Cold sores are extremely contagious. If you touch a cold sore, the virus will be transferred to your hand. Should you then touch another part of your body, the virus may be deposited there and another cold sore could develop. For this reason, you should keep your hands away from the cold sore and wash them frequently throughout the day.

Zilactin® is a film-forming medicated gel that provides relief from the pain and itching of cold sores, fever blisters and canker sores. The film holds the medication in place while permitting normal eating and drinking. Zilactin®L is a medicated liquid containing lidocaine for increased pain relief. It is suitable for preventive use as well as to treat cold sores that have already developed. (The first symptoms of a herpes simplex infection usually include a burning, tingling or itching sensation around the edges of the lips or the nose.) Zilactin®B has been formulated to treat canker sores within the mouth that are not related to cold sores.

Relief for Dry Eyes

Many people mistake the uncomfortable sensation known as dry eye for an allergic reaction. Although allergens can cause similar discomfort, there are ways to tell the difference, and to treat each condition appropriately.

Dry Eye: Dry eye is a term used to describe a group of different diseases and conditions that result from inadequate wetting and lubrication of the eye. Symptoms of dry eye include: dryness, itchiness or scratchiness, burning or stinging, the sensation of “having something in the eye,” grittiness, fluctuating blurring of vision, a tired feeling in the eyes, general discomfort, and sensitivity to light (photophobia).

If you experience any of these symptoms on an ongoing basis, you should check with your doctor for a correct diagnosis. Several medications for dry eye are available from your London Drugs pharmacy, including Systane™ lubricant eye drops.

Allergies: The eyes may also be affected by allergies. Allergens can produce similar symptoms to those of dry eye, including burning and itching. However, allergies usually give rise to other symptoms that help distinguish the two conditions. Allergens frequently cause the eyes to become red, puffy and watery. Since the allergen also affects the nasal tissues and sinus cavities, the discomfort in the eyes is usually accompanied by sneezing, sniffling and stuffy nose.

Eye allergies are often seasonal in nature. The most common outdoor airborne allergens are grass, weed and tree pollens. People who are sensitive to these allergens often experience seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, the most common type of eye allergy.

Help for Aching Backs

The many yard and garden chores associated with fall are often the cause of sore or aching backs. Raking leaves, in particular, is a “red alert” activity since it involves bending and twisting the body - a sure invitation to a pulled muscle or back sprain. The Canadian Physiotherapy Association recommends the following precautions be taken to avoid injuries associated with garden and yardwork:

• Begin by warming up. Start with light raking, or go for a five-minute walk to warm up your muscles. Follow your warm-up with stretching all major muscle groups to help prevent injury.
• Be aware of your posture and the way you position your body. Move your feet instead of twisting at your waist when sweeping, raking, mulching or potting. If you must make a twisting motion, tighten your stomach muscles to protect your back. Use your legs rather than your back when lifting or unloading heavy bags or pots. Bend your knees, keep your back straight, and hold the object close to your body to prevent unnecessary strain on your back.
• Use ergonomically correct tools. Buy tools with long handles to help you weed in comfort. When kneeling, use a knee pad to avoid putting too much strain or pressure on your knees. Finally, if you are prone to back problems or are experiencing back discomfort, consider using a supportive back brace such as the Futuro® Back Support, available from London Drugs.