Cold sores are small blisters which appear near the mouth. Compared to canker sores found inside the oral cavity - cold sores are present on the circumference of the mouth and the area surrounding the lips. These minute blisters appear in clumps and clusters and often are painful. The causative factor includes the herpes simplex virus, the most common cause of cold sores.
About 80 per cent of adults are infected with HSV-1. Most people are infected when they are young, and the infection lasts for life. However, the virus can remain dormant (inactive) in many people. In such instances, the cold sores never appear.
Cold sores appear as the patient gets infected with the herpes simplex virus. There are two types of herpes simplex virus, i.e., Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 is associated with blisters around the oral cavity, and herpes type 2 often presents with genital lesions.
The contagious cold sores or blisters can often transfer as the patient contacts another person. Other viral transmission modes include sharing food, cosmetics and personal grooming kits.
Symptoms Of Cold Sores
The initial symptoms occur with a burning and tingling sensation around the mouth. The itching is followed by the appearance of blisters which often appears around the mouth. The fluid-filled blisters are often red and tender to touch.
The blisters last for two weeks, after which they start to crust. Once the scab is dried down, it falls off.
During the infection, the systemic infection can also result in the following symptoms, including swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches and fever. Meanwhile, sore throat, nausea, dehydration and generalised pain can also appear.
Various factors can cause the virus to become active, resulting in one or more cold sores. They can include:
Generalised tiredness and fatigue, damaged skin barrier, irregular menstrual cycles, emotional upset or stress, intense sunlight, cold, flu or fevers make the body less able to fight off infection.
Other risk factors include HIV/AIDS and chemotherapy.
While the blisters usually disappear within 10-14 days without any treatment, symptomatic management and over-the-counter ointments can help relieve the pain. It is best advised to use the topical cream as soon as the first blister appears and must be applied for a week four to five times a day.
Cold and damp compresses, medication including acetaminophen and ibuprofen, and treatments with alcohol to dry out the blisters can also result in painless resolution. Moisturising the skin with lip balms and creams are also advised.
Cold sores can also be treated with antiviral medication, which is prescribed by the doctor.
In case you are faced with the symptoms mentioned above, consulting your doctor must be your utmost priority.
