OT: Nasal Cold Sore

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All three strains: Herpes Zoster, (chicken pox and shingles) and
Herpes Simplex I (primarily mouth and nose) and II (usually naughty bits) --
are treated with the same drugs.
Since infection is lifelong, with flare-ups due to stress,
actual transmittal may occur years before it is noticed.
A shared fork, alternate bites of a candy bar or piece of fruit, or a kiss, anything could have done it.
Sufferers didn't even know they had something contagious years ago.

Herpes type 1 is ubiquitous, hence the majority of us have the virus dominant, only to erupt with sun or stress exposures. Like ChunkyFrog, I had a history of multiple outbreaks every year, keeping anitvirals in my purse to abort a severe case. Now, 15 months of CPAP, I have not even one cold sore!

Kitatonic wrote:Herpes type 1 is ubiquitous, hence the majority of us have the virus dominant, only to erupt with sun or stress exposures. Like ChunkyFrog, I had a history of multiple outbreaks every year, keeping anitvirals in my purse to abort a severe case. Now, 15 months of CPAP, I have not even one cold sore!

Thank you for responding Kitatonic.

Couple of questions:
Can you rephrase the term "virus dominant"?
Are you using similar antivirals as mentioned on this thread?

What I'm learning from this thread is:
The same cold sore that can manifest on my mouth can also manifest in the hidden parts inside my nose.
Back this past May when I had the Transient Global Amnesia episode, I was given two different prescriptions for it. However, if the need arose that I panicked which could not be controlled, I was prescribed Ativan to calm me down, which did occur the beginning of this month. On that note, since these cold sores, whether nasal or mouth, are appearing more readily. Then it would be in my best interest to keep some antivirals in my purse as well. Right next to the Ativan.
Third, those sensations of "inhaling knives" in my nose is due to a cold sore rather xpap being bad to my nose. That's a relief.

You're one lucky gal Kitatonic . I wish xpap would do the same for me as it has for you.

Starlette

Cpap has reduced my colds, my cold sores; also my arthritis, and improved my mental faculties.
I'm liking it.

You're one VERY lucky frog CF that xpap has helped you so much. As for "mental faculties", that a whole new thread for me.
One day, I hope to say the same.
As soon as this has passed, I'll be washing all masks used during this time.

All herpes-like viruses, once we are infected, typically in childhood, go dorminant.Think of chickenpox, then shingles (herpes zoster) later in life.

Yes, I would carry cheap acyclovir. But the newer antivirals, you don't have to take so frequently, since 5-6 times/day is a hassle.

Thank you for your response Kitatonic.
I see the correlation between the two (herpes and chickenpox).

Starlette, I keep a tube of RX. Pencyclovir ointment around for the rare out break of cold sores. I use it at the first sign, tingling or red bump. It does make them smaller and go away fast. I tend to get an outbreak after a cold or flu. Usually around mouth or nose, never had one in my nose. Kathy

I used to use the pencyclovir ointment; but found it to be ineffective--probably due to my hereditary thick skin.
YMMV.

I can certainly see by the responses I'm receiving that if a person is susceptible to cold sores in general (I guess that means me) then one needs some type of combatant both externally and internally.

Starlette wrote:I can certainly see by the responses I'm receiving that if a person is susceptible to cold sores in general (I guess that means me) then one needs some type of combatant both externally and internally.

If it is Herpes Simplex virus (#1 and/or #2), then only internally taken anti- virus medication works. Topical creams and/or ointments are for the birds. To make a flareup remiss you need to take a large dose daily for a week or two. To prevent flareups you take a small dose daily (prophylactically). Consult a Dermatologist MD.

Externally, I've tried lysine, and also pencyclovir ointment, as recommended by friends.
Pretty much ineffective for me--but the oral drugs: very effective.
Stress attracts viruses like sugar draws ants, so in a stressful situation,
check the potential infection points frequently.

Thank you responding Avi That is great advice CF, thanks
The sinus infection is pretty much gone along with that "wicked" headache.
The next time I need to see my primary care physician, I am going to review these prescriptions and see which one would work best for me both internally and externally. I have received A LOT of great information. Thank you.

Starlette