The herpes simplex virus type 1 causes cold sores that are passed on through contact, and specially through kissing. Cold sores can be passed on if one uses used cups or towels of the affected person. Cold sores are small reddish blisters that are filled with a fluid.
They generally appear on the lips, tongue, mouth, and nose. These sores are painful and they last for few days. Cold sores have a history of occurring recurrently, since unlike other virus’, the cold sore virus does not get completely eliminated from the body, but remains inactive inside the cells.
Causes Cold Sores
Though this illness is caused by herpes simplex virus type 1, it can be triggered off by certain other causes like,
Colds and flu
Menstrual periods
Emotional disturbances
Fatigue
Bright sunlight
Cold winds
The virus causing cold sores is the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Two types of HSV are there, type I and type II. Cold sores are usually caused by type I. After the blister dries and crusts are formed, the chances of contamination are much lesser. After causing the initial infection, the travels up the nerve until it comes to a place called a ganglion. It lies inactive there until situation that can trigger it off happens.
Sometimes there is no apparent cause of the recurrence. Cold sores have a tendency to recur, from once a month to once in two years depending on the immune system of the person.
Symptoms of Cold Sores
Recurrent infection causes cold sores that can either be single or multiple, depending on the seriousness of the attack. Though initially cold sores do not show any marked symptoms, in the later stage they do become visible and are accompanied by certain other physical ailments. Some of them are as follows:
An initial tingling sensation before the blisters appear.
Small inflamed spots
Itching
Blisters that forms a crust over it and takes about ten days to heal
Few swollen lymph glands
Gingivostomatitis (acute inflammation of the mouth and gums)
High fever
Extensive ulcerating lesions on the lips, tongue, gums and palate.
If the infection becomes serious, then medical help is needed, though they do not require medical help at the initial stage. People who have very weak immune system can need medical help at the later stages of infection. In certain rare cases, this cold sore virus might infect the cornea, and even the brain. Then prompt medication and hospitalization is required
Diagnose
Generally no laboratory tests are needed for cold sores, but sometimes other tests that are rendered to diagnose the virus are:
Viral culture
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Blood tests for antibody counts are often not helpful.
Treatment for Cold Sore
Home care:
Use of antiviral acyclovir cream
Cold compress
Application of herbs like Melissa, witch hazel, etc
Intake of paracetmol
Medical care
Most of the viral infections do not have any particular medical treatment. They are cured after the stipulated period of time, which they require. However, there are some medicines available in the chemists with or without prescriptions. Other than those, there is no medical treatment for cold sores.
Only if this virus infects the cornea of the eye, or the brain in some rare cases, then immediate medical help should be rendered and hospitalization is also recommended.
Prevention of Cold Sore
Avoiding those situations that trigger off recurrence of such infections can prevent cold sores. They are as follows:
Protection from UV radiations
Avoid stress
Eat healthy, balanced diet that is rich in vitamins A, C, and E.
Strengthening of the immune system
Intake of garlic as it has antiviral capacities
Use of herbs like Melissa, lemon balm, etc
