Skip to main content

Cold Sores

What is a cold sore?
A cold sore is a fluid-filled blister that appears on the lips and around the mouth. Cold sores are also called fever blisters , oral herpes or herpes labialis.



While cold sores are highly contagious , they usually aren't serious. In healthy people , cold sores generally clear up on their own in one to two weeks.

How common are cold sores?
Cold sores are widespread. More than half of the people in the United States have been infected with the virus that causes cold sores, though many people never develop cold sores or have any symptoms.
About 20 to 40 percent of people who have the virus develop cold sores.

How often do people get cold sores?
A cold sore can develop multiple times a year or only once or twice in your lifetime. The frequency of a cold sore outbreak varies from person to person.

Who is affected by cold sores?
People of all ages can become infected with the virus that causes cold sores. Many people are exposed to the virus during childhood.

It is possible to develop a cold sore at any age , though the chance of having a cold sore outbreak decreases after the age of 35.

What are the symptoms of cold sores?
For many people , symptoms are more severe the first time they develop a cold sore. 
When you have a cold sore outbreak :
  • The first sign of a cold sore is usually a tingling , burning or itching sensation on or around the lips, beginning about 12-24 hours before the cold sore develops.
  • The area becomes red, swollen and painful as the blisters form.
  • Over 2-3 days, the blisters rupture and ooze fluid that is clear or slightly yellow. This is sometimes called the "weeping phase".
  • About 4-5 days after the cold sore appears , it crusts and scabs over. It might crack or bleed as it heals.
  • The scab then falls off, revealing skin that may be a little more pink or reddish than usual for a few days. It usually takes 1-2 weeks for the cold sore to heal completely.
What causes cold sores?
Cold sores are sometimes called oral herpes because they are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1).
The virus is very common and highly contagious. It spreads through saliva or close contact , often through kissing or by sharing utensils, straws, towels or lip balm with someone who has a cold sore.

Children sometimes develop a fever and small blisters inside and around their mouths when they are first exposed to HSV-1.

What triggers a cold sore?
After you have been infected with HSV-1 , the virus never goes away. It remains dormant(inactive) in a group of nerve cells in your face called the Trigeminal ganglion.

When the virus is triggered , or activated , it "wakes up" and travels through your nerve to your lips, where a cold sore develops . After an outbreak , the virus goes back to sleep in your body.

What triggers a cold sore in one person might not cause an outbreak in another person. Some people with HSV-1 never develop a cold sore.

A cold sore can be activated by a variety of factors, including :
  • Hormonal changes during menstruation or pregnancy 
  • Sunburn
  • Extreme temperatures(hot or cold)
  • Stress(physical or emotional)
  • Fatigue
  • Fever and illness, such as cold or flu
  • Damaged, dry or cracked lips
 

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

If you have any doubt. Let me know

Popular posts from this blog

TENNIS ELBOW(LATERAL EPICONDYLITIS)

TENNIS ELBOW : Tennis elbow is is an inflammation of the tendons that join the forearm muscles on the outside of the elbow. The forearm muscles and tendons becomes damaged from overuse . It happens when you work your elbow too much by repeating certain movements. Playing tennis or other racquet sports can cause this condition , however several other sports and activities can also put you on risk.                                         There is video of exercise attached ANATOMY OF THE ELBOW JOINT: Elbow joint is a joint made up of three bones: Humerus(upper arm bone) Two bones in forearm(radius and ulna) There are bony bumps at the bottom of the humerus called epicondyles.  The bony bump on the outside (lateral side) of the elbow is called lateral epicondyle. Muscles , ligaments and tendons hold the elbow joint together. The forearm muscles extend yo...
Post a Comment
Read more

Cervical cap : What Is It? How do you put it on?

What is a cervical cap? A cervical cup is a small cup made up of silicone that fits over the cervix (the part of the uterus that opens into the vagina ). It covers the cervix so sperm can't get in and fertilize an egg. It is a barrier method to prevent pregnancy. The cervical cap is reusable dome shaped cap made from non-allergic silicone rubber that is inserted into the vagina. The cervical cap is similar to the diaphragm . The only difference is it's slightly smaller and fits more tightly over the cervix. How does the cervical cap work? The cervical cap keeps sperm from entering the uterus and Fallopian tubes. If sperm cannot enter the Fallopian tubes to fertilize the egg , pregnancy can't occur. The cervical cap must be used with spermicide for maximum effectiveness. it stops the sperm from moving , and is second line of defense against pregnancy. How to use a cervical cap? You must have a prescription to get a cervical cap. This is because the cervical cap needs to be f...
Post a Comment
Read more

Mechanical Ventilation

Mechanical Ventilation Mechanical ventilation is a device that breathes for someone who is unable to breathe for themselves. Mechanical ventilation is also called positive pressure ventilation. Following an inspiratory trigger , a predetermined mixture of oxygen is forced into the central airways and then flows into the alveoli.  Mechanical ventilators are set to deliver a constant volume , a constant pressure or a combination of both with each breath. Modes of ventilation that maintain a minimum respiratory rates regardless of whether or not the patient initiates a spontaneous breath are referred to as assist control. Because pressures and volumes are directly linked by the pressure volume curve, any given volume will correspond to a specific pressure, and vice versa, regardless of whether the ventilator is pressure or volume cycled. Why is it needed ?  Brain and spinal cord injury or disease :  An injury or disease to the brain can interfere with the signs that control ...
Post a Comment
Read more