Cold Sores, also known as fever blisters, are a painful infection caused by the herpes simples virus-type 1. Cold Sores are capable of showing up anywhere on a person’s body, but most likely appear on the gums, the outside of the mouth, lips, the nose, cheeks, or fingers. Once the blisters form, they break and ooze. A yellow crust will develop and will eventually slough off, revealing new skin underneath.
Cold Sores can last from seven to ten days normally. About 90 percent of all people will experience a cold sore at least once in their lifetime. The first occurrence is typically the worst. Children who get cold sores and become infected could get seriously ill. After the first infection, many people develop antibodies and never have another cold sore.
Approximately 1 in 4 affected by the virus actually have repeated outbreaks. Cold sores are generally not serious, but the infection could be life threatening to someone that would have AIDS, or whose immune system is depressed by other disorders or medications. The infection from a cold sore could cause blindness if it spreads to the eye.
Symptoms to look for when a person is suspicious that they have a cold sore would be fluid filled blisters or red, painful sore on or near the mouth or the fingers. Swollen sensitive gum of a deep red color is also very common. A fever, flu-like symptoms and swollen lymph nodes in the neck often accompany the first attack of a cold sore.
Reoccurring sores usually do no produce those symptoms.
The causes of cold sores is by the herpes simplex virus, which is transmitted by such forms of contact as kissing an infected person or sharing eating utensils, towels or razors. Also a person with a cold sore that performs oral sex on another can pass it on, and give that person genital lesions.
Once the virus enters the body it may have a break out years later or at the original site of entry. You may notice certain things before an attack such as itching or sensitivity to the site. The virus could be triggered by certain foods, stress, fever, colds, allergies, sunburn, and menstruation.
There is no cure for cold sores, but a person can alleviate the pain it causes. A person can avoid eating spicy or acidic foods, apply ice and use over-the-counter remedies. Using medicines that contain numbing agents such as phenol will help to reduce cracking and soften scabs.
Sources http://surenature.wordpress.com
Cold Sores can last from seven to ten days normally. About 90 percent of all people will experience a cold sore at least once in their lifetime. The first occurrence is typically the worst. Children who get cold sores and become infected could get seriously ill. After the first infection, many people develop antibodies and never have another cold sore.
Approximately 1 in 4 affected by the virus actually have repeated outbreaks. Cold sores are generally not serious, but the infection could be life threatening to someone that would have AIDS, or whose immune system is depressed by other disorders or medications. The infection from a cold sore could cause blindness if it spreads to the eye.
Symptoms to look for when a person is suspicious that they have a cold sore would be fluid filled blisters or red, painful sore on or near the mouth or the fingers. Swollen sensitive gum of a deep red color is also very common. A fever, flu-like symptoms and swollen lymph nodes in the neck often accompany the first attack of a cold sore.
Reoccurring sores usually do no produce those symptoms.
The causes of cold sores is by the herpes simplex virus, which is transmitted by such forms of contact as kissing an infected person or sharing eating utensils, towels or razors. Also a person with a cold sore that performs oral sex on another can pass it on, and give that person genital lesions.
Once the virus enters the body it may have a break out years later or at the original site of entry. You may notice certain things before an attack such as itching or sensitivity to the site. The virus could be triggered by certain foods, stress, fever, colds, allergies, sunburn, and menstruation.
There is no cure for cold sores, but a person can alleviate the pain it causes. A person can avoid eating spicy or acidic foods, apply ice and use over-the-counter remedies. Using medicines that contain numbing agents such as phenol will help to reduce cracking and soften scabs.
Sources http://surenature.wordpress.com