Bothersome, Painful, Annoying. These are just the few of the words that describe cold sores, also known as fever blisters. They can appear on your lips, mouth, and nose, and teenagers and young adults are the most likely to develop cold sores. The occurrence rate usually goes down after age 35.

Do I get cold sores from colds?

Cold sores have nothing to do with the common cold. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus type I which 90% of the worlds population has. About one out of every six persons will develop a cold sore. This type is not associated with genital herpes, caused by herpes simplex virus type II, which is sexually transmitted.

Herpesvirus Infection Herpes simplex virus type I (HSV-I) is transmitted by oral and respiratory secretions and affects the skin and mucous membranes and commonly produces cold sores and fever blisters. Herpes simplex virus type II (HSV-II) is transmitted by sexual contact and primarily affects the genital area.

Transmitted by people who have them, cold sores are quite contagious. Usually symptoms dont start until a few weeks after you have contracted the virus. Then a raised, red blister can develop on the skin, which is generally preceded by a tingling sensation where the sore will develop.

Symptoms generally last about one to two weeks, and often heal without any treatment. The virus can remain dormant, but then recur, usually in the same site as the previous cold sore.

What can trigger cold sores?

Cold sores can be activated by emotional or physical stress, as well as exposure to the sun, and during menstrual periods. You are also more susceptible if you have an upper respiratory infection and/or fever.

What can I do to prevent or treat cold sores?

Here are some self-care tips on cold sores:

If you have frequent cold sore episodes, you may want to see your doctor. He or she may prescribe a medication called acyclovir (ay sye kloe ver) (Zovirax), which can help decrease the symptoms if given early enough (usually the first days of tingling).

Acyclovir should not be given to pregnant or nursing women. Antiviral creams or solutions may also be prescribed. Although cold sore infections are generally mild, if left untreated, they could spread to the eye, possibly causing permanent impairment.

What can I do to prevent spreading the infection?

It is important to prevent spreading infection, especially to those with weak immune symptoms, such as newborns or the elderly. Remembering to wash your hands thoroughly and avoiding kissing or other skin-to-skin contact will help.

Cold sores remain contagious as long as the sore is present and are no longer contagious once the sore has completed healed and the affected area has returned to normal.

 

 

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