Fever blisters, often known as cold sores, are a typical viral illness. On and around the lips, they are tiny blisters filled with fluid. Patches of these blisters are frequently formed together. A scab that lasts for a few days develops after the blisters burst. In two to three weeks, cold sores typically go away without leaving a mark.
Close contact, including kissing, is how cold sores transfer from one person to another. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and, less frequently, type 2 (HSV-2) are typically responsible for their development. Oral intercourse is a means by which both of these viruses can infect the mouth and genitalia. Even if you can’t see the sores, the infection can still spread.
Although there is no known treatment for cold sores, it is possible to control outbreaks. Sores can heal faster with the use of prescription antiviral medications or lotions. They might also cause subsequent outbreaks to occur less frequently, last shorter, and be less severe.
Ailments
Typically, a cold sore goes through various stages:
- Itching and tingling. Many experience burning, tingling, or itching around their lips for a few days before a tiny, painful patch develops and blisters start to form.
- Clumps. Along the lip’s edge, little blisters filled with fluid frequently develop. They can occasionally be seen inside the mouth, on the cheeks, or around the nose.
- Dripping and coating. The tiny blisters could congregate before rupturing. This may result in open sores that are superficial and may seep and crust.
Depending on whether this is a repeat or your first outbreak, the symptoms can differ. It can take up to 20 days after your initial viral exposure for you to experience symptoms of a cold sore. The sores may linger for a few days. It may also require two to three weeks for the blisters to fully heal. If blisters recur, they usually do so in the same location and are usually milder than during the initial outbreak.
During an initial outbreak, you may also encounter:
- A fever.
- Painful gingiva.
- Tender throat.
- Ache.
- Achy muscles.
- Enlarged nodes of lymph.
Youngsters under five years old may develop oral cold sores. Canker sores and these sores are sometimes confused.
Reasons
Some types of the herpes simplex virus (HSV) are responsible for cold sores. Usually, HSV-1 results in cold sores. Genital herpes is commonly caused by HSV-2. However, close contact like kissing or oral sex can spread any type to the face or genitalia. HSV-1 can also spread through shared towels, razors, and dining utensils.
Blisters that are oozing are the most common way for cold sores to spread. However, even if you don’t have blisters, you can still spread the virus. The virus that causes cold sores infects many people, yet many never show any symptoms.
Reasons
Some types of the herpes simplex virus (HSV) are responsible for cold sores. Usually, HSV-1 results in cold sores. Genital herpes is commonly caused by HSV-2. However, close contact like kissing or oral sex can spread any type to the face or genitalia. HSV-1 can also spread through shared towels, razors, and dining utensils.
Blisters that are oozing are the most common way for cold sores to spread. However, even if you don’t have blisters, you can still spread the virus. The virus that causes cold sores infects many people, yet many never show any symptoms.
- Fever or a viral illness.
- Hormonal fluctuations, such those brought on by a menstrual cycle.
- Tension.
- Weariness.
- Exposed to the wind or sun.
- Modifications to the immunological system.
- Damage to the skin.
Avoidance
If you have cold sores more than nine times a year or if you’re at high risk of developing significant consequences, your doctor could recommend taking an antiviral medication on a regular basis. Apply sunscreen to the area where cold sores tend to occur if sunshine seems to aggravate your disease. Alternatively, discuss with your physician the possibility of taking an oral antiviral medication before to engaging in any activity that may trigger the recurrence of a cold sore.
To prevent cold sores from spreading to other individuals, follow these steps:
- Keep your lips sealed and avoid touching people’s skin when you have blisters. Blisters that leak fluid are the easiest for the virus to spread.
- Don’t share stuff. When blisters are present, utensils, towels, lip balm, and other personal things can transfer the infection.
- Maintain hand hygiene. Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling anyone, especially infants, if you have a cold sore.
