What are cold sores and fever blisters?
Cold sores and fever blisters are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 or HSV-1. This virus is passed on from person to person through the saliva or skin contact. These cold sores will usually appear as clusters of tiny blisters on your lips. Most of the people infected with HSV-1 for the first time happen before they are ten years old.
After the first infection, the virus will remain in the nerves of the face. For some people, the virus will become active from time to time and when this happens, cold sores appear. HSV-1 can become active again due to a cold or a fever.
Stress is also a cause for a cold sore outbreak. This includes mental illnesses, emotional stress, dental treatments, body illnesses, trauma to the lips, or over exposure to the sun. HSV-1 can also infect the eyes, the skin of the fingers, and the genitals. However, herpes simplex type 2 or HSV-2 is what causes genital herpes.
HSV-1 can cause serious illnesses in people who have other health problems especially those with weakened immune systems. The weakened immune systems of people can be caused by some illness or some medications they are taking.
What are the symptoms of cold sores and fever blisters?
People infected with HSV-1 for the first time may experience fever, nausea, headaches, and vomiting. They may have painful swelling, open sores in their mouth, or a sore throat. The symptoms will start showing themselves one week after someone is exposed to HSV-1.
Cold sores will appear when HSV-1 is reactivated later in their lives. They can occur after a period of illness, stress, poor nutrition, sunlight exposure, or simply for no apparent reason. Dental procedures that stretch the lips may also trigger the virus.
These sores most commonly appear at the borders of the lips. They can occur in the mouth occasionally as well. This happens to people with weakened immune systems or other medical problems.
The first sign of a cold sore is a tingling, burning, or itching sensation. This is followed by swelling, redness, and within twenty four to forty eight hours, several tiny blisters or fever blisters appear. The blisters pop and form painful sores called cold sores. They are covered by crusts which shed and form again while the sore heals.
What is the diagnosis for cold sores and fever blisters?
After checking your medical history and examining you, your dentist or physician can diagnose your cold sores. If you have other medical conditions then other tests can be done in order to diagnose your cold sores. These tests are usually not necessary in healthy patients.
How long is someone infected with HSV-1?
When you are first infected with HSV-1, the symptoms can last for one to two weeks. The cold sores will crust within four days and heal completely after eight to ten days.
How can you prevent cold sores and fever blisters?
If you want to prevent a first herpes infection in children then you should not let them be kissed by anyone with cold sores, fever blisters, or signs of a first herpes infection. You should bear in mind that HSV-1 is a very common infection and most children will be infected before they reach adulthood. Several types of vaccines are being developed against HSV-1 and HSV-2 but they only appear to protect people who have never been infected.
There is evidence that using sunscreen on your lips will help in help in the prevention of cold sores caused by exposure to the sun. The forming of cold sores can also be prevented through antiviral medicines. In certain situations, these medications can be prescribed by your dentist or physician. If you are going to encounter a known trigger then you should take some medications in advance in order to decrease the chances of a cold sore.
How are cold sores and fever blisters treated?
There are medicines out there that can help in the healing of cold sores. They will also relive any pain or discomfort caused by the illness. Some of these medications are acyclovir or Zovirax, famciclovir or Famvir, and valacyclovir or Valtrex. The drugs can not directly rid you of the virus and they have to be taken each time you feel a cold sore coming. When you have blisters on your lips, the medicines aren't much of a help anymore. These drugs stop cold sores from popping up in the first place. People usually take them when they know that they will go through a lot of stress. Make sure that you keep your lips and mouth clean. Apply lip balm if you have to. Try not to touch the area too. You should avoid kissing anyone when you have these blisters and sores.
When should you call a professional?
Cold sores are common although they are not dangerous. If you have a weakened immune system because of a disease or some medication you are taking then HSV-1 may cause serious illnesses. You must call your dentist or your physician right away if
- your lip or mouth sores persist for more than a week
- the sores are making it difficult for you to talk or to swallow
- you have fever
- you go through a second outbreak of blisters
What is the prognosis for cold sores and fever blisters?
HSV-1 is a problem that you will have for the rest of your life.