Cold sores are known as fever blisters. It is a viral infection that contains fluid-based blisters on and around the lips. Blisters on cold sores are often grouped in patches and it can help for 2 to 3 weeks.
Cold sores are contagious. They spread through person-to-person contact. Cold sores are due to herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2. Cold sores can also spread through oral sex.
What are the Symptoms of Cold Sores?
- Tingling and itching. People feel burning, tingling, and itching around the lips for a day and leads to painful spots or blisters.
- Blisters. These are small fluid-filled inflammation in the skin that erupts along the border of your lips. Some blisters may also appear around your cheeks and nose or inside the mouth.
- Crusting and oozing. It merges and bursts. Crusting will leave your lips some shallow open sores and crust all over.
The symptom of cold sores depends on the severity of the condition. It also depends on whether it is your first outbreak or reoccurrence. Symptoms occur after 20 days of exposure to the virus. Other symptoms include:
- Fever
- Painful gums
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Muscle aches
Seek immediate medical help if:
- You or your child have a weakened immune system
- The sores do not heal within 2 weeks
- You have frequent reoccurrences of the condition
- You experience irritation in the eyes
How Common are Cold Sores?
Cold sores are widespread and more than half of the people in the US have been infected with the virus. About 40% of the infected individual have developed sores. A person can experience cold sores multiple times a year. Nonetheless, the reoccurrence may also depend on the outbreak.
What are the Risk Factors of Cold Sores?
- Cold, fever, and infection
- Sun exposure
- Stress and menstruation
- Weakened immune system
- Severe burns
- Eczema
- Chemotherapy
- Dental work
- High or persistent fever
How to Diagnose Cold Sores?
Your doctor will assess your symptoms and medical history. By looking at the affected area, your doctor can diagnose the infection or may recommend swabbing the sore to test the fluid. It helps in determining the presence of the herpes simplex virus.
What is the Treatment for Cold Sores?
Cold sores do not have any cure but they are manageable. The prescribed medicine for cold sores includes antiviral medications and creams. There are also several options for beauty and skincare products that you can use to reduce blisters and the severity of the outbreak.