What You Need To Know About Cold Sores
Cold sores are blisters that occur on the lips and the area around the mouth. A cold sore starts with an inflamed red area with a burning and itching sensation.
This small inflamed area gradually swells up and then a clear liquid may start leaking out of it. It starts scabbing finally and begins to heal in about two weeks. Although not very common, cold sores can develop in the mouth, making the irritability to increase.
Causes of cold sores
Cold sores are caused by a virus known as Herpes Simplex Virus – HSV. Two types of HSV exist: HSV-1 and HSV-2. They are usually found on the genitals and on the face, with type 1 more common on the face while type 2 more common on the genitals. Cold sores are generally caused by type 1.
The virus is usually contracted from contact with people who are infected. It can stay for a long time without showing any symptoms until it is later on triggered by something else – common cold, flu, stress, lip injury, etc.
How HSV is spread
Many people get this virus when they are young but they start getting the effect when they are older. Direct contact is not necessary for you to get the virus, as I can be spread through food and drink. However, things like kissing, oral sex, and sex increases the risk of contacting HSV.
Symptoms
Cold sores have vague symptoms. It should therefore not to be confused with chapped lips. Some of the symptoms are sores in the mouth, fever, and swollen lymph nodes
Treatment
It is impossible to prevent cold sores, but they can be treated. The reason for this is that HSV is a virus and there are no cures for it. There are two methods of treatment: medical and natural alternatives.
A healthy lifestyle and a strong immune system can prevent cold sores from occurring. But when it occurs for the first time, oral antiviral drugs like acyclovir and famciclovir help to shorten the time the sores take to heal and also reduce the pain.
When there is a recurrence, topical creams like Pure Lip can be used to speed healing and to reduce the pain. There are natural methods for treating cold sores. Vitamin C consumption can help prevent the occurrence of cold sores. In addition, lysine and all those supplements that boost the immune system will prevent cold sores.