Cold Sores
Cold sores are also called herpes simplex virus subtype 1 (HSV1), and it is caused by an infection from herpes simplex virus (HSV). They manifest themselves in the form of swollen, painful, oozing blisters.
Interestingly, infected areas of cold sores stay infected for life. The herpes virus has the ability to hide from the body's immune system. Even if there are no visible blisters, the virus remains alive at the specific location and simply remains dormant, which explains why a cold sore remains at the same place every single time it reappears.
Symptoms of cold sores
Feverishness (low-grade) and swollen lymph nodes are the first signs of cold sores. You can expect to go through a tough time when you first contact them. But these symptoms are one-time only - you would not be going through the same ordeal each time your cold sores recur.
If your cold sore does not have a lesion, it is not considered to be contagious. But if it does, the sore is highly infectious. It is imperative that you do not engage in kissing, share utensils and other personal items in order to prevent the spread of the disease.
Treating cold sores
The body has its own way of healing cold sores. In about one to two weeks, your cold cores should be fully dried out. While waiting for them to heal, keep your hands sanitized at all times. Wash your hands as much as you can and carry around a bottle of rubbing alcohol. This will not only prevent you from infecting others but it will prevent the cold sore from spreading to other parts of your body.
Do not scratch the infected area, even of your hands are clean. To relieve the itching, try gently putting some ice wrapped in cloth on the sore. You can also try eating popsicles.
Interestingly, infected areas of cold sores stay infected for life. The herpes virus has the ability to hide from the body's immune system. Even if there are no visible blisters, the virus remains alive at the specific location and simply remains dormant, which explains why a cold sore remains at the same place every single time it reappears.
Symptoms of cold sores
Feverishness (low-grade) and swollen lymph nodes are the first signs of cold sores. You can expect to go through a tough time when you first contact them. But these symptoms are one-time only - you would not be going through the same ordeal each time your cold sores recur.
If your cold sore does not have a lesion, it is not considered to be contagious. But if it does, the sore is highly infectious. It is imperative that you do not engage in kissing, share utensils and other personal items in order to prevent the spread of the disease.
Treating cold sores
The body has its own way of healing cold sores. In about one to two weeks, your cold cores should be fully dried out. While waiting for them to heal, keep your hands sanitized at all times. Wash your hands as much as you can and carry around a bottle of rubbing alcohol. This will not only prevent you from infecting others but it will prevent the cold sore from spreading to other parts of your body.
Do not scratch the infected area, even of your hands are clean. To relieve the itching, try gently putting some ice wrapped in cloth on the sore. You can also try eating popsicles.
Related Reading:
If you enjoyed this post, please consider to leave a comment or subscribe to the feed and get future articles delivered to your feed reader.
