The recurrent blistering spots appearing around the mouth and nose after a bout of cold, flu, or even simple fever is known as cold sores. Therefore they are also known as fever blisters. The cold sores are visible as small blisters that are red in color, and they generally occur around the lips and nose, and in rare cases at the roof of the mouth.
Causes of Cold Sores
Despite the fact that these sores are called cold sores, they generally do not have anything to do with cold. A particular type of viral infection causes them, the virus being herpes simplex virus type 1, which is closely related to the virus that causes genital herpes.
This virus is contaminated through contact with an infected person, and is passed on through saliva. There is an incubation period of three to five days, after which the infection might cause certain problems, but generally none of them are too serious. The virus then lies inactive inside the nerve cells. Illness, fever, stress, UV exposure, cold, etc can again make them active.
Cold sores are generally common among children, and it reduces with growing age. This is because as a child grows, he or she develops antibodies to the cold sore virus. This shows that almost all of us gets afflicted by the cold sore virus as a child, but later the immunity grows preventing its outbursts.
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.
Doctors can confirm cold sores by looking at its appearance.
Treatment of Cold Sores
There is not much medicinal treatment for cold sores, as is common with most of other virus’. Some of the treatments are as follows:
Initial stage
Recognizing the infection
Avoiding situations that can trigger off cold sores
Using antiviral creams like aciclovir as soon as the sore starts
Later stage
Not to prick the sores
Regularly washing the hand to prevent contamination.
This is also applicable for children who are either immunocompromized or those who have other skin infections.
Cold sores can’t be treated, but the discomfort can be eased by
Applying ice to ease the pain
Give mild pain relievers (not aspirins)
Avoid salty, spicy, and sour foods
Use of water based zinc ointments on the sores to help them dry faster
Prevention
Cold sore viruses are highly contagious and it is very difficult to prevent them. The following measures can however somewhat prevent them:
When your child is already suffering from cold sores, urge him not to touch his eyes as it might lead to eye infection that can affect the cornea.
Since cold sores can be fatal to newborns, keep your affected child away from the newborn till he is recovered.
Avoid kissing your affected child or sharing his food till he has recovered.
If the mother has herpes in the breast, refrain from breast-feeding.
Once a child goes through cold sores, his immune system should be kept strong through healthy diet, exercise, etc.
