Cold Sores
Also known as: Fever Blisters, Herpes
Simplex type I (HSV-1)
What is
it?
Cold sores
are small, fluid-filled sores that appear around the
mouth and on the lips. They are called cold sores or
fever blisters because they often occur during a viral
illness, such as a cold.
Who gets
it?
Anyone can
get cold sores.
What
causes it?
Cold sores
are caused by the oral herpes simplex virus. The virus
is spread through contact with someone with a cold
sore. Once you have been infected with a form of the
herpes virus, the virus continues to live in the nerve
cells of the skin or the central nervous system, but
doesn't cause any symptoms. Something, such as an
illness, stress, sunburn, or injury, can cause the
virus to become active again and cold sores to recur.
Someone with cold sores can spread the herpes virus to
the genitals through oral sex.
What are
the symptoms?
Cold sores
may begin with an initial tingling, burning, or numb
sensation, followed by clusters of small, painful,
fluid-filled blisters around the lips and surrounding
skin. Within a few days, the blisters are covered with
a thin, yellow crust as they begin to dry, and the
pain subsides. The blisters are gone within one to two
weeks, but are contagious until they dry up. Some
people have only one occurrence of cold sores, while
others get them repeatedly.
How is it
diagnosed?
To diagnose
cold sores, your doctor will study your medical
history and perform a physical examination. Laboratory
tests, such a viral cultures and blood tests, can be
performed to determine the type of virus causing the
symptoms.
What is
the treatment?
Cold sores
can be treated with an antiviral medication that
reduces symptoms and dries up the blisters. People who
get cold sores frequently or have severe outbreaks may
take this type of medication daily to prevent
symptoms. Topical creams, available by prescription
and over the counter, may also reduce pain and help
with healing. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as
acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help reduce pain. Cool
compresses on the affected area may also provide
relief. It is important to keep your skin clean and
dry so you don't develop any other types of infections
in the blistered area. Your doctor might also
prescribe some type of antibacterial ointment to help
prevent infection.
Self-care
tips
You can
help prevent cold sores by avoiding contact with the
blisters. Wash your hands frequently, do not share
food or drink, and do not touch a blister then touch
others or other areas of your body, especially the
eyes or genitals. Use sunscreen and protective lip
balm when outdoors to avoid sun-related outbreaks. As
with any illness, it's important to get plenty of
rest, follow a healthy diet, and reduce stress levels.
People with a skin condition called atopic eczema
should avoid any exposure to the herpes virus because
it can develop into a possibly fatal condition called
eczema herpeticum. Contact your doctor if your
symptoms become worse or if the blisters appear to be
infected.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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