Cold Sore: Things You Need to Know

Cold sores or fever blisters occurs as a groups of small blisters on the lip and around the mouth and as the name (fever blisters) indicate generally accompanied by fever. The skin around the cold sore or blister is red, swollen and sore (hence the name “cold sore”). If blisters are punctured or break open by itself clear fluid comes our of blisters, which dry and scab. Healing of blisters or cold sore may take up to 2 weeks. If you have history of cold sore (previously) you may be able to sense every time they come as tingling on your lip, as telltale sign. Once you can sense the telltale sign in a day or two red color blisters appear on your lip. The occurrence (rather re-occurrence) is generally related to reduced immunity level of the body, when the blisters appear.

Why cold sore occurs or what is the causative agent of cold sore?

The causative agent of cold sore is Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) type-1 as well as type-2. The type-1 Herpes Simplex Virus is mostly responsible for cold sore and the type-2 HSV generally cause genital herpes, although less commonly, may cause cold sore, or blisters around lips.

What are the symptoms of cold sore?

The symptoms include blisters around lips, fever, pain around mouth, a sore throat, or swollen glands in your neck etc. many people remain asymptomatic.

How to treat cold sore?

Cold sore generally heal by itself within few days. Antiviral ointment can be applied locally on the areas where blisters are present. Oral antiviral medications can also be taken, but treatment with antiviral medications helps little in the outcome of the cold sore. It can only help to heal blisters or improvement in symptoms by a day or two.

How to prevent cold sore?

Avoid contact with infected body fluids, such as kissing a person infected with HSV type-1 or type-2. Avoid sharing utensils, towels, lip balm and other items as they can spread the virus when blisters are present.

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