By CD Mohatta
A virus called HSV causes herpes simplex. HSV are of two types- HSV1 and HSV2. HSV 1 normally causes oral herpes or cold sores. The virus is normally contacted during childhood when an infected person kisses a child. Though HSV2 can also occur in the oral area, it rarely causes oral herpes. But the virus that causes cold sores can easily cause genital herpes. Let us find out more about cold sores.
Cold sores- Symptoms-
Cold sores are also called fever blisters. The symptoms commonly appear on the lips. The other places that can get affected are - areas around the lips, on or inside the nose, cheek or chin.
Usually most occurrences take place on and around the lips. Small fluid filled blisters appear on the affected skin singly or in a bunch. Over time, they ooze and crust over and resolve. If the sores are severe, this can be quite painful and troublesome. If the symptoms are mild, they can be confused with chapped lips, pimples, etc. Happily the recurrent episodes are milder than the first in most of the patients.
A phase called prodrome is present before the blisters appear. A day or two days before the appearance the affected skin may tingle, itch or pain. After that, the blisters will appear. The signs appear after about three weeks of contacting the virus. The blisters resolve within about ten days of appearance. After the symptoms resolve, the virus goes to the sleeping stage inside the body. It reappears as active cold sores, whenever the virus is triggered.
Cold sores- Causes
Cold sores form because of contact with anybody having oral herpes and virus transmission. Virus gets transmitted through mucous membrane or a cut in the skin. Once the herpes virus enters the body, it multiplies rapidly. This causes the first episode of oral herpes. After that, the virus finds a safe place in the body and stays there. After it is triggered, it goes back to the oral area and causes active cold sores again. The phase when the virus is inactive is called the sleep period or latency. Herpes is caused by two viruses- HSV1 and HSV2. Cold sores normally form because of HSV1. Even if you contact HSV2 in your mouth area, cold sores rarely form. Cold sores has episodes. The first episode will appear within three weeks of contacting the virus. The later episodes occur whenever the virus gets triggered. It is considered that sun exposure, stress, illnesses can trigger the virus from its sleeping stage.
Cold Sores- Treatment
Anti-viral medication is prescribed to reduce the severity of the outbreak and the duration of the outbreak. If pain is present, any OTC painkiller may be taken. Warm or cold compresses can be used to ease the pain of the sores.
Cold Sores- Prevention
If a person is having active sores, sharing his/her items such as towels, utensils, can spread the virus. Avoid sharing till the active sores don't clear.
Avoid touching active sores to prevent transmission of virus.
If you suffer from cold sores, you should keep hands clean and try not to infect yourself in the genital area or the eyes area.
Avoid triggers to prevent further outbreaks of cold sores.
This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor.
The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.
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