Cold Sores

Herpes simplex (HSV) is the main cause behind cold sores. Apart from looking unsightly on the mouth they also feel a lot bigger than what they are if touched by the tongue. Cold sores are quite common, they are characterised by clusters of fluid-filled blisters which appear on reddish swollen areas of the skin or on the mucous membranes. Mouth blisters can be painful and sore and tend to reappear even though one batch has disappeared after treatment (medication). You will be happy to know that there is no visible scarring once they have gone, Many disorders and conditions can come in different forms and the herpes simplex virus is not exempt. This virus has two sorts - HSV-1 is the more common of the two, it normally causes cold sores (oral herpes). And HSV-2 works it way down below to the genital area (genital herpes). Remember that these two can still infect any region of the human skin or mucous membranes. A staggering 80 per cent of grown ups have antibodies against HSV-1 in their blood followed by the lesser number of 25 per cent of the adult population who have antibodies against HSV-2. Cold sores can only be transmitted by close contact like giving another person a kiss on the lips. Herpes simplex invades the cells of the epidermis, better known to us all as the outer layer of the skin, which of course is the reason for why the fluid-filled blisters appear. This particular virus in question manoeuvres from the epidermis along the nerve channels to the roots of the nerves where it then becomes stationary. Symptoms can differ for each individual; some may have the mild type or none at all. You will find that the first outbreak erupts from seven to twenty one days after the virus has been contracted. One of the first signs of an outbreak is an uncomfortable tingling feeling on the skin. Expect fluid-filled blisters to appear shortly after this. Cold sores that have scabbed over normally fall off after eight to ten days. The HSV can keep on spreading until all the sores are covered in scabs. If you have a young children suffering from the virus then they tend to infect the mouth and throat. Fever and general aches and pains may come about at the time of infection. To help prevent cold sores try to avoid direct contact with a sufferer. Remember cold sores can be on every part of the body including the fingers and the lower region (genitals). Always wash your hands after contact with your own mouth. Never pick the sores because this could cause a bacterial infection. A healthy eating plan/diet should be considered as this can help strengthen the body’s defences against most viruses.