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Information About Cold Sore Viruses

Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, tend to occur at the worst possible times. People must endure embarrassing, painful symptoms for several days. Cold sores are often triggered by the herpes virus, and while there is no quick cure for it, you can follow some suggestions to reduce outbreaks or the length of them.

  1. Symptoms

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, you may not develop symptoms until up to 20 days after being exposed to the herpes simplex virus. Symptoms begin by a tingling pain in the affected area, followed by red, fluid-filled blisters within a few days. These painful, embarrassing symptoms can last 7 to 10 days.

    Causes

    • The Mayo Clinic states that typically herpes simplex virus type 1 triggers cold sores, while herpes simplex virus type 2 generally causes genital herpes. However, either kind of the herpes virus can aggravate sores on the face or on the genitals. Usually, you get exposed to your first episode of herpes infection from another person who has an active lesion, because cold sores are highly contagious. If you share silverware, toiletries or towels with an infected person, you can catch the virus. Once you have an outbreak of herpes, you are more likely to have another one because the virus lies dormant beneath the skin. Triggers, such as stress, wind or sun, could heighten a recurrence.

    Complications

    • Cold sores are highly contiguous until the blisters have dried out and hardened, so avoid skin contact with others until then. Be especially cautious with higher risk populations, such as infants and children, people suffering from eczema or people with a weakened immune system, such as patients with cancer.

    Prevention

    • Most importantly, avoid your known triggers. If the weather changes and the sun and wind cause your cold sores, stay out of the heat and make sure you wear lip balm with SPF 15. Try to stay relaxed as stress is another common trigger. Practice good hygiene and wash your hands frequently. Try not to touch your face to avoid spreading germs to other parts of your body.

    Home Treatment

    • While most cold sores fade away over time, you might find fast relief by applying a topical ointment, such as Abreva, on your cold sore. Take Advil or Tylenol for pain. Using cold compresses or ice to reduce swelling often helps too.

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