after having chickenpox. Shingles then can appear years later when the virus has reactivated and can be a very uncomfortable and painful rash.

How To Treat
If you think you have shingles, get in touch with your healthcare providers, so you can discuss treatment options. Shingles can be treated with antiviral medications and are most effective if you take them as soon as possible. Lotions and over the counter medication can also help relieve pain.

How They’re Related
So, remember how we said cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus 1 or 2, and shingles come from the varicella zoster virus? Well, the two are cousins. They belong the same viral subfamily – Alphaherpesvirinae and have similar treatment options, hence the use of antivirals. (Shingles just tends to need a higher dose.)

The same goes for the use of our H-Balm Extra Strength. This product is made up of a powerful solution that fights outbreaks in shingles, cold sores and canker sores. It can be used for emergency care during an outbreak or when you feel an outbreak coming on (prodrome.)

Homeopathy has been highly successful in relieving of the symptoms with little to no adverse reactions.  Indeed, hundreds of thousands of people have benefitted from the amazing curative power of Homeopathy.

Give it a try today!