WHAT IS COLD SORE

Cold sores or fever blisters are a common viral infection that present themselves  as tiny, fluid-filled blisters on and around the lips. These are grouped together in patches and usually heal in 2-4 weeks without leaving a scar. 

Cold sores are caused by Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). HSV-1, typically causes cold sores; HSV -2 is responsible for genital herpes. However, either type can cause sores in the facial area or on the genitals.  

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF COLD SORE 

Signs and symptoms will vary based on whether it is the first outbreak or a recurrence. In some cases there are no symptoms, however during first-time outbreaks, some people experience:

• Fever
• Painful eroded gums
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Swollen lymph nodes, etc 

It can last several days, and the blisters might take 02-04 weeks to heal.

A cold sore usually passes through three vital stages:

• Tingling and itching. feeling an itching, burning or tingling sensation around lips for a day or so before a small, hard, painful spot appears and blisters erupt.
• Blisters. small fluid-filled blisters typically break out along the border where the outside edge of the lips meet the skin of the face, around the nose or on the cheeks.
• Oozing and crusting. small blisters may merge and  burst, leaving shallow open sores that will ooze fluid and form a crust.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION 

1. Cold sores spread from person to person through intimate contact such as kissing,oral sex and are contagious.
2. Cold sores usually clear up without treatment. A doctor needs to be consulted, if: 

   a. Symptoms are extreme or severe

   b. Not healed in 2-3 weeks

   c. In case of frequent recurrences

   d. Cause irritation in the eyes

3. Risk factors: People with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of complications from this virus. Medical conditions and treatments such as HIV/AIDS, Severe Burns, Eczema, Chemotherapy and Anti rejection drugs from organ transplants increase the risk of complications.  
4. Prevention tips include medication in case susceptible to frequent cold sores, sun protection in case sunlight triggers recurrences, avoid skin contact, keep personal use items seperate to avoid spread to other people etc