Cold sores, which are also called fever blisters, are common viral infections. They are tiny, filled with fluid, and occur on the surface of the lip area. One of the things that ought to be mentioned about fever blisters is that they occur in clusters.
Once there is a breakout of cold sores, there is also the formation of scab, which can be present for several days. If there is a breakout, then you might find a cold sore in mouth as well. It can be healed completely in a period ranging from 2-3 weeks and does not leave any scars either.
Cold Sores Symptoms
There are some distinct stages when it comes to cold sores symptoms, and this section will provide you with a complete rundown of those.
- Those who are infected by the cold sores virus first feel burning or itching sensations for around a day in the lip area. Eventually, it is followed by the appearance of fever blisters. The first thing you would notice would be the emergence of a firm and painful small spot in the affected area.
- The next and obvious symptom is the appearance of the blisters filled with fluid. While it is true that cold sores generally appear on the lips, they may also appear on the cheeks, nose or sometimes inside the mouth.
- The fever blisters are tiny, but if they merge, things may get tricky for you. In case of a merging, the blisters may burst collectively and lead to oozing. It can lead to the opening of pores on the affected area and result in crusting.
- The cold sores symptoms may be different if it is the first outbreak. In that case, some of the symptoms you may experience include headache, sore throat, fever, pain in the gums, muscle aches, and swelling of lymph nodes.
Expert Tip: Protecting your lip from sunburn can help you fight against cold sores. So, always wear a lip balm. |
Cold Sore Treatments
One of the things you ought to know about cold sore treatment is that it does not require your active participation in the healing process. All the blisters would clear up in 3 to 4 weeks’ time. However, there are a few ways that you can rely on to support this process and fast-track it:
- Traditional Treatments
The healing process may include certain medicines, and your physician would prescribe them. Some of the medicines which your physician may prescribe include Valtrex, Denavir, and Zovirax. Some of the products mentioned here are pills, while others are creams meant for applying on cold sores.
- Home Remedies for Cold Sores
Ultimately, cold sore treatment can often be best administered at home if symptoms are not too severe. In this case, you can use cold compression and petroleum jelly for relief and halt the progress of this condition. Also, vitamin C is a great option to counter this condition. So, you can try eating fruits containing vitamin C, as it will cure the condition from within.
- Other Treatments
Some of the alternative cold sore remedies can also be of immense help. Lysine, which is an amino acid, is available in the form of an oral supplement and cream. It can alleviate the effects of cold sores. Any cream which contains sage and rhubarb as ingredients could be effective. Sometimes cold sores may be the result of stress, and hence, stress reduction to a certain degree may help.
Did You Know? Cold sore that appears inside your mouth is called canker sore or mouth ulcers. |
Cold Sore Causes
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 or HSV1, which is why they are often called ‘oral herpes’. It not only afflicts a large number of people on a frequent basis but is also highly contagious. The virus is spread through close contact or exchange of saliva with those who have already contracted the virus. Actions like kissing or sharing plates, towels, clothes, spoons, and straws, among others, may result in contamination. Usually, it is difficult to figure out if the virus has infected you since the symptoms are mild.
Conclusion
Cold sores are common, and they are not a serious condition that you should worry about. However, effective treatment is important to prevent the condition from spreading and to facilitate a relatively quick recovery. There are different cold sore remedies that you can easily follow at home, and with a few over-the-counter medicines, you will be able to get better. However, it is essential to remember that a weak immunity system is one of the major reasons behind this phenomenon, so focus on improving that as well.