Cold Sores

The Cold sores information you need during before and after an outbreak.

Cold sores or "fever blisters" are a form of herpes infection that causes painful lesions to form in the mouth on the lips. Cold sores can also occur on the nose, cheek and chin. They are caused by the Herpes simplex virus. This is very rarely the same type of herpes that causes genital herpes.

Cold sores are caused by Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1) while genital herpes is caused by HSV2. This does not mean that the different viruses cannot be transferred. Cold sores can spread to the genitals through oral sex and genital herpes can be spread to the mouth.

Cold sores are a very common complaint. According to statistical evidence it is likely that about 80% percent of Americans have been exposed to the Herpes simplex virus. However they may never experience an outbreak of lesions. In this case it is because the immune system is strong enough to prevent the virus outbreak.

Cold sores are very contagious. If you kiss somebody who has a cold sore on their mouth you can contract the herpes virus and might develop cold sores. The incubation period for cold sores is about two to twelve days after you have been exposed to the virus. However most people contract the virus before the age of seven.

Once infected with the virus that causes cold sores it remains dormant inside the body and can become active under stress or lowered immunity. A cold sore outbreak may also be caused by being run-down, menstruation, pregnancy, drinking too much, exposure to strong sunlight, fatigue, sunburn, diet and certain foods, fever and illness, asthma medication and temperature extremes.

Some of the symptoms of cold sores are a tingling feeling and a slightly raised area that may be red and inflamed. About one or two days afterwards small fluid-filled blisters will appear. The sores will usually weep and form a scab. After this they heal and disappear. An outbreak of cold sores can last from eight to twelve days.

Cold sores are infectious from the first signs of the outbreak. Care should be taken not to engage in kissing or oral sex during an outbreak. You should not touch the area, especially when it is fluid-filled and weeping. It is possible to transfer the virus from your mouth to your genitals so practice proper hand-washing methods while you have an outbreak.

Cold sores can be treated with preparations like Choraphor and Zovirax. These medications can help to shorten the duration of the outbreak and prevent it from spreading.

Here at cold-sores.info, you'll find information such as How To Get Rid Of Cold Sores, Cold Sore Treatment information, Cold Sore Remedies info, info on Cold Sore Relief, Cold Sore Symptoms, and much, much more.

There's another cold sore treatment resources I highly recommend. It's the Mayo Clinic page on Cold Sores.