Herpes Simplex Cold Sores
Herpes simplex cold sores (an Oro-Facial infection) is caused by a certain virus. The virus exists in many types. Type 1 is the cause of fever blisters. The disease may appear three to four times in a year. It is characterized by small fluid filled wounds that appear in clusters. On infection, the virus attacks nerve cells. It travels to the ganglia epidermal cells where it rests in the inactive state.
The virus may reactivated by various triggers. These may include sunlight, pregnancy and menstruation periods. Some foods or drugs may also be triggers. Long exposure to sunlight, physical and emotional stress have been implicated as triggers. The reactivation period varies between 24 hours, 3 days or 5 days. A burning, tingling sensation around the nose or mouth is felt prior to the onset of Herpes simplex cold sores. The blisters enlarge. They then rupture releasing a golden sticky fluid. Crusts form. In uncomplicated situations, the blisters disappear and leave no mark.
Any contact with the initial and subsequent Herpes simplex cold sores should be avoided. Kissing and having oral sex with an infected person should not even cross your mind. In the event the blisters are touched, wash hands with soap and water. In the absence of the lesions, viral flaking occurs.
Proper diagnosis of fever blisters is important. This ensures that the correct medicine is used during treatment. The causative virus should not be confused with others that cause facial lesions. Consider the Zoster type that causes eye blisters. Damage to the cornea can easily occur. The good news about fever blisters is that it is not a serious disease. Rarely does it affect the brain and the central nervous system.
The virus may reactivated by various triggers. These may include sunlight, pregnancy and menstruation periods. Some foods or drugs may also be triggers. Long exposure to sunlight, physical and emotional stress have been implicated as triggers. The reactivation period varies between 24 hours, 3 days or 5 days. A burning, tingling sensation around the nose or mouth is felt prior to the onset of Herpes simplex cold sores. The blisters enlarge. They then rupture releasing a golden sticky fluid. Crusts form. In uncomplicated situations, the blisters disappear and leave no mark.
Any contact with the initial and subsequent Herpes simplex cold sores should be avoided. Kissing and having oral sex with an infected person should not even cross your mind. In the event the blisters are touched, wash hands with soap and water. In the absence of the lesions, viral flaking occurs.
Proper diagnosis of fever blisters is important. This ensures that the correct medicine is used during treatment. The causative virus should not be confused with others that cause facial lesions. Consider the Zoster type that causes eye blisters. Damage to the cornea can easily occur. The good news about fever blisters is that it is not a serious disease. Rarely does it affect the brain and the central nervous system.
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