Cold Sores

Painful bumps occur on the lips or around it and this happens when the person is suffering from the infection of oral herpes - this is what cold sores are about. Cold sores are the painful bumps. When the virus of oral herpes enters the body then it stays there for life. When at times the virus gets reactivated, then it leads to the outbreak of cold sores. It should be mentioned here that cold sores are really very infectious. Care should be taken to not touch others with the affected areas till it gets completely healed. 

An overview 

A cold sore is also known as a fever blister. This blister is actually a kind of skin blister and it is associated with a herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection. The cold sores or the bumps form on the lips or over the skin that surrounds the mouth. However, the cold sores can also form on other areas of the face, for instance, they could form over the chin, the nose or even the cheeks. Cold Sores Treatment could be an effective way to ease the discomfort that is caused as a result of the condition. 

The different symptoms   

When cold sores occur it implies that the person is suffering from the oral herpes infection. Hence the cold sores are a kind of symptom of oral herpes infection themselves. This is an indication of the fact that the herpes simplex virus or HSV at some point of time entered the body and took shelter in the nerve cells. The herpes simplex virus or the HSV stay dormant in the neurons that are found in the head and at certain periods of time they reactivate and lead to the formation of cold sores. 

The very first time when the body gets infected with herpes simplex virus or HSV, there are certain indications and these may include:

Fever, the throat may be sore, there may be redness and even swelling in the throat, there may be painful sores that may form in different areas within the mouth like gums, the tongue and even the palate or the roof of the mouth. The person may have difficulty in swallowing and even eating. However these symptoms may not occur again when the virus reactivates and there shall be only cold sores. Cold Sores Treatment is recommended to get relief from the pain bumps that occur. 

The different causes 

HSV or herpes simplex virus leads to the formation of cold sores. HSV can be of two types (HSV- 1 and HSV-2). HSV-1 is responsible for causing most of the cases of oral herpes, the infection responsible for causing cold sores. HSV-2 is also known to cause oral herpes and the associated cold sores. 

There are other factors that could cause cold sores, for instance, sickness, hormonal changes, stress, exposure to sun and so on.

Taking Care

Cold Sores Treatment can proceed ahead in the following ways:

• Gels can be applied to the area which is affected.

• Creams or topical antiviral medications can be used

• Oral antiviral medications can also be used

FAQ

When should the healthcare provider be consulted?

• When cold sores happen for the first time and the treatment options need to be discussed.

• When the cold sores show no going away even after ten days.

• When the cold sores are very big and also very painful.

• When there are symptoms like the swollen gums and there are sores inside the mouth

What are the different causes of cold sores? 

HSV or herpes simplex virus causes cold sores. HSV can be of two types: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Both are known to cause the condition of cold sores.

What are the different symptoms of cold sores?

Fever, sore throat, redness and swelling in the throat and there are other symptoms associated with cold sores.