Dealing with Cold Sores
Dealing with Cold Sores
This article has been written and medically approved by Pharmacist Conor McSorley GPhC Reg No. 2223070
Blisters forming on the outside of the mouth and lips are often caused by an infection of herpes simplex virus. Often known as cold sores or fever blisters, they can appear on any part of the body, but most often are found on the lips. When a cold sore is forming, it generally has a tingling or burning sensation around the lips before the blister shows, targeting treatment as soon as the tingling begins is the best method of preventing the blister forming and stopping the cold sore. You may also experience a small fluid-filled blister or a sore that oozes fluid before crusting over.
Cold sores are contagious and will be most likely to spread before it has crust over, through forms of contact such as kissing or sharing utensils with a person suffering from the infection. Oral sex can also transmit the virus.
Herpes simplex virus is present in the body of any person who has suffered from cold sores in the past, however, it will only cause cold sores when the virus is triggered. This can be due to certain foods, cold weather, excessive sunlight, allergies, stress, fatigue or a weakened immune system. Although cold sores are annoying, generally they are not serious, however, the infection can be life-threatening if you have AIDs. It can also cause blindness if spread to the eye or meningitis if it spreads to the brain.
Commonly, an outbreak will last for 2 to 4 weeks however, if it is your first time suffering you may experience a sore throat, headache, muscle ache or fever.
By applying cream early, as soon as you feel the tingling sensation on your lip then you can reduce the effect of the virus.