Cold Sores

Otherwise known as herpes simplex because of its being a part of the herpes virus group, cold sore appears on the patient’s lip, or slightly below or above it. This highly contagious skin condition is caught via close contact, such as kissing, with a person who has it.

Cold sores are sometimes referred to as fever blisters. They are characterized by a cluster of tiny blisters along the lip, as well as on the outer part of the mouth. The surrounding area is typically red and swollen. The small blisters can open up, secrete fluid, and scab for a couple of days. Complete healing from cold sores usually takes between 7 and 10 days.

While they are named as cold sores, patients do not necessarily have to have colds to get this. And even if some people refer to cold sores as fever blisters, patients do not need to have fever to catch it either. Contrary to what some folks believe, cold sores are entirely different from canker sores, which always appear on the inner parts of the mouth.

Herpes simplex virus is the one responsible for the onset of a cold sore. It is among the most widespread viral infections on the planet. Each of the two types of the virus that causes cold sores can also bring about genital herpes and herpes labialis. The two virus types are HSV-1 and HSV-2.

Patients can have the herpes simplex virus without the symptoms. However, some people experience fever, soreness of the mouth, inflamed lymph glands, or sore throat. Cold sores in small children cause them to drool just before the condition actually appears. After the onset of the blisters, cold sores often break, and bleed fluid, before crusting over.

When diagnosing cold sores, health care professionals examine their patients and ask them if they are ever exposed to the herpes simplex virus. Most often, diagnosis does not involve any further testing.

Although cold sores disappear on their own after a couple of days, some cases are severe and cause great discomfort to patients. Thus, cold sore remedies may be prescribed by the doctor. Treatments, such as ointments, antiviral oral medicines, or topical creams, may be recommended to patients. And while these treatment options only work to end the presence of cold sores by a day or two, these can still offer relief from painful blisters and other bothersome symptoms.

The herpes simplex virus responsible for the onset of cold sores is not curable. However, if sores occur regularly, the various means of treatment can lessen the severity and frequency of outbreaks.

Cold sore is a contagious condition. A break on the skin inside or around the mouth can serve as the entry point of the herpes simplex virus. It can be spread through sneezing, coughing, or getting in direct contact with an infected person through kissing, among others. Cold sores can likewise be caught by toughing or using the things of a person with a cold sore. A parent suffering from a cold sore can easily spread the disease to his/her child.

Managing the symptoms of a cold sore can be done right at home. This involves the following techniques: placing a wet cloth on the area 3 times within the day, each lasting 20 minutes, to reduce swelling and redness; taking pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen; using mouth rinse for sore mouth relief; avoiding acid-containing food; and applying nonprescription ointments.

Virus may be some of life’s biggest inevitabilities. However, cold sores can be prevented through proper awareness and hygienic practices. Through these, people will win the battle against harmful viruses.