Cold Sores | Diagnosis and Symptoms

Thursday, November 06, 2008

Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are caused by a herpes virus known as Herpes Simplex 1, (HSV1). Herpes Simplex 1 is a cousin to Herpes Simplex 2, (HSV2), which causes the sexual disease.

It is estimated that nearly 80% of the North American population is infected with the herpes 1 virus. People can be infected with the virus and never even know it, due to the fact that their immune system keeps the virus dormant. If a person has a weakened immune system or is exposed to a "trigger", the virus can become active. The virus will begin to multiply itself, working its way through the nerve cells in the spinal cord and out onto the skin, usually appearing on the lips. A person will feel a tingling sensation or itching, followed by a cluster of blisters when the virus has worked its way to the skin.

Common triggers that cause a cold sore outbreak :

Sunlight / Sunburn

Cold weather

Fever caused by infection or other illness

Menstrual Periods

Physical and mental stress

Physical irritation of the lips

Steroid medication

Fatigue

Pregnancy

Diet

Fever blisters most often appear on the lips, but have been known to develop on the tongue, inside of the cheek, roof of the mouth, on the gum tissue, and inside the throat.

When a person is about to get a cold sore, they often feel a tingling sensation, itching, burning, or pain around 24 hours before the cold sore blister appears, most commonly around the lip area. This is known as prodrome, which is basically a warning sign that a person is about to get a fever blister. The skin will then turn red and a blister will form. The blister is filled with a clear liquid, which will ooze and eventually turn to a yellowish color that will dry and form a crust. This occurs within 3-5 days after the initial symptoms. Cold sore blisters can be very painful, but the pain usually subsides as the blisters begin to heal. Complete healing takes roughly 10-14 days.

The herpes 1 virus is highly contagious and it is possible to spread the virus to other parts of your body by touching the cold sore and then touching another part of your body. It is very easy to pass onto other people as well through saliva or contact with an open blister. Once infected, the virus never truly goes away. People can experience outbreaks of cold sores throughout their lifetime.

There is no known cure for cold sores; however cold sore remedies are available. The remedies are available in creams, ointments, liquids, gels, and balms. Many of them include some type of pain reliever and a moisturizer to help ease the symptoms. There are also prescription medications available for people who suffer from extreme cold sores.

For those who wish to treat their cold sore symptoms at home or wish not to use over the counter medicine, please read Cold Sores | Home Remedies for more information on how to treat your cold sore symptoms.