What are cold
sores? 
Cold sores are sores usually around the mouth that are
caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). Herpes labialis
is the medical name for cold sores. They manifest themselves
as clusters of tiny blisters on the lip. These blisters later burst
and a crust or scab forms. Cold sores can be outside or
inside the mouth.
The HSV-1 virus often attacks children under 10 years of
age but can appear at any age. Even when the cold sores
clear the virus stays inactive in the body and can manifest
itself again and again with new cold
sores.
What causes cold sores?
Cold sores are caused by the HSV-1 virus but whilst the
virus remains in your body you may not have any
symptom. With
the HSV-1 virus in your body cold sores can be brought on by
a number of events.
1.
Cold/fever
2.
Dental treatment
3.
Trauma to lips – including exposure to
sun
4.
Stress
Cold sores are spread by physical contact with an
infected person. This contact can include kissing or sharing
food which has been bitten into by the infected person. The
incubation period is 1- 26 days.
The HSV-1 virus can also affect your eyes, fingers and
genital area. However genital herpes is usually caused by
the HSV-2 virus.
In
rare circumstances the infection can spread to the inside of
the mouth, the gums, the brain and the
eyes.
HSV-1 can be serious in persons with other health
difficulties and those with weak immune
systems.
Diagnosis
A
doctor will usually diagnose cold sores by sight and asking
a few relevant questions. Tests may be necessary if other
medical problems exist. Symptoms usually occur about 7 days
from first contact. Symptoms can include headache, fever,
nausea, vomiting and swelling of the throat and mouth. These
may be followed by burning and itching in the affected area.
In one to two days small blisters will form and when these
burst a crust or scab will form. Once the cold sores crust
they should clear in about eight
days.
Treatment
Whilst the infection is self limiting and usually lasts
seven to ten days professional help should be sought if it
spreads to other areas. Your doctor or pharmacist can
provide creams and other medicines where
necessary.
Click Here to be free from cold sores in 3
days
Prevention
Avoiding the initial contact with HSV-1 is best but this
is usually very difficult. Most children will have contacted
the virus by adulthood. Small children should be kept away
from and not allowed kiss or touch anyone with evident cold
sores, blisters etc. There are vaccines available but these
are most effective before contracting the
virus.
Some people are more susceptible tp cold sores and these
people should take precautions to avoid them where
possible.
1.
Talk
to your doctor about available
medicines
2.
Wear
sunscreen
3.
Wear
lip balm
4.
Avoid
stress
5.
Maintain your general health
REMEMBER:
HSV-1 is a lifelong
problem – It does not go away – It must be
controlled.
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