Cold Sores
Cold Sores
Cold sores are nothing but blisters which have a fluid like substance in it. Mostly these sores are formed on the lips, mouth, or nose. A virus called herpes simplex virus (HSV) is the main culprit behind these cold sores. These are also known as type I HSV. The sores give a constant nagging pain which lasts for a couple of days. This virus infection is pretty infectious and can pass from one person to another mostly through saliva. A person who is infected by this virus can easily pass it on to another person through kissing or by coming in close contact. Most people believe that cold sores can be passed by the use of same objects such as towel or napkins or other personal items but this is highly improbable.
Mostly every virus infection heals completely after 3-4 days but the HSV virus is one tough virus which cannot be absolutely eradicated by the body’s immune system, this is the main reason for their reoccurrence The main reason for the reoccurrence is not very clear but it has been observed that certain changes inside the body can cause these sores again. Fever, colds, flu, too much exposure to the sun’s ultra violet rays, hectic lifestyle, variations in the body’s defense system, certain hormonal changes like menstruation, skin problems etc can cause these cold sores to give you pains either frequently like one a month or sporadically like two times every year, more or less in the same area.
One can experience a mild tingling or burning sensation before having a cold sore which slowly develops to form a liquid filled blister. For some people who are attacked by this virus for the first time may have contracted it from bleeding gums or from other types of sore known as gingivostomatitis. These cold sores usually do not require any medical attention and can heal by it self in a few days but if the pain is severe then one can have prescribed medicines so as to abbreviate the pain from the infection. Since it mostly occurs near the mouth hence eating and drinking may be considerably reduced, but still one has to eat enough to keep up the stamina to fight against the virus and also to avoid from getting dehydrated.
People can purchase over the counter medicines to get temporary relief from the pain but these medications do not reduce the duration of the infection. Lipactin gel, Zilactin, skin protectors such as allantoin, petrolatum, dimethicone, sunscreen lotion with lip balms can help to moisturize the area and lesson the itching from cracking of skin and can also help to lesson the chances of another blister. One can also have ibuprofen and acetaminophen as pain killers. It is difficult to avoid having a cold sore completely but if one can find out the reason behind its occurrence then probably it can be prevented to a certain extent.
It is best to keep the infected area clean and not to let anybody come close in contact to your saliva. It is best if one can refrain from touching the infected area but if accidently you happen to touch it then wash your hands immediately with soap and water. The utensils used by the infected person should be kept separately. Since prevention of these sores is difficult hence we can try to do our best to stop its further attacks. Regular intake of the prescribed medicines can reduce the attacks of this virus but daily ingestion of these medicines is not necessary.
