All about Cold sore (Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV))

 

A cold sore looks like a fluid filled blister or bunch of blisters which usually appears on your lip or around your mouth. These cold sore also affect your cheeks, nose and chin areas. The cause of most cases of cold sore is herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1).

Cold sores are also called fever blisters which are generally called as common viral infection. These fluid filled blisters often grouped together in patches. Scab forms after the blisters break that can last several days. Typically, cold sores will heal in two to three weeks without leaving a scar.

Cold sores usually spread from person to person by having close contact like kissing. These fluid blisters are usually caused by simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and less commonly by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Both types of these viruses can affect your mouth or genitals which can be spread through oral sex. Cold sores are highly contagious even though you don’t see the sores.

Till now, there is no cure for cold sores but treatment may help you to manage blister outbreaks. Prescribed antiviral pills or antiviral creams can help you to heal cold sores more quickly. And these prescribed medicines will help you to reduce the frequency, length and severity of future outbreaks.

Cold Sore Symptoms

Typically, Cold sores blisters will usually appear on the outside of your mouth and lips but you can also get these HSV virus infections on your nose and cheek parts of the body.

You may also get cold sores 20 days after you are infected. Typically, these sores might appear near where the virus enters your body.

Cold sores virus infection happen in stages:

• You will experience a tingling, burning, or itching feeling.

• After the infection, about 12 to 24 hours later, blisters can form. The affected area becomes red, swollen, and more painful.

• The fluid blisters will break open, and fluid will come out. This outbreak usually lasts up to 2 or 3 days.

• A scab will form on the sore. Scabs might crack or bleed.

• The scab will fall off gradually.

You may also have red or swollen gums, swollen glands will appear in your neck, fever, or muscle aches.

First-time HSV infections can also cause:

• Burning sensation and pain inside your mouth

• Sore throat

• Pain while swallowing

• Severe Headache

• Stomach Upset

Cold Sore Causes

People will catch the HSV infection when you come into contact with infected people or things which carry the virus. For example, you get the HSV infection through kissing someone who is infected with HSV virus or else from sharing eating utensils, towels, or razors.

Generally, two types of virus can cause cold sores are:

• HSV-1

• HSV-2

Both types can also cause sores on your genitals and it can spread by oral sex.

Type 1 virus generally causes cold sores and type 2 virus mostly causes genital herpes but either one can be found in both the areas.

Specific things can trigger the outbreak of blisters which includes:

• Some foods

• Stress

• Fever

• Colds

• Allergies

• Fatigue

• Sunburn or being in strong sunlight

• Dental work or cosmetic surgery

• Menstruation

Cold Sore Risk Factors

Generally, Cold sores do not create any serious issues but these HSV virus infections can become life-threatening for someone who contains weakened immune system because of AIDS, another health condition or medications.

If you already have a severe form of skin problems called eczema then you may get cold sores infection will get all over the many parts of your body.

Cold Sore Diagnosis

Your healthcare providers might diagnose a cold sore by looking at the fluid blisters. Physicians can also swab the blisters and test that fluid for HSV infection.

Cold Sore Treatment

There is no cure for cold sore HSV infection. Once you are affected by the virus, it stays in your body. That cold sores usually heals by itself in 1 or 2 weeks.

Antiviral medications will help to speed the healing process particularly if you take the medications at the first sign of a blister outbreak. Your healthcare provider may tell you to use:

• Antiviral Cream which can be applied on the sores. Acyclovir (Zovirax) and penciclovir (Denavir) must need a prescription, or you can get docosanol (Abreva) over the counter.

• Antiviral Pills which you swallow, like acyclovir (Sitavig, Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), or valacyclovir (Valtrex). You must need a prescription to get these medications.

• Medicines will be  injected into your bloodstream through intravenous or IV. if you have a severe form of cold sore, such as cidofovir (Vistide) or foscarnet (Foscavir). Acyclovir drugs can also be injected through IV.

Some of the below home remedies can help you feel better while you heal:

• Having Cold, damp compresses

• Pain relief medicines like acetaminophen and ibuprofen

• Antiviral Cream painkillers with benzocaine or lidocaine

• You may take treatments with alcohol to dry out the blisters

• With the help of Lip balms and creams to keep moisture in your mouth

Cold Sore Complications

Cold sore infection complications are very rare but it complications may arise if the virus spread to another part of your body which includes:

• Fingers. infection in fingers called herpes whitlow.

• Genitals. You might have a severe form of warts or ulcers on your genitals or anus.

• Other areas of skin. If you have eczema and eventually get a cold sore, see your healthcare provider right away to avoid a serious health condition called eczema herpeticum. This is a painful rash which covers large areas of skin.

• Eyes. HSV keratitis, which means an infection in your cornea, which leads to blindness.

• Brain or spinal cord. The HSV virus can cause severe dangerous inflammation called meningitis or encephalitis, particularly in people who contain weakened immune systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What triggers cold sores?

Ans: Cold sore outbreaks are often triggered by exposure to hot sun, cold wind, a cold or other illness, a weak immune system, or even stress.

Q2. How can I remove a cold sore?

Ans: There are antiviral drugs that can help cold sores heal faster, including acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir and penciclovir.

Q3. Are cold sores harmful?

Ans: Cold sores are generally not dangerous and do not cause any permanent damage to the skin. 

Q4. How long will a cold sore last?

Ans: Cold sores usually clear up without treatment within 7 to 10 days. 

Q5. How do you prevent cold sores naturally?

Ans: Vitamin C and E - Both Vitamin C and Vitamin E can help inactivate the Herpes Simplex Virus and prevent cold sores.