What Are Cold Sores?
Cold sores, also called fever blisters are tiny blisters that usually appear on the lips and around the mouth area. They are unsightly, and can be raw and tender to the touch. Sometimes the sores open and emit a clear liquid, and then scab over. Complete healing can be expected in about 2 weeks.
The herpes simplex virus or HSV causes fever blisters.
There Are 2 Types of HSV Viruses:
• HSV – 1 causes fever blisters
• HSV – 2 causes genital herpes
The HSV-1 virus causes cold sores and typically enters the body around the mouth through a break in the skin. The virus is easily broadcast to another person by kissing, and any behavior that spreads saliva. Not widely known, fever blisters can also reach other areas of your body.
Swollen glands, pain on the mouth, and a sore throat are the classic warning signs of a cold sore. Fever may also accompany these symptoms. On the other hand, some people carry the virus, yet never develop sores. For those that suffer this malady it is usually an unpleasant and often painful experience.
As mentioned, cold sores are caused by a virus. This means it cannot be cured. Despite that, there is a cold sore treatment that is right for you. There are many over-the-counter creams, ointments, and even pills that may lesson the effects of the virus. They are mildly effective in ridding yourself of the sores, but only by a day or two. Still, if you are prone to fever blisters treatment may reduce the number of outbreaks, and they can be less severe when they do occur.
Obviously, it is best to avoid fever blisters in the first place. Don’t share any eating utensils or drink from the same cup as an infected person. Once you have been infected with HSV you will probably get fever blisters. It is just a matter of when. There is no surefire way to prevent this. You can increase the odds in your favor by reducing your stress level, use sunscreen on your lips, and by using a good lip balm. Too much exposure to the sun is known to trigger flare-ups.
In addition, avoid sharing towels, washcloths, razor blades or toothbrushes with a person who is infected. Good hygiene in general dictates that you should practice this as a matter of routine. If you have a sore, wash your hands and do it often. This may prevent you from spreading the virus. This is the most often overlooked prevention measure, yet is a simple habit to acquire and carry out.
Finally, cold sores are cause by the herpes simplex virus, HSV-1. They are unsightly and usually painful. If you know someone who is infected avoid kissing that person or sharing any object they come in contact with. Over-the-counter treatments can be effective in reducing the symptoms of the sore. If you have a mouth blister get into the habit of frequently washing your hands. This one action may prevent the virus from spreading to other people.
