What are cold sores?

Cold sores or fever blisters are a very common infection in which fluid-filled blisters appear in and around the mouth. These blisters usually cause pain, crust over and disappear in a few days.

The most common cause is herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1), but sometimes herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2) can also cause them. The first one usually appears in the mouth and the second virus is the one that can also appear in genital parts.

Signs and Symptoms of cold sores

Cold sores go through a few stages:

• Tingling and Itching: A day before a small, hard, painful bump appears, some itching and discomfort is generated.
• Blisters: These usually appear around the mouth sometimes, they appear around the nose or cheeks, or inside the mouth.
• Oozing and crusting: The popping blisters may burst and leave some sores that usually ooze some type of fluid and subsequently crust over.

In a first outbreak, you may also experience:

• Fever..
• Sore gums.
• Sore throat.
• Headache.
• Muscle aches.
• Swollen lymph nodes.

Some symptoms may get worse, such as if you have a high fever, the blisters do not heal within two weeks, you feel a lot of irritation in your eyes, and general body discomfort.

Why does cold sore occur?

Cold sores are caused by the HSV-1 virus, this virus is highly contagious and is obtained by contact such as kissing and oral sex with another person who already has this virus.

Sharing eating utensils, razors and towels could also spread herpes simplex virus type 1.

Once you have spread the virus in your body, it remains "dormant" in your body's cells until certain factors can activate it:

• Viral infection or fever.
• Hormonal changes, such as those related to menstruation.
• Stress..
• Fatigue..
• Exposure to sunlight and wind.
• Changes in the immune system.
• Injury to the skin.

How serious are cold sores?

Cold sores are usually not serious, only in some cases, the first time with them can be difficult as uncomfortable and painful.

They usually cause pain, a burning sensation, or itching before they break and crust over.

Some people may have only one outbreak and suffer no recurrences, while others may have two or three a year.

You are more at risk for complications from the virus if you have a weakened immune system from conditions and treatments such as:

• HIV/AIDS.
• Atopic dermatitis (eczema).
• Chemotherapy for cancer treatment.
• Anti-rejection medications for organ transplants.

In some people, this virus can cause some complications in other parts of the body such as:

• Fingertips: Both type 1 and type 2 viruses can affect the fingers, this type of infection is called Panadizum Herpes. Usually, children who suck their fingers carry it to this part by sucking in the mouth.
• Eyes: It can cause a serious infection in the eyes, generating scars and lesions that probably trigger partial or total loss of sight.
• Widespread areas of skin: People who have a skin condition called "atopic dermatitis" (eczema) are at increased risk of cold sores spreading throughout the body. This can become a medical emergency.

How to remove herpes from the mouth?

Usually the blisters caused by the virus usually disappear after 7 to 10 days without any treatment.

It is important to mention that this virus has no cure and once it enters your body it does not leave it, although there are ways to treat it. The only symptom that the virus generates in the body is herpes, these blisters are usually very serious and annoying the first time you get it.

Prescription antiviral pills or creams can help sores heal more quickly and can reduce the frequency, duration and severity of future outbreaks.

What happens if I kiss someone with cold sores?

In case you kiss someone who has cold sores you will be infected immediately because the virus is highly contagious, sometimes it can happen that you have the virus and you do not realize it because it does not generate any symptoms, but when you come into contact with another person either by kissing or oral sex, you will infect the other.

Cold sores are more contagious when you have blisters with discharge because the virus is easily spread by contact with infected body fluids.

How long does herpes last in the mouth?

After contracting the "cold sore virus", it usually disappears after 7 to 10 days without treatment, it remains inactive for most of the time, but factors such as fatigue and injuries can activate it.

Diagnosis: How to identify if you have cold sores?

People who have already suffered outbreaks of cold sores, will know how to recognize when the outbreak is about to return. If you suspect that you or your children might have an infection, especially if the sore has not healed within a week, you should see your doctor.

The doctor usually recognizes the signs and symptoms fairly easily, but may order a blood test.

In some cases, the doctor may take a sample of fluid taken from the cold sore to test for the presence of the virus. This test is usually done only in patients with very weak immune systems, for example, people who have undergone chemotherapy, or who have HIV or AIDS.

Prevention and Care

If you should develop cold sores, you should:

• Avoid kissing or touching other people.
• Avoid sharing towels, lip balms, silverware and similar items that you put in your mouth.
• Maintain good hand hygiene.
• Avoid touching other parts of the body, especially susceptible areas such as the genitals or eyes.
• Wash your hands with soap and warm water immediately after touching cold sores.
• Use products that hydrate and protect your lips.

It is important to maintain the health of your lips by hydrating them and protecting them from breakouts and sores, it is necessary to take care of them with quality products that contain emollients such as our Luxury Lip Balm that has ingredients to deeply moisturize and maintain the youthfulness of your lips, repairing and preventing them from drying out.