Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are caused by a virus called herpes simplex. They usually appear around the mouth and on the lips. They are highly contagious but not dangerous.
About 90% of the population have been exposed to the virus by age 50. On average, people who get cold sores usually have 3 to 4 episodes a year, but this figure can vary significantly from person to person.
The virus that most commonly causes cold sores is herpes simplex 1. However, in a minority of cases, herpes simplex 2 can also cause cold sores. About 50 to 80% of the people in North America have dormant (inactive) herpes 1 virus living permanently in their body.
The virus typically resides in a dormant state within the body’s nerve cells. The body’s immune system is normally able to keep the virus in its inactive state. When an infected person is exposed to a "trigger," or if the immune system is weakened, then the virus quickly multiplies and spreads down the nerve cell and out onto the skin, usually on the border between the lips and the face. This produces the characteristic tingling sensation and subsequent clusters of blisters.
Specific triggers include:
You can catch the virus if you come into direct contact with the cold sore blisters or the fluid inside them, which contains a high number of the viruses. This can easily happen through touching the hands of someone who has touched their blisters. It can also occur through sharing toothbrushes, cups, cutlery, face cloths, towels, lipstick, or other personal items that have been contaminated with fluid from the blisters. Once the blisters have stopped oozing or have crusted over, the person is no longer contagious.
There is no known cure for cold sores. Cold sores go away on their own, but some medications may be helpful for preventing the progression of cold sores or for treating cold sore pain.
Medications for treating cold sores:
If possible, try to limit exposure to the triggers described in "Causes." For example, if sunlight tends to give you cold sores, apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your lips and face 30 minutes before going out into the sun. You should also avoid tanning beds. Reducing stress by eating properly and getting enough sleep, exercise, and relaxation may also help prevent cold sores.
If you experience frequent, severe cold sores or have a weak immune system, medication may be prescribed by your doctor on a continuous basis to suppress the virus.
To keep from getting infected with the cold sore virus, it’s important to avoid contact with it. Never touch active lesions on other people (through kissing or oral sex).
When cold sores are active, wash your hands frequently to avoid passing the virus on to others. Try to keep away from newborns, pregnant people, or people with weakened immune systems, since they are more susceptible to severe cold sores and other complications from the virus.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2026. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/Cold-Sores
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