They come from out of nowhere. The first thing you notice is that something is growing in your lips, blisters of some sort, and they are itchy and painful. The blisters contain water inside, and they are very disturbing to look at. The area in your lips where the develop looks like you’ve just been bitten by something or someone, and it’s not a good sight.
These blisters are called cold sores, and they are contagious. They are also called by medical experts as fever sores. They develop in and around the lips, they are red, they are swollen, and they break in time, releasing a clear water-like substance. These blisters heal from within 2 days to 2 weeks, but they can be very uncomfortable during these times. When they’re almost healed they form a dark scab, which again is not pleasant to look at.
The Cause of Cold Sores
These blisters which appear in the lips called cold sores are caused by the virus herpes simplex or HSV. Then, there are two kinds of herpes simplex virus: the HSV-1 and the HSV-2. These viruses cause sores around the mouth also called herpes labialis, and on the genitals, referred to as genital herpes.
The herpes simplex virus enters the body through a break in the skin, usually inside or around the mouth. People get infected with the virus when he or she touches a cold sore or touches the infected fluid from another person. Infection can spread in many forms such as when eating utensils and razors are shared.
Kissing an infected person can also spread the virus. Touching an infected person's saliva can also cause the spread of the disease. Typically, an infected parent spreads the herpes virus to his or her children.
Treatment for Cold Sores
Cold sores are very disturbing – they are itchy and painful and again, unpleasant to look at. Is there a treatment for cold sores?
Basically, cold sores go away after a few days, even when they are left untreated. However, if you want symptomatic relief form it, there are medications available to reduce the itchiness and the pain from these cold sores. These medications are normally in the form of ointments and creams, and they are very helpful in easing the discomfort from the sores. These medications, however, does not hasten the healing process. They help reduce the number of days, yes, but only for a day or two.
On the question on whether cold sores can be treated – here’s one very sad fact – they can not be treated. According to medical experts, the cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, and when you are infected with this virus, it stays in your body for the rest of your life.
Thus, the “treatment” with the ointments and creams are only for symptomatic relief – to ease the pain and reduce the itchiness.
How to Avoid Contacting the Herpes Virus
The answer is very simple – If you know anybody infected with the virus, be careful not to come in contact with their infected body fluids. Avoid kissing them - that is rule number 1. Then, avoid sharing anything that comes in contact with their infected fluids, such as eating utensils, lipstick, lip shiner, handkerchief, towels, face powder, shave, etc. Avoid drinking from the same glass with them; avoid sharing food.
Here’s a friendly reminder though: be careful not to hurt your friend’s feelings. Cold sores are contagious, but they are not deadly. Be sensitive when dealing with people with cold sores; of course we would not want to be infected with the virus, but there is always a nice way of doing it. Besides, people with cold sores, assuming they know what they have, would not want to put others at risk. Be gentle; be sensitive; be kind.
This guest post is written by Siena Lombardi of AccessRx.com. AccessRx.com is an established U.S. online pharmacy where people can buy medications online. They have a YouTube page where consumers can learn important tips on safely using medications online.
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