Cold Sore Info
If you’ve discovered small sores of blisters around your mouth, you may have a case of cold sores. Cold sores, also called fever blisters or herpes labialis, are caused by the herpes simplex virus. The HSV-1 is to blame in this particular case. This isn’t the same strain that causes the genital herpes – or genital warts – that is HSV-2. Other diseases brought on by the same virus include chicken pox, shingles and mononcleosis. As it is a medical condition, your medical worker can give you assistance. They can hand you a prescription or advocate different solutions.
Countless numbers of folk actually have HSV-1 as it’s so widespread; nonetheless, not all of them produce cold sores. Why do some people get cold sores while others don’t? No one really knows-no factors have been discovered yet. For all that, going by the results of a survey, nearly a quarter of the population has been inflicted by a cold sore. Furthermore, no one is totally sure what causes a cold sore breakout. Some factors incorporate illnesses, infections, dental surgery, pregnancy, food allergies, mouth injuries, exposure to the sun, fatigue and stress.
Many individuals are initially exposed to HSV-1 as babies or children. Frequently, the virus enters the body by way of a cut on or near the mouth. For whatever reason, the virus is triggered, and you start to feel in itching or tingling around the mouth area. This is the start of a breakout. After a day, you will begin to recognize little red bumps around the area. These little bumps will then start forming blisters. A few days later, they will dry up, and a yellow crust will be created over the bumps. These crusts will flake off after a couple of days, and you will have a small red spot left. It will then fade away and the virus will go dormant. At any time in your life, the virus may become active again, and cold sores will once again make an appearance on your face.
In addition to the cold sores that be created on your mouth, you may also have a sore throat, swollen glands around your neck or a fever. Normally, your first cold sore outbreak will be fairly mild and have few of these symptoms, but ensuing outbreaks may be much worse.
As with other types of the herpes virus, cold sores are highly contagious. HSV-1 is easily spread via all forms of physical contact, including oral sex, touching and kissing. If you have a cold sore, you should do your best to avoid physical contact with anyone you come into contact with. You should also wash your hands as often as possible and do your best to avoid touching the sores.
Disclaimer: Nothing contained in this article is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it beused for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional’s advice.
Filed under: General Interest