What are cold sores ?

Cold sores, also know as fever blisters (the scientific term is recurrent herpes labialis) are clusters of fluid filled blisters that appear on the lips and the outer edge of the mouth. They can also appear on the nostrils or the chin.

In some cases people can develop cold sores in the mouth, but that seldom happens. Since in most cases, canker sores are mistaken for cold sores.

What causes cold sores ?

The cause of cold sores is the virus called herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV). This virus lays dormant in the skin cells until the infected person is exposed to a cold sores trigger like a flu or a cold. When that happens, the blisters form. The other know triggers of cold sores are stress, menstruation and the exposure to the sun.

Are cold sores contagious ?

Yes, you can catch the virus from a person who has an active lesion. So it is advised to avoid the same utensils or towel as a person who is suffering a recurrence of cold sores.

What are the stages of a cold sores episode ?

Cold sores recurrences start with a tingling in some very small hard spots. Then, about 48 hours later, the blisters form. After a while, the blisters start to ooze and a crust forms. When the crust falls off, it uncovers an area of pinkish skin that heals without leaving a scar. A recurrence of cold sores lasts between 7 and 10 days.

When to seek medical help ?

Cold sores heal naturally after about 10 days. So, if your cold sore doesn't seem to heal after that period, then you should seek out the help of a doctor.

The other reason why you should seek medical help concerning your cold sores is if you have a compromised immune system or very frequent recurrences.

How to cure cold sores for life ?

Unfortunately, nothing can get you rid of the herpes simplex virus. All the available medicines for cold sores can only reduce the frequency and speed up the healing of fever blisters.

How to prevent cold sores ?

You have to avoid the triggers like exposure to the sun, stress, the lack of sleep and colds.

How to cure cold sores ?

You can use over-the-counter medicines like topical lidocaine or benzyl alcohol (zilactin). You can also use over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin