Getting to Know Your Cold Sores

Getting to Know Your Cold Sores

By Sherry Nature


Cold sores or fever blisters are viral infections caused by culprits from the Herpesviridae family. Herpesviridae encompasses a large group of viruses, named from the word "herpes" derived from Greek etymology, which means, "to creep." Oral herpes, otherwise known as herpes labialis, or in layman's term, cold sores, is often caused by herpes simplex virus type I, although there are some cases wherein such blisters are caused by type II. They are highly contagious, judging by the fact that they are transmitted through close contact such as kissing; sharing of dining utensils such as spoons or drinking mugs or even toothbrushes; perinatally, that is, from mother to offspring during delivery, especially when the mother exhibits visible blisters; and sexually, especially for those with multiple partners.
Cold sores are blisters found most often in the mouth, especially on the portion of the lips - however, it can be transferred to other various parts of the body such as in the fingers, leading to the so-called "herpetic whitlow," which is usually seen in children with canker sores that suck their fingers; it can also be transferred to the genitalia, typically noted in sexual partners engaged in oral sex.
Cold sores are most highly infectious at times when the blisters are popping out. Sometimes, the viruses in canker sore can enter the neurons and become dormant or latent. However, they may regain activity or become reactivated and multiply again, leading to the formation of blisters. Causes of reactivation of fever blisters are still unexplained; however, such reactivation can be triggered by stress, exposure to radiation, fever or flu, hormonal changes or traumatic experience.
During infection, affected individuals with cold sores would fail to exhibit visible signs and symptoms. However, blisters may then appear a week or two after the initial invasion of the viral particles.
Cold sores may be difficult to differentiate, especially with other blister-forming disorders. With this in mind, it is therefore important to remember that fever blisters should not to be mistaken with canker sores. This can be emphasized by the fact that the latter can be caused by several factors such as stress, bacteria or virus, injuries to the mouth especially in contact sports or when drinking hot or acidic stuffs or when accidentally biting the lips or inside of the cheeks or in cases where dentures or braces are applied. In addition, canker sores heal on its own and are often found inside the mouth; whereas cold sores are mostly found outside the mouth and in the lips.
Since most viral infections are self-limiting, added by the fact that canker sores are indeed a form of viral infection, treatment would then mainly revolve around pain alleviation - ice compress to numb and soothe the pain as well as application of petroleum jelly or lip balm/moisturizers are primary remedies. Administration of ointments such as Zovirax and Abreva can decrease the duration of outbreak and blister formation.
We ought to say that prevention is better than cure. The primary way to prevent the spread of the virus that causes cold sores includes non-sharing of personal thing and, having safe sexual contact with partners. Moreover, frequent hand washing is a must in order to break the chain of infection.
Help yourself rid of cold sores today by trying out these cold sore remedies. One of the most effective solution for canker sore is to use home remedies for cold sores.

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Getting to Know Your Cold Sores