Cold sores are common symptoms of viral infections. Also called fever blisters, they are tiny, fluid-filled blisters that form near your lips or around the mouth. These blisters frequently combine to form patches. After the blisters pop, a scab that can last several days appears. Cold sores normally disappear without leaving scars in two to three weeks.
Kissing is an intimate physical contact that can transmit cold sores from one person to another. Usually, type 1 of the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) and, less frequently, type 2 (HSV-2) is to blame for the development of these sores. Both viruses can injure your mouth and are communicated through oral contact. Cold sores can spread to other individuals even if you cannot see the sores.
There are typically multiple stages that a cold sore goes through, including:
Itching: Patients with herpes may experience itching, tingling, or burning around the lips a day or two before a tiny painful patch develops and transforms into blisters.
Blisters: Little blisters appear at the edge of your lips, while they may occasionally develop inside the mouth, on the cheeks, or around the nose.
Oozing and crusting: The little blisters merging and bursting result in a superficial open sore that oozes and crusts over.
Your symptoms may change depending on whether it is your first cold sore outbreak or a recurrence. Herpes symptoms do not typically appear for up to twenty days after the first exposure to the virus. The blisters may not completely heal for two to three weeks, and the sores may linger for many days. Recurrences occur in the same place each time and are usually not as bad as the initial incidence.
During a first-time outbreak, you might also have muscle aches, a sore throat, aching gums, a headache, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.
The herpes simplex virus type 1, or oral herpes (HSV-1), is widespread and extremely contagious. It can be contracted by kissing, exchanging towels, straws, or lip balm with someone with a cold sore, or by saliva or intimate touch.
Due to the minor signs of HSV-1 exposure, you might not know you have been infected. When children are first exposed to HSV-1, they occasionally have a fever and tiny blisters inside and around their lips.
Although cold sores are typically not serious, they can occasionally become complicated. Individuals with weak immune systems due to sickness or medical procedures like chemotherapy are especially vulnerable to complications.
If drinking water becomes uncomfortable, dehydration can occasionally result. Dehydration is a significant concern for young children.
Moreover, the herpes simplex virus can spread to other bodily regions. This can happen in situations like:
Your doctor may examine the cold sore or may take a culture from it to determine if you have the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which is what causes cold sores. The physician may also perform blood tests for viral antibodies. A positive antibody test establishes that you have the virus, but does not provide details about the viruses activity or the potential timing of your infection.
A cold sore may take some time to heal, but certain medications can hasten the process and lessen the discomfort of the symptoms. Treatments for cold sores include:
Antiviral medication, creams, or intravenous: Without a prescription, antiviral creams are sold over the counter at pharmacies. When taken properly, these can lessen your symptoms and speed up the healing process. You might be given an oral antiviral medicine by your doctor.
Over-the-counter medications: You can apply lotions or ointments to the cold sore without a prescription. Before the cold sore starts, if you begin using these creams at the first sign of tingling or itching, you may be able to stop the cold sore from developing.
Herpes simplex virus infection and cold sore breakouts cannot be prevented, but you can take precautions to lessen the spread of the infection. Cold sores are most contagious when they erupt, although they are still contagious after fully healing.
By refraining from touching cold sores, avoiding kissing and oral sex, and washing your hands both before and after touching the affected region, you can reduce the likelihood of the cold sore virus spreading.